Warrior skipper Pat Sanderson has spoken of his determination to force his way into England’s World Cup plans after being named in the 30-man squad for the two test tour of South Africa.
Head Coach Brian Ashton has named the Worcester captain in a much-changed squad line-up with players from London Wasps, Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby not considered because of their participation in European finals on May 19 and 20.
Jason Robinson will captain the party, who play the Springboks in Bloemfontein on May 26 and Pretoria on June 2.
“It’s a massive honour and privilege to play for your country and I’m delighted to get the call-up for the South African tour,” said Sanderson, who will board a plane to South Africa on May 15.
“It is a huge year for international rugby with the World Cup fast approaching and I want to be a part of that tournament. I plan to use this tour as an opportunity to show what I am capable of and try and force my way into selection.”
There are seven uncapped players in the squad in props Nick Wood (Gloucester Rugby) and Darren Crompton (Bristol Rugby), back row Peter Buxton (Gloucester Rugby), locks Roy Winters (Bristol Rugby) and Dean Schofield (Sale Sharks), Saracens hooker Matt Cairns and full-back Mike Brown (NEC Harlequins).
However, there is no place for Warriors duo Craig Gillies and Kai Horstmann despite impressive displays this season.
“It’s going to be an enormous challenge for these players,” said Head Coach Brian Ashton. “We are under no illusions – it is going to be an incredibly tough two-and-a-half weeks but I don’t expect any of the players or management to back down from that challenge.”
England squad for the tour of South Africa:
Forwards: Alex Brown (Gloucester Rugby), Peter Buxton (Gloucester Rugby), Matt Cairns (Saracens), Darren Crompton (Bristol Rugby), Nick Easter (NEC Harlequins), Andy Hazell (Gloucester Rugby), Chris Jones (Sale Sharks), Magnus Lund (Sale Sharks), Mark Regan (Bristol Rugby), Pat Sanderson (Worcester Warriors), Dean Schofield (Sale Sharks), Andy Titterrell (Sale Sharks), Stuart Turner (Sale Sharks), Roy Winters (Bristol Rugby), Nick Wood (Gloucester Rugby), Kevin Yates (Saracens).
Backs: Anthony Allen (Gloucester Rugby), Mike Brown (NEC Harlequins), Ben Cohen (Northampton Saints), Andy Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Andy Gomarsall (NEC Harlequins), Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons), Shaun Perry (Bristol Rugby), Jason Robinson (capt, Sale Sharks), Peter Richards (Gloucester Rugby), James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby), David Strettle (NEC Harlequins), Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons).