Francis, Ludlam and Lawes face Biggar in first Rugby World Cup warm-up game

Northampton Saints trio Piers Francis, Lewis Ludlam and Courtney Lawes have been named among Eddie Jones' England side that face Dan Biggar and Wales this Sunday.

The first of Wales and England's warm-up matches ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, four-time capped Francis is joined by Ludlam in England's starting line-up, with the latter making his international debut as England welcome Wales to Twickenham this Sunday (11 August, kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports).

Jones has handed Francis his first England appearance since 2018, while 23-year-old Ludlam has been drafted into the starting XV following Sam Underhill's withdrawal from the original line-up. And Lawes - who was at first not named in the matchday 23 - fills the spot left on the bench.

Meanwhile, 70-time capped Biggar has been named among Francis, Ludlam and Lawes' opposition, with the fly-half set to face-off his Saints teammates as he's named on Warren Gatland's bench. 

Jones said: “We have completed our four weeks of pre-season training and now we have moved into four weeks of warm up games ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

“Our team selection and tactics in our next four games are all about developing a team capable of winning in Japan and our overarching target of being ready when we get on the plane on the 8th of September to win the World Cup.”

Meanwhile Gatland said: “We have picked a strong-looking team and we are looking forward to seeing how they kick on after a successful couple of campaigns.

“These matches are really important leading into the RWC, to ensure that the players are both ready for the tournament but also to give players the opportunity to put their hands up for selection."