England select former Perse School pupil and ex-Cambridge and Shelford youngster Alex Coles for Autumn Nations Series

Uncapped Alex Coles has been named in the England senior squad for of next month’s Autumn Nations Series.

The former Perse School pupil, who played his youth rugby for Shelford and Cambridge, has impressed during his six appearances for Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby this term.

And those eye-catching displays have been rewarded by England head coach Eddie Jones, who after recently calling Coles up for a training camp has selected the 23-year-old in his 36-man party for clashes against Argentina (November 6), Japan (November 12), New Zealand (November 19) and world champions South Africa (November 26).

Head coach Jones said of his squad: “This is a very strong, vibrant squad and a number of good players have been left out. We are pleased with the depth and the strength of the squad.

“The autumn internationals will be like a mini Rugby World Cup for us, starting with two tough games against Argentina and Japan which mirrors our Pool fixtures at next year’s tournament. Then we’ll have knock out type games against New Zealand and South Africa – all four games will be great tests for us.

“In Jersey we’ll start the week with Misogi activity where the players will find out about themselves and each other. Then we’ll rip into training for the rest of the week, so the team can come together on and off the pitch.

“We’re very pleased to be going back to Jersey and to a good Championship club in Jersey Reds who are very supportive of us and of the local rugby community. We’ve been made to feel very welcome there and look forward to our return.”

Cambridge-born Coles, who plays as a lock, has previously represented England at Under-16, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level.