Armitage has been one Martin Johnson's more successful debutants

England and London Irish full-back Delon Armitage is growing in stature as an international rugby player according to Irish boss Toby Booth.

Armitage made his debut at Twickenham in the win over the Pacific Islanders, and has drawn widespread praise for his assured performances at full-back.

Booth told BBC Radio Berkshire: "He's getting more accustomed to being an international, which is important."

"We're obviously all delighted for him," he added.

Club team-mate Nick Kennedy also made his international debut alongside Armitage in the Pacific Islanders game, and marked the occasion with a well-taken try.

However, he found himself dropped for Tom Palmer for the Australia game, and Booth says that Kennedy is determined to force his way back into the England reckoning.

"We can only deal with what we can control and from his point of view he's just come back and is delighted to be involved with his team-mates," he said.

"We're looking to play well make him look good and he wants to do everything he can to force his case.

"He had a good day at line out and defence-wise, and from that point of view it means he's doing all he can to force the issue," Booth added.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version