The A teams used to provide supporting roles to the main event but also offered valuable international experience to fringe players looking to make the step up.
The England Saxons have provided a platform for those just below senior level. And now? Suddenly, without fanfare, they have disappeared off the radar.
There were no Saxons fixtures in 2017 and none will take place in 2018 and 2019 either.
The last time England’s second string took the field was in South Africa in June 2016, winning 29-16 against their A team in what was an epic encounter.
Here is how they lined up: