Skeates poised to earn first Italy U21s cap

Exeter Chiefs Women’s prop Alessia Skeates has been selected to start her first game for Italy U21s.

Qualified for Italy thanks to her Italian mother, Skeates was called up to an Italy U21s training squad earlier this year but now has the chance to wear the blue jersey of the Azzurres as this inaugural tournament concludes this weekend.

They will play Scotland U21s at the Hive Stadium on Sunday (KO 13:00).

The 21-year-old said: “I am so excited to pull on the blue jersey this weekend against Scotland. It means so much to me to represent my roots and make my Italian mum proud. It will be a moment I’ll never forget.”

England U21s will take on France U21s, also on Sunday, at Goldington Road (KO 15:00) in Bedford. Zoë Dare will resume her role at blindside flanker while Lilly Plowman will get her second chance from the bench.

Meanwhile, Exeter College’s Honey Kerslake has also been selected for the bench, although still young enough to play for the U18s.

England U21s head coach LJ Lewis said: “Although it wasn’t the result we wanted, we were proud of the performance that the players put in against Ireland. Our players have responded by levelling up their preparation this week with a continued focus on our foundations and a clear aim on how we show up with courage this week.

“We have had the privilege to strengthen our bond again for another week as a group. I am very proud in how they have taken another step forward as individuals and a squad with a real focus on our set piece, collisions in defence, with a desire to play at speed by moving the ball.

“We know France will test us with their direct attack, but we are battle ready and there’s nothing more motivating than being on home soil. I am looking forward to seeing this talented group finish the tournament with another step up in performance.”