BATH Academy boss Danny Grewcock believes Anthony Watson’s England call-up is just the carrot his young charges need, with many set for rare action in the next couple of weeks.

Watson, 19, arrived at Bath from London Irish in the summer and has been thrust straight into the first team, featuring in six of his side’s seven Premiership matches so far this season.

On the eve of England’s clash with Australia last weekend, World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward claimed that Watson was ready for the senior international stage – and this week Stuart Lancaster agreed, adding him to his training squad ahead of the Argentina game.

Watson has already tasted international success as part of the England U20s side that won the Junior World Championship over the summer, along with Bath teammates David Sisi and Ollie Devoto.

Both have seen little first-team action this season but with an LV= Cup double header over the next two weeks, that is about to change, and Grewcock has urged his youngsters to seize their chances, just as Watson has.

“I think for someone like that to play in the Junior World Cup success over the summer, and to see his progress, there will be a lot of players also in that England squad in the Premiership and at Bath wanting to do the same,” said Grewcock, speaking at the 2013-14 LV= Cup launch at Sandy Park.

“To see his recognition from Stuart Lancaster, I think it’s a great bit of recognition to be honest, but you also have to give credit to the Bath coaches in developing Anthony.

“He’s a very young player, and the management he has got has been fantastic for him, and the potential in him is huge and I think we’d like to think that from our academy point of view, we’re developing a few more players of a similar standard.

“And the LV= Cup is a fantastic competition. It’s my role looking after the academy at Bath and it’s a fantastic opportunity to play and to get games, mixed between some established first-team guys and the academy boys who are breaking through.

“It’s massive for the lads, you’re talking about players who will not have had a first-team start, they may have had some in pre-season, but they’ve done the work in the gym, they’ve done the work on the training field and it’s their chance to get an opportunity in the first-team jersey.”

Watson’s not the only youngster to be making the most of his chance at Bath, George Ford has established himself as the No.1 fly-half in the side, aged 20, while 21-year-old lock Will Spencer has made his first two Aviva Premiership starts this season.

“I think it’s been a positive start to the year in terms of the amount of players who have got a chance that have been a part of the academy,” added Grewcock.

“Will Spencer has been involved in first-team games, it has been a fantastic year for him so far. Another young forward Will Skuse looks like he’s going to be involved and it’s a great chance for him.

“And there’s Richard Lane on the wing. It’s his third year in the academy and he’s been out injured for a little bit but he’s now fit, in fantastic shape and keen to prove himself.

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