Eastmond has head start in race for World slot

RUGBY UNION: 

OLDHAM’S Kyle Eastmond has a huge international advantage when it comes to his World Cup prospects.

Eastmond’s club relationship at Bath with England’s player of the Six Nations Jonathan Joseph is crucial, according to midfield rival Manu Tuilagi.

Former rugby league man Eastmond was initially named in the England squad for the Six Nations, before the recurrence of a shoulder injury.

In his absence, the centre pairing of Joseph and Luther Burrell took their chance, starting all five games, with Joseph staking a claim for a World Cup starting place.

With six months until the World Cup, competition for places has never been tougher. But Tuilagi admits 25-year-old Eastmond’s opportunity to join Joseph in the Premiership and Europe gives him the perfect opportunity to force himself into England head coach Stuart Lancaster’s plans.

“Kyle and Jonathan do have a bit of an advantage in that they play together week-in week-out,” said Tuilagi.

“With centres, you have to know a partnership on and off the field. If you know them off the field, it’s a lot easier on the field to communicate. It’s not going to be easy to get my place back.”