Chessum’s only previous appearance at the Principality Stadium came two years ago when England triumphed 20-10 – and the experience left a lasting impression on the Leicester second row.
For the first time in over a year, England will start a Test match without Ollie Lawrence in the midfield when play gets underway in Cardiff in round five of the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday.
An intriguing subplot to Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown is the battle at number 10 as Test rookie Smith seeks to build on his starring role in a thrilling 26-25 win over France on his full international debut.
Elliot Daly’s converted final-minute try on Saturday snatched a 26-25 win at the Allianz Stadium.
Dragons flanker Ollie Griffiths has announced his immediate retirement from rugby on medical grounds at the age of 29.
Ollie Sleightholme said playing for Northampton Saints and England is a dream come true as he penned a new contract that will keep him at the Premiership club for the “foreseeable future”.
The regions have battled manfully with ever reducing budgets but while Welsh rugby awaits another reboot other nations forge ahead
Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow missed two late kicks at goal to allow Dragons to move off the bottom of the BKT United Rugby Championship table with a 13-12 win at a rain-sodden Rodney Parade.
The future of the Welsh full-back has been much speculated, but he isn't the only player transfer news to emerge as Wales colleague Ross Moriarty is also touted for a club switch.
We have assembled U23 squads for all 14 of the Guinness PRO14 sides to see which of the teams has the brightest future moving forward.