International Watch: 10 Exiles involved as Six Nations window ends

With another senior international window drawing to a close, four Exiles were involved in the final round of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Championship, as well as six Academy players in age-grade games.

Ben White completed his second Six Nations campaign with a fifth consecutive start for Scotland, who won their final tournament game 26-14 against Italy.

The scrum-half contributed two try assists in his hour on the BT Murrayfield park, teeing-up half-back partner Blair Kinghorn for his first and second tries of a hat-trick.

White also kicked a team-high 221 metres, registering 73 passes and nine tackles (highest amongst Scotland backs) with Gregor Townsend’s men finishing third in the table.

Lining up for Italy for the 30^th time was Danilo Fischetti, who was partnered by fellow Exile Luca Morisi in the Azzurri’s reverse in the Scottish capital.

The 24-year-old prop carried 26 metres, executed 19 tackles (third-most in the game) and won a jackal turnover, with his Clubmate Morisi running 86 metres (second-most of any Italy player) and making 11 tackles (most of any Italy back).

Academy graduate Henry Arundell had his first senior start for England on Saturday evening in Dublin, but Steve Borthwick’s side came out on the wrong side of a 29-16 final score in the youngster’s sixth cap.

Arundell also earned an hour on the pitch and made a strong impression in his running, making 45 metres from just four carries and breaking two tackles, whilst also contributing three tackles and winning a turnover.

On Saturday, three of London Irish’s title-winning under-18 side competed for England under-18s in their exhibition tie against France under-18s at Esher Rugby Club.

Rory Taylor (fly-half, Wellington College), Kepueli Tuipulotu (hooker, Harrow School) and Ralph McEachran (prop, Bishop Wand School), pictured with Academy Manager Patrick O'Grady below, played their part for Jonathan Pendlebury’s men on an afternoon England fell to a 24-29 loss.

Rory Taylor slotted two conversions on the afternoon, who was joined by Tuipulotu as a starter in the game with Ralph McEachran coming on as a replacement.

To round off a weekend of international action, three Senior Academy Exiles played out the final 2023 Under-20 Six Nations fixture for England under-20s at Musgrave Park, Cork, against Ireland under-20s.

Monty Bradbury (fly-half), Chandler Cunningham-South (number eight) and Afolabi Fasogbon (prop) all started the game, Fasogbon getting his first start at the age-grade under Alan Dickens.

Dickens’ England lost 36-24 as Ireland secured two Grand Slams in as many days this weekend, nevertheless, there were contributions from the Exiles’ contingent representing the Rose.

Monty Bradbury bagged his fourth try assist of the tournament and made seven tackles before his premature departure from the field after a dangerous tackle, Fasogbon registering 15 running metres and 10 tackles.

Cunningham-South recorded 62 metres from 11 carries (joint-third highest amongst England players), 13 tackles, four passes (including an offload) and two lineout wins.