Graham Kitchener produced a man-of-the-match performance as England Saxons fought back from 10-0 down at half-time to beat Ireland Wolfhounds 14-10.

Leicester lock Kitchener was joined in the Saxons starting XV by Tigers teammates Jordan Crane, who captained the side, George Ford.

Forwards Ed Slater and Kieran Brookes played the final 20 minutes from the bench, replacing George Kruis and Paul Doran-Jones respectively.

And all five Tigers played their part as England overcame the setback of a try for Leinster’s Kevin McLaughlin and a conversion for Paddy Jackson inside the opening 10 minutes. Jackson, the Ulster Rugby fly-half, added a penalty before the Saxons staged a second-half fightback.

Tigers fly-half Ford, on his Saxons debut, kicked nine points with three second-half penalties. Saracens flanker Will Fraser, who also made his Saxons bow, dived in at the corner for the Saxons only try.

The Saxons return to England to take on Scotland A at Newcastle on Friday, February 1 (8pm).