University of Herts' Owen Farrell is expected to make his England debut. Photo provided by Saracens RFC (© Matthew Impey/Wiredphotos.co.uk.)

THE University of Hertfordshire’s Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt will make their England debuts in Saturday’s sold-out opening RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Scotland in the Calcutta Cup.

The pair were named in the starting line-up by head coach Stuart Lancaster this morning (Thursday).

There are expected to be four students and alumni from the Hatfield-based University who will feature in the Championship.

University of Herts Business School students Farrell and Barritt will play for England at Murrayfield, in a game which kicks-off at 5pm.

There will be a huge amount of interest focussed on the Saracens centre pairing who both make their senior International team debuts, but they will have the experience of Saracens team-mate Charlie Hodgson alongside them at fly half.

Farrell in particular has been heavily featured in the rugby press as he has had an outstanding club season and many see him as a focal point of the new look England team.

Former UH Sports Science student and Sports Village athlete Tom Ryder has been selected for the Scotland squad, however he has not been picked for the England game.

The 26-year-old came to UH following his move from Leicester Academy to the Saracens and completed his degree in Sports Science in 2010.

Ryder, who qualifies for Scotland through his Glaswegian father, initially joined the Glasgow Warriors from Saracens on a two-month loan in August 2010.

He then made the move permanent and has made 35 appearances for the Glasgow Warriors.

Second year Sports Science student and Sports Village athlete Hannah Gallagher has been called up for the England Women’s team who face Scotland in Sunday’s opening match.

The 20-year-old flanker, who began he career with Welwyn Rugby Club, made her senior international debut against New Zealand before Christmas.

Hannah has been training at the Sports Village since the age of 15 having won a place on the Herts Talented Athlete Programme.

Through the scheme she receives her strength and conditioning from Performance Hertfordshire plus physiotherapy from resident physiotherapy and sports injury clinic, Bodybalance which is also based at the sports performance and development centre at the Sports Village.