Could England make it to the rugby final? Aylesbury-born former union player shares his thoughts
Ahead of the World Cup quarter final this weekend, former union player James Buckland spoke about England's chances and grassroot rugby.
With a few rocky games to start with, including a red card and close scores, it's unsure how England could perform against Fiji this afternoon in the Rugby World Cup.
Greatest Hits Radio caught up with a grassroot club in Aylesbury, where the head of rugby is no other than former union player James Buckland.
From the importance of supporting the game top to bottom, to his predictions in this year's tournament, Mr Buckland touched upon all things rugby.
He told us: "It's about making rugby fun, making it engaging, especially for the kids it's about getting them to enjoy what they do and get them to want to come down on a wet windy Sunday morning."
"It's in support of the game"
Since speaking to the Club a few weeks back and again today, it is clear the community side of rugby is of paramount importance to allow the sport to grow locally.
"I'm a big believer in the community game and the RFU made the decisions a few years ago to take away the community coaches and they left it to clubs like Aylesbury to engage with the community and that's what we do", said Mr Buckland.
"We invite all the local schools and we're trying to fill that void. It's in support of the game."
In terms of the performance of nations in this World Cup, Mr Buckland felt reluctant in telling us England had it in them to make it to the final.
He said: "I've got to be honest, in comparison to other teams you can't see it can you."
"the game needs some help..."
"I think the way the Irish and the French have set themselves up as unions to support the growth of the game from grassroots all the way through professional clubs to international, I just think they're the two leading Northern Hemisphere teams, and on that basis I think they deserve to do well."
This all comes back down to how grassroot can forge tomorrow's players, and the importance of supporting and pushing the game locally.
Mr Buckland said: "The reality is Aylesbury Rugby Club is very fortunate because we have got this facility, we have got people, we've got a committee who are really passionate, and we've got so many volunteers throughout the club."
"The game needs some help and we need to keep growing it, and we need to keep talking about it in a positive light."
England will be facing Fiji later today, followed by France vs South Africa, for the last game of the quarter finals.