Switch pays off for Kyle

INTERNATIONAL CLASS . . . Kyle Eastmond scores a try during an England friendly against the Barbarians at Twickenham in May.

RUGBY:

KYLE Eastmond felt a sense of justification for his decision to switch codes after making his England debut in the 32–3 victory over Argentina.

Former Oldham St Anne’s junior Eastmond took a lot of criticism from rugby league supporters in 2011 after announcing a move from Super League giants St Helens to a new Union career with Bath.

Ex-Radclyffe School pupil Eastmond (23) is still learning the 15–a–side game, but the England management has been raving about his potential during a tour of South America.

"To be involved with England and pull the shirt on first time was unbelievable," Eastmond said.

"It is not a quick thing when you are switching codes. But this is where I want to be. I know what I have got to do to improve my game and become a better player.

Eastmond has played across the back division since his arrival in rugby union, which he believes has helped his development and understanding of the code.

But he has been identified as a ball–playing inside centre by England and he has worked closely on this tour with skills coach Mike Catt, who has been impressed both by his skill level but also his defence.

"(To be coached by) someone with that amount of experience is great," Eastmond said.

"He passes on all of his knowledge.

"It is invaluable to me. The fact I’ve played in lots of different positions this year has helped me out more than playing in one position.

"I imagine myself in the thick of the action and getting my hands on the ball but wherever the coaches see fit for me to play that is okay."