The panel will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, while they will look to bring impartiality in considering the current evidence relating to talent identification and development.

The panel also includes the head of risk and strategy at the Financial Conduct Authority Gavin Stewart, University College London's Professor of human brain research Vincent Walsh, the University of Chester's head of sport and exercise science Ken Green, the Swedish Sports Confederation's director of elite sport Peter Mattsen, Edith Cowan University's professor of sport and exercise science Rob Newton, GSK's Pharmaceuticals Research and Development President Patrick Vallance, the father of Claire Taylor, Frederick Taylor and the British Psychological Society Faculty for Children, Adolescents and Families chair Andrew Rogers.

"The RFU is attempting something very innovative in relation to talent identification and development in sport with this symposium, and I'm looking forward to hearing some of the world's foremost experts talk about their experiences, research and achievements," said Timson, formerly head of cricket's England Development Programme.

"I feel certain the symposium will raise some significant questions for the UK high performance system to reflect upon, which will help us to grow even better performance pathways."

The formation of the panel comes ahead of the RFU's talent symposium this month from May 17 until 19 at The Royal Society.

It will address the crucial questions that will shape how we nurture rugby union talent in this country while it will be opened by England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

To find out more or to attend, click here. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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