England head coach Brian Ashton has sent the England Deaf team a good luck message ahead of their international against Wales at Broadstreet RFC near Coventry on Sunday February 3 (1pm).
Ashton, who is preparing for England's RBS Six Nations Championship opener against Wales at Twickenham on February 2 (4.30pm) to write to Tony Stoyles, director of rugby of the England Deaf RU, to wish the squad well for the game against Wales, the reigning world champions, and also Scotland, who visit Broadstreet on March 9.
"I'm told that all involved with the England Deaf team, and the team themselves have put a great deal of effort into preparing for these games and I just hope that you will reap what you have sown," Ashton said.
"Enjoy and make your country proud!"
England have named six new caps in their squad of 22 for Sunday's game with winger Alex Astbury, scrum-half Adam Smallwood, hooker Matt Vandenbrouck, prop Kris Mannering and lock Andrew Jones in the starting line-up and prop Tom Cowdale among the replacements.
The squad has been selected after a series of regional trials and training sessions making this the best prepared England Deaf side to take the field.
The squad is drawn from club registered English players from across the country who have a certified hearing impairment the equivalent of being fully deaf in one ear although many of the players have a profound hearing impairment.
Tickets for the England v Wales and England v Scotland Deaf Internationals at Broadstreet cost £5.00 for adults, £2.50 for concessions.
England Deaf v Wales at Broadstreet, Sunday February 3 (1pm): 15 Charlie James (New Brighton); 14 Gavin Jackson (Selby), 13 Guy Lavery (Tunbridge Wells), 12 Matt Woodward (Chinnor), 11 Alex Astbury (Twickenham); 10 Mark Lewis (East Grinstead - captain), 9 Adam Smallwood (Bridgnorth - vice-captain); 1 Robert Hill (Folkestone), 2 Matt Vandenbrouck (Paignton - pack leader), 3 Nick Todd (Petersfield), 4 Kris Mannering (Guildford), 5 Andrew Jones (Stamford), 6 Brett Pruce (Aylestone St James), 7 Ian Collins (Sevenoaks), 8 Matt Gilbert (Hartpury College). Replacements: Tom Cowdale (Wolverhampton), Tony Wilkinson (Chinnor), Dan McAllister (Luton), Nick McKen (Burnham-on-Sea), Brett Hanratty (Ryton), Tim Quigley (Northampton Mens Own), Mark Todd (Andover). |
