Eight uncapped players in England Six Nations squad against Italy

    Eight uncapped players have been called up for the England squad to meet Italy at the Six Nations.

    A string of injuries has ruled out Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes and Elliot Daly. James Haskell and Joe Marler are also unable for selection as both will be serving a ban for the opener, which takes place on 4 February.

    The absences have allowed for a wave of international first-timers to be selected including Bath number eight Zach Mercer, Harlequins' 20-year-old prop Lewis Boyce, Exeter front-rower Alec Hepburn and Newcastle flanker Gary Graham among the uncapped inclusions.

    The other rookies selected are Northampton full-back Harry Mallinder, Saracens winger Nathan Earle, Bath hooker Tom Dunn and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith.

    England’s Six Nations fixtures

    Sunday 4 February      Italy (a)

    Saturday 10 February Wales (h)

    Saturday 24 February Scotland (a)

    Saturday 10 March     France (a)

    Saturday 17 March     Ireland (h)

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