You are in > manchester.com  > News > White out of World Cup

Rugby Union

White out of World Cup

12/07/2007

Leicester Tigers prop Julian White has taken himself out of contention for England's World Cup squad for "personal reasons".

The 34-year-old front-row forward is set to fly home from the team's training camp in Portugal this week and will not be available for selection for Brian Ashton's final 30-man squad.

Plymouth-born White, who was a member of the England squad that won the Webb-Ellis Trophy in Australia four years ago, owns a substantial amount of land in the West Country and harbours ambitions to go into farming full-time when his rugby career is over.

Although he would have faced stiff competition from club-mate Matt Stevens for the starting spot at tight-head prop in the England XV, White was likely to be one of the final 30 selected for France 2007.

Head coach Ashton said he understands the player's decision to withdraw, saying he has rightly put his future lifestyle choice and children first.

"Julian has got a young family, and he doesn't want to leave them. And Farming-wise he has taken a lot on," Ashton said, describing the news as "a blow".

"I have talked it through with him, and I understand why. He has made his mind up."

White will continue to be available as a stand-by for the tournament, which begins in September.

© Adfero Ltd