Paul Hodgson replaces Joe Simpson for England tour
Paul Hodgson replaces Joe Simpson for England tour
Tuesday, 01, Jun 2010 09:32
By Richard James.
Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson has been forced to withdraw from the England squad for the upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand after picking up an injury during Sunday's game against the Barbarians.
A statement from the RFU on Monday confirmed Simpson had sustained a left hamstring injury during England's 36-26 win at Twickenham.
London Irish' Paul Hodgson has now been called up as a replacement.
Simpson, meanwhile, will return to Wasps where he will be treated by the club's medical team.
Reacting to the news, Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks said: "We are extremely disappointed for Joe, especially as he also missed out on selection for this year's Six Nations with a shoulder injury.
"I am confident Joe would have made a very strong impression on the tour and performed really well, but now our focus is on getting him back to full fitness."
The RFU confirmed Charlie Hodgson and Jon Golding will both travel to Australia despite also picking up knocks during the Barbarians game and will be assessed again on arrival in Perth.