A team not sexy enough for Twickers

In a move that will alarm rugby traditionalists, England's second-string team are being rebranded to give them a distinctive identity from their senior partners.

The Rugby Football Union has asked a leading City marketing company to come up with a new name for the England A team.

Among the sexed-up versions being considered are England Crusaders and England Roses.

If the experiment works, other teams under the England umbrella, such as the successful Sevens squad, could also be individually branded, although rugby chiefs denied that England's world champions will be given a marketing makeover.

But they may face a tough job convincing die-hard England fans that this is not the thin end of the wedge. After all, the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies have already set a precedent.

Animal monikers are popular in rugby league and cricket, but Paul Vaughan, the RFU's commercial director, insists that union will not visit the zoo for inspiration.

He said: "We are concentrating on the A team and trying to see how they can be positioned.

"We want to make sure the team has its own identity because we don't see the A team as a second team.

"It's a development team, one that is a stepping stone into the senior team, and they deserve their own recognition.