Jon Phillips, the former Bedford Blues and Northampton Saints lock, has been appointed lead coach of Midlands Under-20s.
Phillips, who now plays for Old Albanians, will form a new coaching team with Paul McCartin of Derby and Matt Allen, the former Northampton Saints, Bedford Blues and Cardiff centre.
“We are delighted to have Jon and Paul as their extensive coaching experience will enable our players to showcase their abilities to best effect before the England Selectors,” said Midlands U20s manager Gordon Wood.
Phillips played in Northampton’s Heineken Cup-winning side in 2000 and also represented England Under-21s and the Barbarians. He is a Level Three-qualified coach, an RFU coach educator and is currently Director of Rugby at Moulton College in Northampton.
McCartin has been the Midland U20s forwards coach for the past two seasons and has also coached the Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire U20s side.
Allen, who will coach the Midlands three-quarters, is currently captain of Luton.
The Midlands will play London & SE at Luton on March 25 ahead of the Divisional Festival at Welbeck College in Leicestershire from April 6 to 8.
England Counties U20s will play Scotland Under 20s in Edinburgh on May 4 in a return fixture to last season’s inaugural meeting in Leeds.
