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| 12 December 2003, 2:16 pm |
| Grayson And Thompson Called Up For Baa-Baas Game |
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England head coach Clive Woodward announced today the squad members who are in contention for the England XV to face the New Zealand Barbarians on December 20 at Twickenham (kick off 5pm) in the Zurich World Champions Challenge fixture.
Woodward said: "I've selected a very strong England XV squad to prepare for the game on December 20 and it's the most experienced of all the teams I've selected to face a Barbarians side. It contains players with nearly 500 caps between them and it's a game which gives all those taking part with a fantastic opportunity to make a positive statement ahead of the 2004 RBS Six Nations Championship. The squad includes 15 of the 31 from the RWC and five of the nine players who didn't make the final 22 for the RWC final and I'm sure they will want to do everything they can to make my Six Nations selections as difficult as possible.
"Although I can't pick a full strength team, as the game isn't a test match under IRB rules, it will be great to see Charlie Hodgson and James Simpson-Daniel back playing at Twickenham. I'm also looking forward to working with Andrew Sheridan who is having such a good season with Sale Sharks and made rapid progress through the National Academy last season.
"The England and New Zealand Barbarians teams have been selected with the full support of the Zurich Premiership clubs through the selection of no more than three players from each Premiership club (including release of players to the New Zealand Barbarians). I have also been mindful of injuries and as Jonny Wilkinson has had scans for a neck problem he has not been considered for selection.
"The game itself will be a great spectacle but I'm delighted to say that the whole England RWC squad, including Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson and Lawrence Dallaglio will be parading the Webb Ellis Cup around the stadium for a lap of honour after the game. The crowd will also see Jason Leonard receive a presentation from the RFU president Robert Horner to commemorate his 113th cap and Jonny and Kyran will receive their 50th silver caps, all richly deserved. Each of these players and the RWC squad have made a huge contribution to rugby in England and I hope the crowd enjoy the day, which is a celebration of what we have achieved not just in the RWC but throughout the last 12 months.
"Finally, this is the first game since the RWC final in Sydney and on behalf of the squad I'd like to see all the supporters wearing something white in support of the team. The more white scarves, shirts and hats we see will all add to the celebration and spectacle of the day."
Paul Grayson and Steve Thompson have been selected for the England squad, and will miss next Saturday's league game against Leicester along with Mark Robinson who has been selected for the New Zealand Barbarians.
ENGLAND XV SQUAD
Stuart ABBOTT, London Wasps
Iain BALSHAW, Bath
Kyran BRACKEN, Saracens
Andy GOMARSALL, Gloucester
Paul GRAYSON, Northampton Saints
Danny GREWCOCK, Bath
Richard HILL, Saracens
Charlie HODGSON, Sale Sharks
Lewis MOODY, Leicester Tigers
Mark REGAN, Leeds Tykes
Jason ROBINSON, Sale Sharks
Pat SANDERSON, NEC Harlequins
Simon SHAW, London Wasps
Andy SHERIDAN, Sale Sharks
James SIMPSON-DANIEL, Gloucester
Ollie SMITH, Leicester Tigers
Steve THOMPSON, Northampton Saints
Mike TINDALL, Bath
Phil VICKERY, Gloucester
Hugh VYVYAN, Newcastle Falcons
Joe WORSLEY, London Wasps
Michael WORSLEY, NEC Harlequins
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