Rugby World Cup 2019: How West Country grassroots rugby got our England players to the final

The West Country is well represented in England's Rugby World Cup 2019 team.

Lining up against South Africa in the final are Bath Rugby's Sam Underhill and Anthony Watson, as well as Swindon's Johnny May.

Bath's Anthony Watson on the break for England against the All Blacks. Credit: PA

Two Exeter Chiefs are also in the mix, in the shape of Luke Cowan-Dickie from Truro and Henry Slade from Plymouth.

Joining them as an injury replacement is Ben Spencer who, like Slade, played his rugby for Ivybridge before turning professional.

Henry Slade intercepts Australia's pass leading to Jonny May's second try. Credit: PA

With grassroots rugby from across the West Country shaping the international team, we caught up with the player's coaches and childhood clubs to see if they were always destined for a World Cup final.

Sam Underhill protects the ball for England. Credit: PA

One of the standout players making headlines throughout the tournament has been Bath's Sam Underhill.

With some stand-out tackling throughout the World Cup, Underhill's relentless defensive efforts against New Zealand were crucial in securing a spot in the final.

That tackling talent started out, however, at Sir Thomas Rich's School in Gloucester. Here's footage of 17-year-old Sam Underhill making some of his now world famous impact tackles:

Elsewhere in the region Ivybridge Rugby Club in Devon has produced two World Cup finalists with both Henry Slade and Ben Spencer starting their rugby careers there.

Club President Alan Knight says both players return regularly.

He added Slade has "never forgotten his roots".

Head to ITV's Rugby World Cup 2019 website for more details on the tournament.