Cipriani among three new England call-ups
Danny Cipriani (left) replaces Jonny Wilkinson in the England squad
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Tuesday, 21, Oct 2008 09:30
England team manager Martin Johnson has called up Danny Cipriani, Michael Lipman and Nick Abendanon to his 32-man elite squad for the upcoming autumn internationals.
The three players have been brought in as direct, like-for-like replacements for Jonny Wilkinson, Lewis Moody and Tom Varndell.
Newcastle fly-half Wilkinson was forced to withdraw after suffering a dislocation of his right knee cap while on club duty earlier this month, while Leicester flanker Moody is still recovering from surgery on his left hip and left Achilles tendon.
Moody's Tigers team-mate Varndell is the only one of the three to miss out as a result of a tactical decision, as Johnson confirmed he has struggled to make the expected impact in club rugby so far this season.
"I'm disappointed for Tom Varndell but he has not been selected by Leicester recently and we will monitor his form when he starts playing regularly again and competing for a place in the 32-man senior elite performance squad.
"We will make decisions with Stuart Lancaster on players moving into the Saxons squad from outside the original 32 that we announced in July following this weekend’s club matches."
Cipriani was provisionally selected in the Saxons squad because he was not expected to make a full recovery from his ankle operation earlier this year in time to take part in the autumn internationals.
However, his return to the Wasps first team - and the injury to first-choice number ten Wilkinson - has resulted in his recall.
"The England medical team and I will continue to liaise closely with Jonny and Lewis and their clubs and I wish both of them a speedy recovery," Johnson said.
"Lewis is getting closer to playing for Leicester Tigers and I look forward to seeing him back in action soon.
"Danny Cipriani has made a good recovery from his injury and returned earlier than expected.
"He's performed well since he came back and while there was strong competition from other players I have decided to give Danny the chance to compete for a place in the 22 for the Pacific Islanders match on November 8th."
The England squad will convene at their team base, the Pennyhill Park Hotel, on Sunday October 26th to prepare for the four autumn internationals that start with the match against the Pacific Islanders next month.
Further games against world champions South Africa, New Zealand and Australia follow throughout November.