The IRB U21 World Championship is being held in the Auvergne region of France from June 9 to 25.

This will be Diggin’s second U21s world cup after he took part in last year’s tournament in Argentina. He missed out on playing in England U21s’ Grand Slam campaign in February and March due to a knee injury. Hooker Dylan Hartley, who started every game in the Six Nations, has missed out on selection for the world cup squad due a back problem.

Diggin performed well for the England U21s team when he started the Matt Hampson Challenge Match against a Leicester XV at Welford Road earlier this month. He scored England’s second try.

Saints director of rugby Budge Pountney said: “The club is really pleased for Digger as he missed out earlier this year but has made a good recovery from his injury since then, which has also meant we have been able to sign him up to the senior squad. We wish him all the best in France.”

England will play its first game against Fiji in Vichy at 5pm on Friday, June 9. Their second pool game against New Zealand will be televised live (broadcaster to be decided) from 7pm on Tuesday, June 13, and then Scotland at 6pm on Saturday, June 17. England came fourth in last year’s tournament.

Diggin said: “I am really pleased to have been called up to the world cup squad. I have not been able to play as much rugby as I would have liked this season due to the knee injury so I am eager to get going.”