Stuart-Smith returns to lead Saxons

Scarlets scrum-half ends England exile

Clive Stuart-Smith will end his England exile on Saturday after being named as Saxons 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.

He shot through England's representative ranks, but hit the buffers after leading Jon Callard's England young guns while at Leeds Tykes in 2004, ending up at Stradey Park - via an unproductive spell at Worcester Warriors.

"Clive has been in the wilderness for two years and it's right to bring him back," said Saxons head coach John Callard.

"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.

"It's a tough call on Paul Hodgson and Richard Wigglesworth who both made big contributions against Scotland and Canada respectively. Understandably they are disappointed not to be starting, but I did say that everyone would get a chance to stand up and be counted on this tour."

Stuart-Smith was delighted that his patience and perseverance have been rewarded, and could not wait to take his chance.

"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," said the 23-year-old.