A host of local and Leicester Tigers players have been selected for the England Rugby Six Nations 2023 squad.

The Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship, featuring England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, was founded in 1882 and is an annual international men's rugby union competition beloved by players, fans, and Guinness drinkers alike.

The Six Nations begins on 4 February, kicking-off with Wales vs Ireland at the Millennium Stadium at 2:15pm, and England vs Scotland at Twickenham at 4:45pm.

Much to the delight of many Rutland-based fans, the squad is jam-packed with Leicester Tigers players, including Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Joe Heyes, Dan Kelly, Freddie Steward, Ben Youngs and Jack van Poortvliet.

Jack van Poortvliet, who saw out the latter years of his schooling at Oakham School, has become a well-known name not just in Oakham, but internationally, since the 21-year-old was elected for the England team in June 2022.

Oakham School teachers, attendees, and alumni, as well as Rutland residents, will be watching keenly to spot the local lad during the Six Nations tournament.

We were delighted to welcome back OO and England rugby player @PoortvlietJack (19) to the School today. He gave pupils rugby tips & answered questions about his time here. He also helped coach some of the rugby teams and kindly donated an England shirt to the School. pic.twitter.com/Xl2hzat8NT

— Oakham School (@OakhamSch) January 19, 2023

The full England 2023 Six Nations squad will comprise of...

Forwards:

Ollie Chessum

Dan Cole

Ben Curry

Alex Dombrandt 

Ben Earl

Ellis Genge (VC)

Jamie George

Joe Heyes 

Jonny Hill 

Nick Isiekwe

Maro Itoje

Courtney Lawes (VC)

Lewis Ludlam

George McGuigan (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)

Bevan Rodd

Sam Simmonds

Kyle Sinckler

Mako Vunipola

Jack Walker (Harlequins, uncapped)

Jack Willis

Backs:

Elliot Daly

Owen Farrell (C)

Tommy Freeman

Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, uncapped)

Dan Kelly

Max Malins

Joe Marchant

Alex Mitchell

Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)

Henry Slade

Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped)

Marcus Smith

Freddie Steward

Manu Tuilagi

Jack van Poortvliet

Ben Youngs

UPDATE:

Since sharing, Courtney Lawes and George McGuigan have withdrawn through knee and calf injury respectively. Tom Dunn and David Ribbans replace them.

Image courtesy of England Rugby.

Head to the England Rugby website to find out more about the Six Nations squad and upcoming fixtures.

You can watch these games with a cold beer, Guinness or soft drink at The Crown Tavern, Crown Walk, Oakham, LE15 8BZ. 

Call Lindsay on 07769 680641 to book a table. 

Alternatively, Bill's Bar on Oakham High Street and The Grainstore by Oakham Station, Station Approach also show games.