Wheatley's Adam Russell could make his England Deaf debut when they face the Essex Bishops XV at Braintree on Sunday.

Russell is one of six newcomers named in the squad as England prepare for their post-Christmas internationals against Wales and Scotland.

Wheatley captain James Knoll-Pollard said: “He becomes our second international, after someone who qualified for Switzerland on residency grounds.”

Also in the squad to face Essex’s veterans is Chinnor’s Rob Hill, who is a seasoned England international.

They will have an hour-long training session with Mike Ford, the defence coach of the England senior side.

The day before the match, they will see how many of them can fit into the new Mini Countryman car at the Elms Stansted dealership.

England’s second warm-up match is against Northamptonshire Police at Old Northamptonians on November 7.

Wheatley pulled out of league rugby this season and are playing friendlies.

The latest of these ended in a 47-22 defeat at Bicester, with Jason Wilson (2), Joe Hyde and Lewis Mayling scoring tries and Jon Hemingway kicking a conversion.