The England Saxons squad for the two-game tour of South Africa this summer has been announced. There is a mixture of more established talent and younger , breakthrough stars , with seven players that have been capped by England previously.
Five players – Dave Attwood , Matt Kvesic , Luther Burrell , Tommy Taylor , and Ollie Devoto – were named in the England sqaud to play Wales this weekend.
The Saxons will be coached by Ali Hepher of Exeter , aided by Wasp’ Andy Titterrell and Nothampton’s Alan Dickens.
Head coach Hepher said : Eddie Jones has given us a strong development squad to take on a South Africa A side.
The squad has a good mixture of experienced players and emerging talent.
“ Playing South Africa twice in Bloemfontein and in George is going to be a great challenge and a significant test for us but it is also an incredibly exciting opportunity for the players and management to prove themselves.
“ The series will give the players international experience and will be an important stepping stone towards international honours.
“ As coaches , this is an exciting opportunity for us too , not only to coach this group and highly-talented players but also for us to gain some international rugby experience. ”
ENGLAND SAXONS SQUAD FOR SOUTH AFRICA TOUR :
[FORWARDS]
Ross Harrison (Sale Sharks)
Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs)
Tommy Taylor (Wasps)
George McGuigan (Newcaste Falcons)
Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints) * 16 Senior England caps
James Craig (Northampton Saints)
Mitch Lees (Exeter Chiefs)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby) * 22 senior England caps
Dave Ewers (Exeter Chiefs)
Donovan Armand (Exeter Chiefs)
Matthew Kvesic (Gloucester) * 2 senior England caps
James Chisholm (Harlequins)
Sam Jones (Wasps)
[BACKS]
Dan Robson (Wasps)
Michael Young (Newcastle Falcons)
Oliver Devoto (Bath Rugby)
Danny Cipriani (Wasps) * 14 senior England caps
Christian Wade (Wasps) * 1 senior England cap
Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby) * 1 senior England cap
Sam Hill (Exeter Chiefs)
Nick Tompkins (Saracens)
Luther Burrel (Northampton Saints) * 13 senior England caps
Alex Lewington (London Irish)
Sam James (Sale Sharks)
Mike Haley (Sale Sharks)
[MANAGEMENT TEAM]
Head Coach – Ali Hepher (Exeter Chiefs)
Assistant Coach – Andy Titterrell (Wasps)
Assistant Coach – Alan Dickens (Northampton Saints)
Team Manager – Richard Hill
