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Three Saints named in England A squad

Tarek Haffar, Tom Pearson and Ollie Sleightholme have been named in England A’s squad for the side’s upcoming game against Portugal, with the Northampton Saints trio named in the 27-man group for the clash. 

England will take on Portugal on Sunday 25 February (kick-off: 1pm) at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, marking the first time an England ‘A’ or Saxons squad has taken to the field since 2016. 

The squad marks a first involvement in a senior England set-up for prop Haffar – with the 22-year-old loosehead previously capped three times at Under-20s level – while Sleightholme makes his first appearance in an England squad since 2021 as he is named as one of the 11 backs.

And Pearson – who earned a maiden England cap last summer against Wales – is named amongst the 16 forwards in the squad having been with England’s senior group during the first two weeks of the Guinness Six Nations. 

And the side will also have Saints representation among the coaching team as Northampton head coach Sam Vesty leads England A’s attack against Portugal, alongside Gloucester coaching duo George Skivington and Dom Waldouck who are head coach and defence coach respectively. 

The squad was selected by England senior men’s head coach Steve Borthwick and ahead of the clash he said: “We’re delighted to see the return of A Team rugby as such an important part of our rugby’s development and to announce the squad for the forthcoming fixture against Portugal.  

“We have got a lot of talented and exciting young players in England, and this is a great opportunity for them to show they can play international rugby. We have selected players in this initial squad who we believe have the potential to be in the England team in the very near future.

“One of the very important aspects of this A Team is to provide a platform for players who have come out of the U20s and who are playing club rugby, allowing them to experience the international environment. 

“It’s great to have the fixture at the Leicester Tigers’ stadium. It's an area where the supporters know and love their rugby. I have no doubt the players will revel in the support they will get from the stands.”

Tickets for the clash at Mattioli Woods Welford Road remain available from £17.50 adults HERE

England A squad for Portugal

FORWARDS
Fin Baxter (Harlequins) 
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 7 caps) 
Tarek Haffar (Northampton Saints) 
Sam Riley (Harlequins) 
Seb Blake (Gloucester) 
Josh Iosefa Scott (Exeter Chiefs) 
James Harper (Sale Sharks) 
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps) 
Arthur Clark (Gloucester) 
Ben Bamber (Sale Sharks) 
Rusiate Tuima (Exeter Chiefs) 
Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints, 1 cap) 
Guy Pepper (Newcastle Falcons) 
Alfie Barbeary (Bath) 
Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs) 
Jack Clement (Gloucester) 

BACKS 
Caolan Englefield (Gloucester) 
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 2 caps) 
Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester) 
Jamie Shillcock (Leicester Tigers) 
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints) 
Oliver Hartley (Saracens) 
Rekeiti Ma’asi-White (Sale Sharks) 
Cadan Murley (Harlequins) 
Ollie Hassell-Collins (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps) 
Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs) 
Sam Harris (Bath) 

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