Even Covid could not ruin my big day

CHESSUM'S 'STRANGE' DEBUT

- Adam Hathaway

OLLIE CHESSUM has urged England's new boys to milk everything out of their debut after his first-cap celebrations were scuppered by the pandemic.

The Leicester lock took his international bow in Rome two years ago in front of a limited crowd as Europe emerged from the shadow of Covid.

He came off the bench in a 33-0 win under Eddie Jones but was forced to share the joy with his family online - even though parents Paddy and Michelle were in the stands.

England have five newcomers in their 23 for tomorrow's Six Nations opener against Italy and Chessum has told them you only get one debut so make the most of it.

The 23-year-old, who will win his 19th cap at Stadio Olimpico, said: "Mine was strange because it was just coming out of Covid and they were only allowed 10,000 fans in the stadium.