Pat and Chris win autumn calls

Worcester Warriors captain Pat Sanderson has been named in England’s 30-man squad to prepare for the Investec Challenge Match against New Zealand on Sunday, November 5.

The 29-year-old flanker joins seven uncapped players in coach Andy Robinson’s party for the match, which will celebrate the opening of the seating bowl of the new South Stand at Twickenham.
“I’m glad to be involved,” said Pat, who led England on the summer’s tour Down Under, “but this is only the first hurdle. It’s one thing to be picked in the squad and another playing and being successful.”
The loose forward must wait until Monday for Robinson to name his captain for the autumn international period but, typically, takes nothing for granted.
The uncapped players include Tom Rees (London Wasps), Stuart Turner (Sale Sharks), Anthony Allen and Olly Morgan (Gloucester), Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Paul Sackey (London Wasps) and Shaun Perry (Bristol Rugby).
“I’ll amend and add to the squad for the Argentina game to ensure that no player starts more than three of the four games,” Robinson said. “I’ll also consider players who haven’t made the 30 this time around.”
Meanwhile, Worcester tight-head prop Chris Horsman has been named in the 32-man Wales squad for the opening autumn international against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, November 4.
The 29-year-old made an impressive start to his international debut in last year’s autumn programme, but missed the Six Nations – and the bulk of Warriors’ Guinness Premiership season – after injuring his ankle.

Click for full England squad


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