England Saxons will be going all out to beat Ireland A at Bath Rugby's Recreation Ground as they kick off this season's campaign on Sunday, January 31, 2010 (ko 2.00pm).
Still hurting after losing out 49-22 to Ireland A in the final of the 2009 Churchill Cup in Denver, Stuart Lancaster's men will be banking on Bath's passionate fans to boost them in what promises to be a highly charged international.
Said Lancaster, "Bath is a very special place for us to kick off our season and I'm really looking forward to the challenge of facing Ireland A once again.
"The Rec provides the perfect setting and a great atmosphere and environment for us and we are looking forward to their loyal and knowledgeable crowds getting right behind the team which will hopefully include some of their own stars."
The Saxons is the final stepping stone to full honours and fans will see some of the country's finest emerging talent hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Matt Banahan, Delon Armitage, Steffon Armitage, and Ugo Monye who all stepped up to senior honours after pulling on the Saxons shirt.
The Saxons will then play Italy A away the following week (exact date and venue tbc), before travelling to Denver for the Churchill Cup in June.
Continued Lancaster, "It would be fabulous for us to get a great result and put the disappointment of the Churchill Cup behind us; that is a key motivator for us going into the game.
"This is an opportunity for players to put on the Saxons jersey again and represent their country in what promises to be a full blooded international match.
The England Saxons squad will be selected following the announcement in early January 2010 of the Elite Player Squads.
Last year England Saxons recorded victories against Portugal (66-0) before travelling to Denver for the Churchill Cup, beating Argentina Jaguars (28-20) and USA (56-17) on the way to the final where they lost their crown to Ireland A.
