Rob Baxter reminds Paul Brown-Bampoe of 'reality' after recent setback

Paul Brown-Bampoe returned to the Exeter Chiefs scoresheet last weekend to put the disappointment of missing out on England A’s eight-try rout of Ireland in Thomond Park, Limerick.

England boss Mark Mapletoft opted for the experience of full internationals Cadan Murley and Ollie Hassell-Collins, and the 23-year-old from Croydon was sent back to the Chiefs to play in the PREM Cup.

Brown-Bampoe, who has England ambitions, took his tally to four tries in 12 this season, in the Chiefs’ 46-35 victory over Bristol Bears, and Chiefs boss Rob Baxter says that he needs to be patient because he believes his time will come.

He points out that it was less than two years ago that Brown-Bampoe, who scored 21 tries in 23 games last season and has a master’s in finance, was working 18 hours a day as an intern at an investment bank, and was playing university rugby.

“The strength and depth of England’s back three at the moment is incredible. Murley dropping down from the senior side, that takes away a spot, wasn’t it?

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“I think he does (need to be patient) because the reality is it’s only a couple of years ago, he was playing uni rugby. You know, his rise to where he is has been incredibly quick.

“Paul’s not someone who’s come through an academy and gone through England’s age groups and had that time of development. His development has happened incredibly quickly.

“And, you know, I think he’s done fantastically well. And being considered for England squads at this stage is incredible. I think he’s a very hard worker, very diligent, and he just has to get his head down and keep working hard.

“He’s a little bit like with Henry (Slade). If you’re a good player and in a good team, that’s towards the right end of the Gallagher PREM, then opportunities tend to come along.

“And that’s what we’ve got to keep working for to help Paul get more recognition,” the Chiefs director of rugby told RugbyPass.