England Saxons: Gloucester's Elliott Stooke receives call-up
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Gloucester's Elliott Stooke has been added to the England Saxons squad for their match with Ireland Wolfhounds.
The 20-year-old replaces injured Leicester second row Graham Kitchener.
Stooke made his first start for Gloucester in September and helped England Under-20s to their first Junior World Championship title last summer.
Harlequins centre Matt Hopper, Sale full-back Rob Miller and Northampton prop Tom Mercey have also been called up for Saturday's Saxons game.
Miller comes in for Leicester full-back Mathew Tait, who has suffered a back injury, while Hopper replaces Bath's Jonathan Joseph and Mercey takes over from Harlequins' Will Collier.
The Saxons meet Ireland Wolfhound at Kingsholm on Saturday before facing Scotland A on 31 January.
Speaking about his call-up, Stooke told the Gloucester website: "I'm buzzing, I got the call out of the blue, but it'll be a great honour to be involved for my country.
"It's also at the home of my club which makes it extra special. I'm looking forward to joining up with a talented, exciting squad and trying to contribute where I can."
England Saxons squad
Forwards: Nathan Catt (Bath), Calum Clark (Northampton Saints), Sam Dickinson (Northampton Saints), Dave Ewers (Exeter Chiefs), Jamie George (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Charlie Matthews (Harlequins), Tom Mercey (Northampton Saints), Elliott Stooke (Gloucester), Luke Wallace (Harlequins), Alex Waller (Northampton Saints), Dave Ward (Harlequins), Scott Wilson (Newcastle Falcons).
Backs: Freddie Burns (Gloucester), Elliot Daly (London Wasps), Sam Hill (Exeter Chiefs), Matt Hopper (Harlequins), Dave Lewis (Exeter Chiefs), Rob Miller (Sale Sharks), Joe Simpson (London Wasps), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath), Tom Varndell (London Wasps).
