25 October 2006
England Head Coach, Andy Robinson OBE announced today his 30 man squad to prepare for the Investec Challenge Match against New Zealand on Sunday, November 5th, kick off 3.30pm. The squad includes seven uncapped players.

The match will also celebrate the opening of the seating bowl of the new South Stand at Twickenham Stadium, which will bring the capacity up to 82,000.

Andy Robinson said today “I’m pleased with the 30 man squad that will prepare for the Investec Challenge match against New Zealand on November 5th. It includes a good mix of experience and also gives an opportunity for some of the newcomers to the Elite squad to push further their claims for a starting place at some point during the four test matches in November.  

“I’d like to congratulate the uncapped players, Tom Rees (London Wasps), Stuart Turner (Sale Sharks), Anthony Allen and Olly Morgan (Gloucester), Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Paul Sackey (London Wasps) and Shaun Perry (Bristol Rugby) for all making the 30 man squad. They have all been in excellent form for their clubs.  

“I will amend and add to the squad for the Argentina game to ensure that no player starts more than three of the four games. 

“I’ll also consider players who haven’t made the 30 this time around. Some players have recently returned from injury and there is a good possibility that they and others may feature in other Investec Challenge matches this November.

“The four match Investec Series is one all of the England squad and management are looking forward to. New Zealand are the number one team in the world, Argentina are playing some very good rugby and had a good summer series against Wales and South Africa are also giving some players the opportunity to stake their claims for a RWC spot.

“I will announce the Captain and the starting XV for the New Zealand game on Monday October 30th.