ENGLAND Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster says tonight's international with Portugal at Edgeley Park marks another vital staging post in spreading the regional appeal of the sport.

Following in the wake of a successful Saxons clash with the United States in 2007, Sale's ground has again been chosen to play host to England's second-string side.

And former Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Lancaster believes bringing such high-profile matches out to the regions away from London is vital to the long-term health of Union.

"I think it's great that we've been able to bring this game out to the north west. Obviously, I'm a bit biased being from Yorkshire myself, but I do think we need to do this if we are going to grow the game in different areas," said Lancaster.

"The more we can bring not only international games, but also big Premiership and European games up to the North West, the North East and Yorkshire I think it's only going to be for the good of the sport and will help provide a good balance across the country."

The match marks Lancaster's first game in charge since assuming the role and he admits he can't wait to finally see his technical work and long-term planning begin to bear fruit.

"It's been quite difficult to plan for because although you can plan the content, the squad was always going to be varied depending on which Premiership games were rearranged and who was doing what.

Coaching

"So now we've got to that point it's been nice to get out on the park and do a bit of coaching. It's very different from coaching in a club environment where I've come from as you have to put a game-plan together in a short space of time.

"But the boys have been great and they are very flexible in their approach so we are all very excited and really looking forward to the game. Hopefully people will look at the squad and recognise that there are a lot of really young players in there who will need some support."

Among the players seeking to impress England coach Martin Johnson will be Leicester's Harry Ellis whose season has been bedevilled by injuries and suspension.

Though Portugal are very much minnows in global rugby terms, Lancaster insists he and a Saxons team seeking to maintain a proud unbeaten record will not be taking them lightly

"Portugal made the last World Cup and they pushed Italy quite close there so I certainly am not taking Portugal lightly, particularly with a side that's so young," Lancaster added.

MEN Media are the official media partner for tonight's game, (8pm kick-off). Tickets are still available priced from £5 for juniors. For full details, log on to www.salesharks.com.

THE Rugby Football Union have booted controversial plans to extend the Guinness Premiership season into touch.

Premier Rugby Limited (PRL), the umbrella organisation for top-flight clubs, last week submitted a proposal for an extra six rounds of Premiership games from next season, on weekends previously allotted for EDF Energy Cup games.

But the RFU's management board have unanimously rejected the plan.











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