Guildford-born Phil Dowson to make Six Nations debut this weekend

This weekend marks the start of the Six Nations tournament - one of the sporting highlights of the year - and it promises to be full of incident as always. However, did you know that one of England's starting XV for their opener against Scotland this weekend was born in Guildford?

Phil Dowson, an eightman, is one of three uncapped players in the side and Stuart Lancaster, caretaker coach of the national side, told BBC Sport that he deserves the opportunity.

"Phil just has that match experience at club level which we think will transfer to the international arena," he said.

"He is hugely experienced as a leader. He is a very good footballer, he has played lots of big games and he is desperate to play for England.

"That is a big thing for me. He deserves his opportunity."

Dowson was born in Guildford but was educated at Sedbergh School in Cumbria. The 30-year-old has spent most of his career at the Newcastle Falcons but has spent his last few seasons at the Northampton Saints.

He also has international experience with the sevens team in 2005 and has 13 caps for the England Saxons.

Watch Dowson make his debut on BBC One tomorrow afternoon. Kick-off is at 5pm.