England Saxons will kick off their season against Portugal at Edgeley Park © Getty Images

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Teams: England | Portugal

England Saxons will begin their 2009 season against Portugal at Edgeley Park, home of Premiership side Sale Sharks, on Friday January 30 before travelling to Dublin to face off against Ireland A.

The Saxons, the final stepping stone for English players before full international honours, are unbeaten in two years and last season retained the Churchill Cup with a 36-19 win over Scotland A at Toyota Park in Chicago.

"England Saxons is crucial in helping us identify those players with the capability and mentality to play international rugby," said Stuart Lancaster, England Saxons Head Coach. "With two rearranged Premiership fixtures (Gloucester v London Irish and Harlequins v Northampton Saints) scheduled for the day after, the match against Portugal will see us field a young England side, giving us a good opportunity to see as many young and talented players as possible.

"Sale Sharks have done a great job in attracting Friday night crowds. I've been there on several occasions and always enjoy the excellent atmosphere.

"The Saxons team last played there in May 2007 when they opened their Barclays Churchill Cup campaign with a 51-3 victory over the USA. This match is another great opportunity for rugby fans in the north to enjoy representative rugby."

Lancaster will be able to call on a host of emerging English talent, with the squad set to be announced on January 14 2009.

This will be the first meeting between an English senior side and Portugal excepting Sevens, and will provide an important warm-up for Portugal as they head into crunch World Cup qualifiers against Russia in February. Portugal qualified for their first World Cup in 2007, and should they progress through to the finals this time they will fall into England's Pool.