Saxons refuse to rush Hill

By Tony Curtis  

Saxons refuse to rush Hill

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England may be confident in Jonny Wilkinson's powers of recovery, however they are refusing to take any such risk with fellow World Cup winner Richard Hill.

The Saracens flanker, who only returned to action this season after 16 months out with a serious knee injury, had been named in the initial England Saxons squad to take on Italy A in Exeter on February 2.

However, following talks between England's coaching team and Saracens, Hill will now return to his club to continue his rehabilitation.

Saxons coach Jim Mallinder said: "Having discussed things with his club, Brian Ashton (England head coach) and I have decided that for the moment Richard will stay with Saracens to take some more time to recover."

Injuries have also forced winger Tom Varndell, cross-code convert Chev Walker, prop David Wilson and back-rower James Forrester to pull out of the squad, with Ben Cohen and Ben Kay dropped.

However, centre Ollie Smith, prop Pat Barnard and flanker Will Skinner have been called up by Mallinder, while scrum-half Shaun Perry and lock Alex Brown have dropped down from the full squad.

Mallinder added: "This is a very exciting England Saxons squad. I think we have found a good blend of experience and young talent.

"Every player has been selected on form, and all have been playing well for their clubs in the Guinness Premiership."

England Saxons - Backs: N Abendanon (Bath), A Allen (Gloucester), O Barkley (Bath), M Brown (Harlequins), R Lamb (Gloucester), O Morgan (Gloucester), S Perry (Bristol), J Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), O Smith (Leicester), D Strettle (Harlequins), R Wigglesworth (Sale Sharks).
Forwards: P Barnard (Northampton), A Brown (Gloucester), J Crane (Leicester), J Haskell (Wasps), N Easter (Harlequins), D Hartley (Northampton), C Jones (Sale Sharks), D Schofield (Sale Sharks), W Skinner (Harlequins), A Titterrell (Sale Sharks), S Turner (Sale Sharks), N Wood (Gloucester).