Worcester Warriors lock Graham Kitchener has spoken of his surprise and delight after being called into the England Saxons EPS squad ahead of the game with Italy A at Sixways Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3.15pm).
There are seven changes to the England Saxons squad preparing for games against Italy A at Worcester on Saturday and Ireland A in Belfast on February 4.
Gloucester Rugby prop Nick Wood, London Irish hooker James Buckland, Warriors lock Graham Kitchener, Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi and Gloucester Rugby full back Olly Morgan are named as injury replacements for Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors), Rob Webber (London Wasps), Dan Ward-Smith (London Wasps), Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks) and Alex Goode (Saracens).
Harlequins lock George Robson replaces the suspended David Attwood (Gloucester Rugby) and Harlequins full back Mike Brown takes over from Abendanon following his promotion to the senior EPS.
Kitchener said: “It’s great to get the call-up and a real surprise. I wasn’t expecting to get the phone call, but it is fantastic to know that you can play in the RFU Championship and your form can be recognised.
“To get an England call-up is, ultimately, a reflection on your form for your club and I feel I have played well this season. I have had a decent amount of game time and feel my performances have benefitted from that run. I feel I have got better as the season has gone on.
“The Churchill Cup was an awesome experience for me last summer. Again, that was a call-up that I wasn’t expecting but a tour that did so much for me as a player.
“The team will want to build on that success and judging by the results last season against Italy A and Ireland A these will be tough games.
“All I can do now is training hard and have the belief that I can get a place in the squad. I have played for England before at Sixways, but that was at Under-20s level and the game was behind closed doors because of the weather. Hopefully I can get a game in front of the home fans this time!”
Tickets for England Saxons versus Italy A can now be bought from the home of the Warriors NOW!
Adult tickets range between £20 and £25 while children tickets are £10. For more information call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183.
ALL Aviva Premiership and RFU Championship Season Ticket holders are entitled to tickets for just £15 – this in an online offer only. Click HERE and after selecting the Saxons match – and your seat of choice – you will be asked to specify the club where they are a Season Ticket holder.