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Rugby Union

Wigglesworth earns England World Cup chance

06/08/2007

Sale scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth has been added to England's World Cup training squad as London Irish number nine Peter Richards continues to struggle with a back problem.

The 24-year-old was a key part of England Saxons' Churchill Cup win earlier in the summer and brings a polished kicking game to the set-up.

However time looks to be running out for Richards to book his place in Brian Ashton's final 30-man selection after he was forced to sit out England's record-breaking 62-5 win over Wales at the weekend.

From the stands he watched Bristol's Shaun Perry score a try in a dynamic performance that has pushed him into pole position to start England's World Cup opener against USA on September 8th.

Harlequins' Andy Gomarsall is likely to have his chance to impress in England's last warm-up match against France this coming weekend before the squad is whittled down.

England medical staff are continuing to administer intensive treatment on Richards' lower back, but it looks increasingly unlikely that he will fill the boots of the injured Harry Ellis for the showpiece tournament.

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