Saints trio named in England 'A' squad ahead of Argentina XV clash
Three Saints players have been named in the England 'A' training squad ahead of Friday's game against an Argentina XV at The Rec (kick-off 7.45pm).
Tom Lockett, George Hendy and James Pater are all in the 30-player group.
Saints’ involvement stretches even further, with three members of staff also included in the England 'A' set-up as James Craig is operating as forwards coach, Ben Rhodes is lead strength and conditioning coach and Josh Turner-Biggs is assistant performance analyst.
Head coach Mark Mapletoft said: “This squad brings together a group of players who have earned an exciting opportunity through their performances, marking the start of an important week of connection, growth and learning.
“The A programme plays a key role in strengthening the identity of English rugby, creating alignment across the pathway and giving players the chance to experience what it means to represent England in a high-performance environment.
“There is real ambition within this group, and we are looking forward to building strong relationships, developing cohesion and unity, and taking another step forward together ahead of a physical and demanding test at The Rec.”
The England 'A' game against the Argentina XV will be shown live on England Rugby’s YouTube channel and Premier Sports.
England Men’s A training squad for Argentina XV fixture
Forwards: Ben Bamber (Sale Sharks, Langworthy Reds ARLFC, uncapped), Joe Batley (Bristol Bears, Gosport and Fareham RFC, uncapped), Jamie Blamire (Leicester Tigers, Workington RFC, 7 caps), Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby, Saracens Amateur RFC, uncapped), Fitz Harding (c) (Bristol Bears, Beaconsfield RFC, uncapped), Max Hicks (Newcastle Red Bulls, Marist RFC, uncapped), Will Hobson (Harlequins, Wymondham Rugby Club, uncapped), Nathan Jibulu (Sale Sharks, Old Wimbledonians, uncapped), Jack Kenningham (Harlequins, Reeds, uncapped), George Kloska (Bristol Bears, St. Brendan’s RFC, 2 caps), Tom Lockett (Northampton Saints, Colchester RFC, uncapped), Alex O'Driscoll (Saracens, Amersham & Chiltern RFC, uncapped), Sam Riley (Harlequins, Chobham RFC, uncapped), Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, East Coast Bays RFC, 4 caps), Will Trenholm (Gloucester Rugby, Farnham RUFC, uncapped), Archie van der Flier (Leicester Tigers, Nottingham Rugby, uncapped).
Backs: Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, Oxford RFC, 1 cap), Orlando Bailey (Leicester Tigers, Dorchester RFC, uncapped), Noah Caluori (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby, 2 caps), Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RUFC, 1 cap), Tobias Elliott (Saracens, Harrow Rugby Club, uncapped), Caolan Englefield (Gloucester Rugby, Old Rutlishians Rugby, uncapped), Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, uncapped), George Hendy (Northampton Saints, Shipston-on-Stour RFC, uncapped), Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, uncapped), Luke Northmore (Harlequins, Tavistock RFC, 2 caps), Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby, Chippenham RFC, 2 caps), James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, uncapped), Billy Searle (Leicester Tigers, Okehampton RFC, uncapped), Will Wand (Leicester Tigers, Spalding RFC, uncapped).