Magners League Official Website : Stuart-Smith handed England chance

Clive Stuart Smith - set to captain the England Saxons

Stuart-Smith handed England chance

13 June 2006, 4:08 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Clive Stuart-Smith will end his England exile on Saturday after being named as Saxons (‘A’) skipper for the Barclays Churchill Cup Plate final against Ireland ‘A’.

The Llanelli Scarlets’ scrum-half starts his first tour game at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, two years after his last effort at captaincy ended in an historic Grand Slam for England’s Under-21s.

Stuart-Smith, who replaces Richard Wigglesworth, missed the opening game against Scotland because of a hamstring strain but came off the bench late in the 41-11 victory over Canada.

England Saxons coach John Callard said: “Clive has been in the wilderness for two years and it’s right to bring him back. He led England Under-21 magnificently to their first ever Grand Slam in 2004 – he is a natural captain. He has rediscovered a bit of his form and now he has an opportunity to show what he can do.

Twenty-three-year-old Stuart-Smith said: “It’s been a tour where so far I have had to be patient and contain my energy which is totally against my instincts. I have had to watch the other boys do well and now it’s my chance and I am very excited.”