Jordan Crane has crowned a memorable first couple of months at Leicester Tigers with a call-up to the England Saxons squad. The 20-year-old back row moved to Welford Road in the summer after gaining previous Guinness Premiership experience with Leeds Tykes and he heard this week that he is included in the Saxons squad to be coached by Jim Mallinder and former Tigers hooker Dorian West for matches against Italy A and Ireland A next month.

"I am obviously very happy with the call-up," said Crane, who made his 10th appearance in Tigers colours during the 28-15 victory over Saracens at Welford Road on New Year's Day. "Hopefully I will get some game-time, but it is just great to be called up into the squad. I am looking forward to joining them for training and then any game-time is a bonus.

"I knew I would have to be patient this season because I am behind Martin Corry but I have been involved in my fair share of games already and I am really enjoying it at Leicester."

Crane has previously captained England at U-18 and U-19 level. He also played in the Grand Slam-winning U-21s last season and had another taste of representative captaincy during the IRB U-21 World Cup last summer after injury to his clubmate Matt Cornwell.

England Saxons, who also include Tigers lock Ben Kay and winger Tom Varndell in a 32-man squad, face Italy A on February 2 at Exeter Chiefs then go to Belfast to face Ireland A on February 9.