Spencer aims to seize chance of England start

Ben Spencer crossed in Bath's 38-16 defeat of defending champions Northampton in the opening round of Premiership action

Bath's Ben Spencer says he would relish the chance to be England's starting scrum-half, six years and six replacement appearances into his international career.

The 32-year-old is in pole position to step in for Alex Mitchell for the autumn internationals if the Northampton nine fails to recover from a neck injury in time.

"I would love to have the opportunity to show what I can do from the start," the 32-year-old told Rugby Union Weekly.

"I have to keep working hard, keep playing well for Bath and hopefully come the autumn I am in a position to do that."

Spencer was called up in the days before the 2019 Rugby World Cup final after Willi Heinz suffered a hamstring injury in the semi-final win over New Zealand

All of Spencer's six England appearances have come off the bench, including a second-half cameo in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

After that defeat by South Africa in Yokohama, Spencer had to wait until February 2024 for his next international appearance with Mitchell, Ben Youngs, Dan Robson, Harry Randall, Jack van Poortvliet and Danny Care among those preferred in the meantime.

But Spencer's superb form since arriving at the Recreation Ground in 2020 has gradually forced him back into England contention.

"I have never given up on playing for England – it is a huge honour to play for your country," he said.

"It has been frustrating at times, don't get me wrong, but it has always been right at the top."

Spencer will make his 100th appearance for Bath on Saturday, when he comes up against Bristol's Randall in a West Country derby and his team attempt to extend their winning start to the Premiership to a third game.