WORCESTER Warriors duo Richard Blaze and Nick Runciman retain their places in a 24-man training squad for England Under 21s.

They are preparing for the important penultimate Under 21 Six Nations clash at France in Perigeux a week on Saturday.

Sale Sharks lock Sean Cox is in the squad for the first time this season, while Newcastle Falcons fly-half Toby Flood and Bath hooker Chris Brooker rejoin them after injury.

With both teams going into the clash unbeaten, the match is likely to prove critical to either nation's title ambitions.

Coach Jim Mallinder said: "Any trip out to France will be very demanding. We know this will be a very competitive game. "

Sixways hosts the final match for England against Ireland on Friday, March 17.