Former Kesteven rugby star Ollie Chessum to get his first England start

Ollie Chessum, the Lincolnshire-born rugby player, has been handed his first start for England in the upcoming test with Australia this weekend.

The Leicester Tigers lock, 21, born and raised in Sleaford before making waves in the professional rugby game, has made two substitute appearances for his country in the most recent Six Nations competition – but will now be making his first England start against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.

He replaces key man Maro Itoje, who misses out with concussion, and is one of three changes to the England side that beat the Aussies 25-17 to level the series ahead of this

The Lincolnite spoke to Ollie in May to discuss his rise through the ranks of the game, as well as his Lincolnshire roots starting out at Carre’s Grammar School in Sleaford before playing for Grantham-based Kesteven Rugby Club.

His career has gone from strength to strength since those days in Lincolnshire, recently winning the 2021/22 Premiership Rugby final for Leicester Tigers against Saracens, and earning two substitute appearances for his country off the back of his great club form.

England will take on Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, July 16, kicking off at 11am BST. It will be a winner take all match as the series is levelled up 1-1 between the two sides following their recent outings.