Centre Hopper, who was born in the city, is one of five new players named in the 25-man group alongside scrum half Paul Hodgson (London Irish), prop Rupert Harden (Gloucester Rugby), lock Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers) and flanker Kearnan Myall (Sale Sharks).

Hopper's call-up comes after just 11 first-team games for Harlequins following his spells in the RFU Championship at Plymouth Albion and Cornish Pirates. He returns to Devon where he learned the game at Exeter Chiefs before playing for local junior club Wessex.

"He's done well every time I've seen him and really deserves his chance," said England Saxons coach Jon Callard.

The Saxons assemble at Woodbury Park in Devon today and the side to face the Wolfhounds is due to be named on Thursday, January 26.

England Saxons squad

Backs

Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)
Delon Armitage (London Irish)
Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby)
Freddie Burns (Gloucester Rugby)
Matt Hopper (Harlequins)
Paul Hodgson (London Irish)
Ryan Lamb (Northampton Saints)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
Billy Twelvetrees (Leicester Tigers)
Micky Young (Leicester Tigers)

Forwards

Chris Brooker (Harlequins)
Paul Doran-Jones (Northampton Saints)
Matt Garvey (London Irish)
James Gaskell (Sale Sharks)
Joe Gray (Harlequins)
Rupert Harden (Gloucester Rugby)
Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)
Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors)
Kearnan Myall (Sale Sharks)
George Robson (Harlequins)
Andy Saull (Saracens)
Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers)
Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers)
Nick Wood (Gloucester Rugby)