Any England jersey a 'pleasure to wear' - Hassell-Collins

Leicester Tigers winger Ollie Hassell-Collins says he relishes wearing the England jersey, no matter the match or stage he is on.

The 27-year-old scored two tries for England A, the second-string national side, in a comprehensive win against an Ireland XV side last week.

The match at Thomond Park in Limerick was played the night before the senior England side opened their Six Nations campaign with a thumping victory over Wales at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.

Despite his international impact coming in a much lower-key event in another country on a different day, Hassell-Collins said the thrill of playing with the Red Rose on his chest was no less poignant.

"It's a pleasure to put on the England jersey, no matter what it is - whether it's the top [national side] or the A's," he told BBC Radio Leicester.

"It was a great week and nice to be involved in some of that again."

Hassell-Collins has featured for England A three times in the past year, marking a return to the international arena after winning two full international caps during the Six Nations tournament in 2023.

He was among England's most prolific try scorers at club level last season, grabbing 18 across all competitions.

The 13 he scored in the Premiership saw him finish as the competition's joint top try-scorer with Bristol's Gabriel Ibitoye - a winger whose international experiences have been limited to England A outings.

"I go into the weeks [involved with England] just enjoying it and looking forward to wearing the kit and putting on the jersey again," Hassell-Collins said.

"Obviously I'd love to play for England again, that will always be my dream, but obviously there's some very good wingers."

And the winger that Steve Borthwick went with against Wales both delivered, with Henry Arundell grabbing a hat-trick in what was his first start for England since the 2023 World Cup.

Sale's Tom Roebuck was among the try scorers as well, having been called into the starting line up to replace the inured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

While Hassell-Collins is not part of the Six Nations squad, his involvement with England A ensured he was seen by and spoke to Borthwick while focused on international duties.

"During the week, Steve came in to watch one of the sessions," he said.

"It's little things like that and getting to speak to him, whereas some people may not be able to.

"That's obviously part of it, but being able to come together as a group from different places and buy into the same thing is a unique thing and it's a skill in itself."