Four Northampton Saints players will represent their countries this weekend at various levels as the International fixtures dominate the calendar for the next few days. Not only that but Saints Academy prospect, 18 year old winger David Smith, played for the England Sevens early this morning in the defeat by Samoa in New Zealand.
Sean Lamont lines up on the wing at Twickenham in the 6 Nations opener on Saturday as Scotland prepare to face an England team minus Steve Thompson and Ben Cohen but featuring the much-heralded return of Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson together with Andy Farrell's long awaited debut.
Saints hooker Dylan Hartley's fine form this season has seen him rewarded with a place on the bench for the England Saxons tonight as they take on Italy A at Exeter at 8pm. Hartley will be hoping for a slice of the action to further underline his growing reputation as one of the games' brightest young talents.
Also representing England this evening at Under 20 level are highly rated Academy pair Phil Hoy and Charlie Beech. Hoy starts in the second row wearing the no 5 shirt in the clash against Scotland U20's, whilst Beech settles for a slot amongst the replacements in the match which kicks off at 7.30pm at Bath's Recreation Ground.
Don't forget that Franklin's Gardens plays host to the crunch game in the U21 6 Nations when England play France on Friday March 9th, kick off 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now from the ticket office on 01604 581000.
