England exiles Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter were both included in a 25-man squad announced on Tuesday by England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster for Friday’s Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff.
Talented flyhalf Cipriani featured in two of England’s three Tests in New Zealand in June last year, ending a six-year international exile, but the 27-year-old was omitted from the team’s November campaign.
However, he has now edged his way past Stephen Myler, not in the 25, and is in line to provide cover for first-choice No. 10 George Ford.
Photo: AFP
Harlequins No. 8 Easter has not played for England since Lancaster took charge following the side’s 2011 World Cup exit, with the 36-year-old reportedly making the infamous comment “that’s £35,000 [US$53,250] down the toilet” after the quarter-final loss to France.
However, with Lancaster’s squad beset by a raft of injuries that have seen flyhalf Owen Farrell and back-row forward Ben Morgan ruled out of the entire Six Nations, Cipriani and Easter have a chance to revive their international careers in a year when England will stage the World Cup.
“Everyone named is fit and ready to go and we are looking forward to finalizing our preparations over the next few days,” Lancaster said in a Rugby Football Union statement issued on Tuesday.
England have already seen powerhouse center Manu Tuilagi sidelined with a groin problem ahead of the Cardiff clash while fellow midfielders Brad Barritt (knee) and Kyle Eastmond (shoulder) also failed to make it into Lancaster’s 25.
However, Northampton centre Luther Burrell, who suffered a recent concussion against Racing Metro, has since been passed fit.
Burrell could find himself paired with Bath’s in-form Jonathan Joseph in midfield, with Billy Twelvetrees another option.
Ben Youngs is set to start at scrumhalf with four British and Irish Lions forwards, including lock Tom Croft, props Dan Cole and Mako Vunipola, and hooker Tom Youngs all pushing for a place in the matchday squad.
“While we have certain players unavailable through injury, it’s great to be able to welcome back guys who missed the November series, such as Dan Cole, Mako Vunipola and Tom Youngs,” Lancaster said.
England’s injury crisis has extended to almost every area of the pitch, in particular among their forwards. Up front, flanker Tom Wood (ankle) and lock Geoff Parling (knee) have also been ruled out of the Wales match.
Their absences were confirmed after England lost second row Joe Launchbury (neck) for the whole Six Nations, with lock Courtney Lawes sidelined for the first few weeks while he recovers from ankle surgery.
Prop David Wilson became the latest addition to England’s injured list when he was ruled out of the Wales match on Monday with a neck injury.
Wales coach Warren Gatland named his side on Monday, 48 hours ahead of schedule.
The New Zealander made just two changes to the team that beat South Africa 12-6 in November last year, with the Lions pair of George North and Richard Hibbard selected at wing and hooker respectively.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely