George Chuter, Tom Croft, Louis Deacon, Ben Kay and Lewis Moody were all named in the senior squad ahead of Europe’s premier international competition, while Richard Blaze, Jordan Crane, Dan Hipkiss, Ollie Smith and Tom Varndell are set to appear for the Saxons.
“We are very proud to have 10 players in both the England and England Saxons squad,” said Loffreda. “All 10 players deserve recognition and we are sure they will do themselves, the club and their country proud. As a club, Leicester Tigers have a strong tradition of producing international players and I hope that will continue during my time here.”
Croft’s call-up is his first at senior level, with the Tigers academy product having previously represented England at Saxons, U-21 and Schoolboy level.
“Tom has performed well for Tigers whenever he has played a part in the starting XV or the matchday squad,” said Tigers forwards coach Richard Cockerill. “He is a hard-working player and an exciting talent and I’m sure he will learn a great deal from the experience he will gain with England.”
Tickets for England Saxons’ clash with Ireland A, which takes place at Welford Road on Friday, February 1 (kick-off 7.45pm) are on sale now from the Tigers ticket office. You can call in in person, phone 08701 28 34 30 or visit the tickets section of this website for further details.
