Two Bay of Plenty men will make their return to international rugby when the Six Nations kicks-off this week.

Both formerly from Rotorua, Dylan Hartley and Kelly Haimona have been selected for England and Italy respectively.

Dylan has been appointed England captain and will lead the team during the series. The 29-year-old hooker made his debut in 2008, and has 66 caps for England.

Known as the hard man of English rugby, Dylan starred in all five games in last year's Six Nations, but missed selection for the Rugby World Cup.

He has been recalled to the side after former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones was appointed at the end of last year.

Kelly, who also missed the Rugby World Cup after breaking his arm during Italy's final Six Nations game against Wales last year, makes his welcome return to the side at first-five.

The 29-year-old told Inside Running he was glad to be back in the frame.

'I guess it was a sense of both relief and of course pride. Knowing that my determination to overcome my injury and get back into the squad had paid off – that's a pretty amazing feeling.”

He says the injury had been frustrating at times especially during the Rugby World Cup.

'To be honest, I just remembered the feeling of what it felt like to wear the Azzurri jersey and I wanted to have that feeling again. With support from my family, friends and of course my wife Dana, I was able to concentrate and stay on that path.”

Both players are former Rotorua Boys' High School students with Kelly going on to play his club rugby for Whakarewarewa.

Italy kick-off the Six Nations when they travel to Stade de France to take on the French on February 6, at 3.25pm (local time). England and Scotland play just over an hour later at BT Murrayfield Stadium, Scotland.