Danny Care

Harlequins, 21 years old (one appearance for Saxons)

The form scrum half in the Guinness Premiership and key component in Harlequins' ascent to the top half of the table. Joined from Leeds Tykes last season, has played in all of England's junior representative sides and between 2005 and 2007 for the England sevens team, winning a Commonwealth Games silver medal two years ago.

Dylan Hartley

Northampton, 22 (three appearances for Saxons)

Six-month ban for gouging during last season's game against London Wasps hindered progress but the hooker returns to the land of his birth after a season under the tutelage of Dorian West, the former England hooker, at Northampton. Outstanding ball carrier, fast over the ground and technical skills much improved.

Jason Hobson

Bristol, 25 (one appearance for Saxons)

Called into senior squad as cover at prop for the injured Phil Vickery against Italy in February but better known for the punch in a club game that knocked Vickery out of two internationals last season. Born in Swansea but coached by Robin Cowling, the former England prop, and played for Exeter Chiefs before joining Bristol.

Nick Kennedy

London Irish, 25 (three appearances for Saxons)

Played on the wing as a schoolboy and was a developing basketball player before joining London Irish seven years ago and becoming one of the most consistent locks in the Premiership. Profitable partnership with Bob Casey, always challenges opposition ball and quick around the park.

Topsy Ojo

London Irish, 22 (two appearances for Saxons)

Ojo was called out as a late addition to the illness-plagued England party in South Africa last year but did not play. Tottenham-born, has enjoyed his best season with Irish at wing and full back, proving his ability in the Heineken Cup knockout games against Perpignan and Toulouse.

David Paice

London Irish, 24 (five appearances for Saxons)

Another Antipodean, having been born in Darwin, and is qualified for Australia and his mother's country, Scotland. Played for Queensland schools, joined the Irish academy in 2003 and has developed as a fine, mobile hooker and good thrower of the ball to a multifaceted lineout that includes, of course, Kennedy.