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Five Saints will play for England this weekend
Northampton Saints ©
Five Saints will play for England this weekend
Northampton Saints ©
International

Five Saints involved for England’s Six Nations opener against Italy

Fraser Dingwall will make his long-awaited international debut this weekend in Rome, as one of five Northampton Saints players involved in England’s opening Six Nations clash against Italy.

The 24-year-old centre earns his first cap for the Red Rose as he plays from the start in the midfield, with Saints teammates Tommy Freeman and Alex Mitchell joining him in a Northampton-heavy backline for their fourth and 12th caps respectively.

There’s also room in the matchday 23 for versatile forward Alex Coles, who can cover lock or back row, and for fly-half Fin Smith – who, like Dingwall, would also earn his first cap if he enters the action from amongst the replacements.

Saracens hooker Jamie George captains England in Rome, with Ethan Roots, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (both Exeter Chiefs) and Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins) making up the contingent of five uncapped players in total for Head Coach Steve Borthwick’s side.

“After an excellent week’s preparation in Girona, we look forward to the challenge of playing Italy in Rome,” said Borthwick.

“The Azzurri are a dangerous team, with some talented ball carriers and players who like to find space. We’ll need to make good decisions, keep our discipline, and maintain a level of intensity to our performance from the first whistle to the last.

“Winning a first cap for your country is always a very special occasion. We’re delighted for the debutants who have all worked incredibly hard to get themselves selected in the 23 to face Italy. I know Saturday will be a very proud moment for the players and their families.

“My message to them this week has been to be themselves, to grasp their opportunity, and to play with the strengths and skills that deservedly got them selected to a strong Six Nations squad.”

England team to face Italy

Saturday 3 February 2024
Guinness Six Nations, Round 1
Stadio Olimipico
Kick-off: 2.15pm (GMT)

15 Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)
14 Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
13 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 57 caps)
12 Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
11 Elliot Daly (Saracens, 64 caps)
10 George Ford (Sale Sharks, 91 caps) – vice captain
9 Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

1 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 88 caps)
2 Jamie George (Saracens, 85 caps) – captain
3 Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)
4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 76 caps) – vice captain
5 Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)
6 Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
7 Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)
8 Ben Earl (Saracens, 25 caps)

Replacements:
16 Theo Dan (Saracens, 7 caps)
17 Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 58 caps) – vice captain   
18 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 107 caps)
19 Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
20 Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, uncapped)
21 Danny Care (Harlequins, 96 caps)
22 Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
23 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

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