International Roundup: A Worcester perspective
Ben Te'o made his England debut against South Africa on Saturday
©PA
Three Worcester Warriors players were on international duty at the weekend including centre Ben Te'o who made his England debut as a substitute in their 37-21 win over South Africa at Twickenham, England’s first victory over the Springboks since 2006.
Te'o – who joined Worcester this summer - becomes the first Warrior to represent England at test level since fullback Chris Pennell appeared against the All Blacks in the 2014 end-of-year tour in New Zealand.
And the former Rugby League star is in line for his second test appearance when England host Fiji at Twickenham this Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).
Meanwhile, hooker Jaba Bregvadze started for Georgia in their clash with Japan in Tbilisi. However, despite a strong first-half that saw the Lelos leading 12-8 at half-time, Bregvadze would ultimately be on the losing side as Japan ran out eventual 28-22 winners.
Elsewhere, Alafoti Faosiliva started for Samoa in their heavy away defeat to France, Les Bleus running out comprehensive 52-8 winners.
Attention for both players will now turn to Saturday where the two are set to line up against each other when Samoa and Georgia meet in Tbilisi.
Meanwhile, Worcester Valkyries prop Rochelle Clark overtook Jason Leonard as England's highest appearance-maker of all time with her 115th international appearance for England Women, capping off a historic day with a try in England’s 12-10 win over Ireland at University College Dublin on Sunday.
Valkyries tighthead Laura Keates started the game while centre Ceri Large also came off the bench for the victors.
If Clark features against Canada Women later this month, she would overtake Valkyries Director of Rugby Donna Kennedy - who has 115 caps for Scotland – as the most-capped player ever in women’s rugby.
Elsewhere, Valkyries' fullback Dyddgu Hywel scored for Wales Women in their 43-5 win over the UK Armed Forces on Friday night with number eight Shona Powell-Hughes also featuring.
Upcoming international fixtures
Friday 18 November | Scotland Women vs Spain Women
Saturday 19 November | England vs Fiji
Saturday 19 November | Georgia vs Samoa
Friday 25 November | Canada vs Samoa
Saturday 26 November | England vs Argentina
Saturday 26 November | Scotland vs Georgia
Saturday 26 November | England Women vs Canada Women
Saturday 3 December | England vs Australia
