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Rugby Union

Richards returns as Corry sits out

30/08/2007

England scrum-half Peter Richards has returned to full contact training ahead of next month's Rugby World Cup, but former captain and second row Martin Corry continues to be a doubt for the opening match.

Head coach Brian Ashton has already named his 30-man squad to travel to France for the tournament, although both Richards and Corry have been laid low with fitness problems lately.

Richards was unavailable for the final warm-up match against France last week because of his lower back injury.

But Ashton has confirmed that the London Irish half-back has now been cleared to return to training, along with Leicester hooker George Chuter.

"I'm pleased to say that Pete Richards has done everything we have asked of him in the last ten days. He passed a fitness test on Monday and rested yesterday," the England coach said.

"He received a further assessment from the England medical team this morning and took a full part in training along with George Chuter who withdrew from the Test match in Marseilles with a knee injury."

The news on second-row forward Martin Corry was less clear-cut however, as Ashton revealed he is still in rehab.

Nevertheless he is still considered a likely starter for England's opening pool match against the USA on September 8th.

"Martin Corry didn’t train today but he is continuing his rehab from a left knee injury and we believe that he will be fit and in contention for a place in the 22 for our first pool match," Ashton added.