Cole debut completes rapid rise

LEICESTER tight-head prop Dan Cole has admitted the prospect of anchoring the England pack in a full international was not even on his radar at the start of this season.

But the 22-year-old has made such an impact in his breakthrough season at Welford Road he was yesterday named in England’s starting XV for Sunday’s Six Nations clash with Italy.

Cole, who appeared off the bench as a second-half replacement in England’s 30-17 victory over Wales last weekend, makes his full debut in place of Bath’s David Wilson.