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 have been no Saxons games since 2016, but there are reportedly talks about reviving the Saxons setup for a fixture against Scotland this summer.
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This summer’s tour of the USA could be switched to the UK because of Covid issues – and the series could tie in with the proposed game against Scotland
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: