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Rugby Union

Vainikolo gets England call

09/01/2008

Gloucester's rugby league convert Lesley Vainikolo has been named in England head coach Brian Ashton's 32-man Six Nations squad.

But there is no place for another cross-code veteran - Saracens' Andy Farrell - as well as experienced winger Josh Lewsey, who would most likely have played in the Rugby World Cup final if it had not been for an injury.

As expected, Ashton has opted for several younger players as he drops 32-year-old Farrell and 31-year-old Lewsey.

Uncapped 24-year-old Sale Sharks scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth is one of three debutants to be called up, along with Leicester Tigers lock Tom Croft and Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani.

There are also recalls for Sale number ten Charlie Hodgson; Gloucester backs Mike Tindall and Iain Balshaw; and promising winger David Strettle.

However three players that went to the World Cup are dropped - Bath utility back Olly Barkley, Perpignan prop Perry Freshwater and Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss.

The now-retired quartet of Martin Corry, Jason Robinson, Mike Catt and Lawrence Dallaglio are all missing.

Phil Vickery keeps the captaincy, as expected, and will lead the England team out in their tournament opener against Wales at Twickenham on February 2nd.

Full 32-man England squad for Six Nations:

Forwards
Steve Borthwick (Bath), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Lewis Deacon (Leicester Tigers), Nick Easter (Harlequins), James Haskell (Wasps), Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers), Lee Mears (Bath), Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers), Tim Payne (Wasps), Tom Rees (Wasps), Mark Regan (Bristol), Simon Shaw (Wasps), Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks), Matt Stevens (Bath), Phil Vickery, (Wasps, captain), Joe Worsley (Wasps).

Backs
Ian Balshaw (Gloucester), Danny Cipriani (Wasps), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Andy Gomarsall (Harlequins), Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons), Peter Richards (London Irish), Paul Sackey (Wasps), David Strettle (Harlequins), Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Richard Wigglesworth (Sale Sharks), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons), Lesley Vainikolo (Gloucester).