Falcons In England Training Squad

By Mally (12/03/03)
March 12 2003

There was some good news for Newcastle Falcons' Jamie Noon yesterday and praise for Jonny Wilkinson as Clive Woodward announced the England training squad which will prepare to face Scotland on Saturday, March 22nd.

Jamie Noon continues to impress has retained his place in the England training squad despite the return to the squad of several players, who have been out injured, including Ben Cohen, Jason Robinson, Trevor Woodman, Martin Johnson and Neil Back. With Martin Johnson back in the squad he resumes the captaincy as planned, though Clive Woodward praised Jonny Wilkinson saying he "did an outstanding job".

Woodward believes that Scotland will provide England with a "tough test", and that their win over Wales last weekend proved they are returning to form.

Sale Sharks have confirmed that Charlie Hodgeson has a ruptured ACL joint in the knee and is unlikely to play again this season. Head Coach Jim Mallinder said:

"It is devastating news for Charlie. He was on the top of his game before his injury. He is mentally a very strong character and will overcome this injury to continue his career. We look forward to seeing him playing for the Sharks again next season."

Hodgeson himself is keen to begin his rehabilitation.

"It is very disappointing to pick up this injury, particularly the way it happened with my studs getting stuck in the turf. I just want to start my rehabilitation as soon as possible and I am just looking forward to playing again."

There has been much debate as to who would replace Charlie Hodgeson as Wilkinson's back-up, as both Grayson and Alex King have worn the no. 10 shirt in recent England A matches. Woodward has brought Paul Grayson back into the England fold. There has been much debate as to who would replace Charlie Hodgeson as Wilkinson's back-up, as both Grayson and Alex King have worn the no. 10 shirt in recent England A matches.

"It’s good to see Paul Grayson and Steve Borthwick back in the senior squad. They have continued to play well for their clubs and at ‘A’ level this season and I know they will be pushing very hard to be selected for the game against Scotland."

However it appears that Woodward is not ruling out introducing other players at a later date, Mike Catt in particular is one player he has his eye on.

"I will be watching the Bath v Northampton Saints game at the weekend, which once again will give me the opportunity of monitoring the form of a number of players including Mike Catt. All the other games in the Zurich Premiership will be watched by the other England coaches."

The eight players not involved in the 22 for the game against Scotland will be made available for the ‘A’ team. The England ‘A’ squad will be announced today.

ENGLAND SQUAD

Neil Back (Leicester Tigers)
Steve Borthwick (Bath)
Kyran Bracken (Saracens)
Ben Cohen (Northampton Saints)
Lawrence Dallaglio (London Wasps)
Matt Dawson (Northampton Saints)
Andy Gomarsall (Gloucester)
Paul Grayson (Northampton Saints)
Will Greenwood (NEC Harlequins)
Danny Grewcock (Bath)
Richard Hill (Saracens)
Martin Johnson (Leicester Tigers)
Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers)
Josh Lewsey (London Wasps)
Dan Luger (NEC Harlequins)
Robbie Morris (Northampton Saints)
Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons)
Mark Regan (Leeds Tykes)
Jason Robinson (The Sharks)
Graham Rowntree (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Sanderson (The Sharks)
Simon Shaw (London Wasps)
James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester)
Ollie Smith (Leicester Tigers)
Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints)
Mike Tindall (Bath)
Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons)
Trevor Woodman (Gloucester)
Joe Worsley (London Wasps)
Mike Worsley (London Irish)

PLAYERS NOT CONSIDERED DUE TO INJURY

Ian Balshaw (Bath)
David Flatman (Saracens)
Austin Healey (Leicester Tigers)
Charlie Hodgson (The Sharks)
Jason Leonard (NEC Harlequins)
Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers)
Phil Vickery (Gloucester)
Julian White (Bristol Shoguns)

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No Rest For Jonny