Four of Saints’ Senior Academy players will start for England Under-20s this weekend as the side take on Italy in Treviso, with Tom Lockett, Ethan Grayson, Tom Litchfield and George Hendy all named in Alan Dickens’ starting line up.
Centre Litchfield will earn his fourth cap at Under-20 level as he partners Grayson in the midfield for the second week running, and lock Lockett retains his place in the engine room after starting against Scotland last Friday.
Meanwhile fullback Hendy comes into Dicken’s starting line-up after debuting last against Scotland to earn his second U20 cap.
Head coach Dickens said: “The players were pleased with the performance against Scotland, particularly their ability to take control of the second half.
“We’ve have had another good week training and seen some new faces in camp. The level of competition within the squad is something I have been really impressed with.
“Italy will be a strong team on home soil, but the boys are looking forward to our second away trip and getting back onto the pitch in Treviso and improving on last week’s performance.
“Last week’s game was special for the players and as a team, in that 19 lads made their U20 debuts. The performance they put in on the night demonstrates the togetherness of the players and their willingness to work hard for each other."
ITALY U20s vs ENGLAND U20s
U20 Six Nations Championship
Friday 11 February, 2022
Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso
Kick-off: 7pm
15 George Hendy (Northampton Saints, Caps 1)
14 Deago Bailey (Bristol Bears, Caps 4)
13 Tom Litchfield (Northampton Saints, Caps 3)
12 Ethan Grayson (Northampton Saints, Caps 1)
11 Francis Moore (Saracens, Caps 0)
10 Jamie Benson (Harlequins, Caps 1)
9 Matty Jones (Gloucester Rugby, Caps 1)
1 Fin Baxter (Harlequins, Caps 2) – Captain
2 John Stewart (Bath Rugby, Caps 2)
3 Mikey Summerfield (London Irish, Caps 1)
4 Alfie Bell (Wasps, Caps 1)
5 Tom Lockett (Northampton Saints, Caps 1)
6 Alex Wardell (Saracens, Caps 1)
7 Toby Knight (Saracens, Caps 1)
8 Emeka Ilione (Leicester Tigers, Caps 2)
Replacements:
16 Finn Theobald-Thomas (Worcester Warriors, Caps 0)
17 Mark Dormer (Newcastle, Caps 1)
18 Will Hobson (Harlequins, Caps 1)
19 Charlie Rice (Bristol Bears, Caps 1)
20 Greg Fisilau (Wasps, Caps 1)
21 Sam Edwards (Leicester Tigers, Caps 0)
22 Louie Johnson (Newcastle Falcons, Caps 1)
23 Ollie Dawkins (Wasps, Caps 1)
