England call for Ward and Johnson
Forwards Micky Ward and Will Johnson have been drafted into England’s squad for the Churchill Cup in Canada.
The duo received their call-up today after Northampton prop Robbie Morris (hamstring) and Bath flanker Andy Beattie (groin) were ruled out through injury
The setback will be a major disappointment for 25-year-old Beattie, who starred during Bath’s push for Zurich Premiership glory this season, winning rave reviews and a spot in England’s development squad.
He was a certainty to fill one of the back-row positions for a tournament England won with ease last year, but his prospects have been cruelly ended by a groin problem which requires surgery.
Leicester number eight Johnson, brother of World Cup-winning England skipper Martin, will take his place after catching the eye during the Tigers’ run-in, which concluded with Saturday’s Wildcard final victory over Sale.
Morris damaged his hamstring during England’s clash with the Barbarians last Sunday and his misfortune has opened the door for 25-year-old Newcastle prop Ward.
Coaches Jim Mallinder and Steve Diamond will depart for Calgary with the 27-strong party tomorrow with their Churchill Cup campaign beginning against Canada on June 13.
Victory will land England a place in the Edmonton final six days later where they would face either the US Eagles or New Zealand Maori, who are making their first appearance in the tournament.
