England men A squad update

Head coach Lee Blackett has confirmed his matchweek squad for England Men A’s match-up against Ireland A this Sunday (23rd, 13:00 GMT kick-off) at Ashton Gate. The match will be streamed live for free on RugbyPass TV.   

Bath Rugby’s Orlando Bailey will remain at his club to rehabilitate an injury sustained in a Premiership Rugby Cup match on Saturday against Bristol Bears.  

Jamie Shillcock (Leicester Tigers) has been called into the squad as a replacement following on from a 21-point contribution to Tigers’ recent Premiership Rugby Cup victory over Coventry RFC. Shillcock earned two appearances in England A’s 2024 fixtures against Portugal and Australia A, scoring a try in the former match.  

Blackett has also invited four new players to train with the Men’s A side in preparation for Sunday’s test in Bristol. Guy Pepper, who started in last year’s victory over Portugal, is joined by Bath Rugby clubmate Mackenzie Graham. Northampton Saints backs Rafe Witheat and Billy Pascoe will also link up with the squad this week at the Bristol Bears High Performance Centre