BEERANDRUGBY.COM

National Academy coach Jim Mallinder today confirmed the England U21 squad for the opening Six Nations match against Wales at Worcester next Friday, 3 February.

The 24 man line up, which will be cut to 22 in match week, includes eight players from last year's U21 Six Nations squad and many from the 2005 Grand Slam winning England U19 team.

Said Mallinder, who takes charge of the squad alongside Dorian West, “The squad is a great mix of growing experience and exciting youth. We're already seeing in training and in the Guinness Premiership that the guys who were involved with us last year have matured and developed from their experiences and we expect to see exactly the same happening with the younger ones through the season.”

“This tournament is an important opportunity for these players to show what they can do outside their club environment and to take in the international arena.”

England U21 squad to face Wales

Friday 3 February, Worcester RFC, kick off 8pm

FORWARDS

Richard Blaze – Worcester Warriors

Neil Briggs – Sale Sharks

Chris Brooker - Bath

Jordan Crane – Leeds Tykes

Tom Croft – Leicester Tigers

Dylan Hartley – Northampton Saints

James Haskell – London Wasps

Michael Hills – Sale Sharks

Mark Lambert – NEC Harlequins