England Coach, Clive Woodward today announced the 40 man England party for the five match tour of South Africa:

BACKS
Scott Benton – Leeds Tykes
Liam Botham – Newcastle Falcons*
Kyran Bracken – Saracens
Mike Catt – Bath
Ben Cohen – Northampton Saints
Will Greenwood – Leicester Tigers
Steve Hanley – Sale Sharks
Austin Healey – Leicester Tigers
Ben Johnston – Saracens*
Alex King – London Wasps
Josh Lewsey – Sandhurst
Leon Lloyd – Leicester Tigers*
Dan Luger – Saracens
Matt Perry – Bath
Tim Stimpson – Leicester Tigers
Mike Tindall – Bath
Rob Thirlby – Bath*
Jonny Wilkinson – Newcastle Falcons
Martyn Wood – London Wasps*
Total 19

FORWARDS
Neil Back – Leicester Tigers
Steve Borthwick – Bath*
Martin Corry – Leicester Tigers
Lawrence Dallaglio – London Wasps
David Flatman – Saracens*
Darren Garforth – Leicester Tigers
Will Green – London Wasps
Phil Greening – London Wasps
Danny Grewcock – Saracens
Martin Johnson – Leicester Tigers (CAPTAIN)
Richard Hill – Saracens
Jason Leonard – NEC Harlequins
Andy Long – Bath
Mark Regan – Bath
Simon Shaw – London Wasps
Andrew Sheridan – Bristol*
Paul Volley – London Wasps*
Julian White – Saracens*
Roy Winters – Bedford*
Trevor Woodman – Gloucester
Joe Worsley – London Wasps
Total 21

*Uncapped player

Commenting on the selection, Clive Woodward said ‘I’m delighted with the squad which has been chosen to represent England on what will be a very tough and challenging tour.

‘There have obviously been some disappointments regarding players who won’t be available for selection because of injury. Matt Dawson, who was outstanding as player and captain during the Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship, has accepted that, subject to specialist medical advice, he must rest and have treatment on his shoulder during the summer.

‘Phil Vickery, Garath Archer, Andy Gomarsall, Paul Grayson and Iain Balshaw also require rest or operations and I look forward to seeing them all back in contention in the very near future. I’d also like to wish Nick Beal a speedy recovery.

‘Martin Johnson will be the captain for the tour. Although there remain a number of candidates within the squad who could do the job, Martin has recovered well from his injury and played some excellent rugby in the past few weeks. He had a superb tour in South Africa with the British Lions three years ago and like me he is aiming for England to give a good account of themselves on this tour.

The trip also provides a number of newcomers to the squad with the opportunity to make their mark on an international tour and make future squad and team selections very difficult. Players like Steve Borthwick, Liam Botham, David Flatman, Andrew Sheridan, Rob Thirlby, Roy Winters and Julian White have had outstanding seasons, played their part in the England U21 or ‘A’ sides and deserve their opportunity. It’s good to see Andy Long back in the senior squad. He has worked very hard since his debut against Australia in 1997, featured heavily in the ‘A’ side and captained the Under 21s and is in the squad on merit.

Paul Volley was superb in London Wasps’ win against Northampton Saints and his consistency over the season has given him the nod. He is a relatively late comer to the international stage but he has ‘A’ team experience and I hope that he makes the most of the opportunities which should come his way on the tour.

‘I’m delighted that Danny Grewcock, Dan Luger and Kyran Bracken have all recovered from injury and returned to playing for Saracens. In the case of Dan he has only just come back but he is fit, fresh and the tour provides him with an excellent opportunity, which I hope he will make the most of.’

Josh Lewsey’s club form for London Wasps has been very strong this year. He has impressed a lot of people this season and it will be good to work with him again. Similarly, Steve Hanley has worked very hard and is returning to the sort of form he was in when he played for England at Wales a year ago.’

For further information please contact the RFU Press Office:
Martin Johnston, Press Officer, martinjohnston@rfu.com
Tel: +44 181 892 2000
Fax: +44 181 892 9816
Website: http://www.rfu.com