Joe Heyes got mistaken for a Traitor by royalty last weekend - now he is aiming to betray one side of his family against Ireland on Saturday. The England prop was introduced to Princess Anne, who is the long-standing patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, ahead of last weekend's Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield, who thought he was Joe Marler.

Former front row Marler won 95 England caps, went on a Lions tour and played in a World Cup final, but his profile rocketed post-retirement when he nearly won the hit BBC show. But Heyes, whose mother, Rachel, played basketball for Ireland, has more than 20 friends and relatives coming to Twickenham, and was too shy to correct the Princess.

And he admits the Irish side of his family won't be shy in supporting Andy Farrell's men at Twickenham, in what is a must-win game for both sides, and they will outnumber the English in his clan in the crowd.

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The 26-year-old said: "She thought I was Joe Marler which was... quite upsetting! She said: 'You're awfully funny on TV.'

"I do like it when you get to meet the patron of whatever union you're playing against. It is a very cool experience. I was a bit starstruck to start with. Who am I to correct her? I didn't really know what to say so I almost went with it! I've had all sorts of stuff about me looking like Joe Marler - but not from a royal.

"I've got 21 people coming - uncles, cousins, my mum's friends, uncle's friends and we have well exceeded my allocation. There's going to be a good group and I think there'll be a good mix and match of who they'll be supporting, which will be 60-40 I think, to Ireland to be honest. But it's good, this game is special for my family with my mum being Irish."

Henry Pollock is unlikely to get mistaken for a retired prop turned reality TV star and chat show host, and makes his first start for England, at No.8, this weekend after seven caps from the bench.

The 21-year-old is one of the most recognisable figures in the English game, despite his lack of experience, but Heyes reckons there is more to the Northampton starlet than meets the eye.

He added: "He is a very confident, a very skilful and a very ambitious player. He provides a huge amount of energy to the team. I think he's going to go far.

"I remember his run down the left wing against Scotland. For someone who you may look at and think does not look hugely powerful - he is. He's a hell of an athlete. He had a lot of impact, he has a lot of energy and he's still young. With his personality, he brings that in a physical way which is a good thing to see. You don't want someone who is full of personality but then who does not provide on the pitch. He gives the team both. He's a key player in our squad."

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