ENGLAND have named five capped players in a provisional training squad for their “A” fixture against Portugal at Leicester’s Welford Road Stadium on February 25.

Hooker Jamie Blamire, back-five forward Nick Isiekwe and flanker Tom Pearson have already been involved in training camps for the Six Nations without being selected by head coach Steve Borthwick.

Scrum-half Harry Randall and wing Ollie Hassell-Collins complete the contingent of players with Test experience, set to be involved in the first “A” fixture since 2016.

The 27-man group begin preparations on Tuesday when they will be strengthened by additional personnel from Borthwick’s Six Nations squad, who are preparing for their clash with Scotland on Saturday week.

“We’re delighted to see the return of A Team rugby as such an important part of our development,” Borthwick said.

“We have selected players in this initial squad who we believe have the potential to be in the England team in the very near future.”

The Rugby Football Union plans to hold three “A” fixtures each year — in a fallow week of the Six Nations, between the end of the season and the summer tour and during the autumn.