Vickery to lead England against Barbarians

Phil Vickery will captain England in their annual clash against the Barbarians later this month.

Phil Vickery will captain England in their annual clash against the Barbarians later this month.

The Gloucester prop, who has just started his comeback from injury after more than three months sidelined, takes charge for the May 25th non-cap game at Twickenham.

He led his country in the same fixture last season, when an inexperienced England team crushed a 'Baa-baas' outfit that included Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Agustin Pichot, 53-29.

Lions tighthead Vickery has been out since mid-January after undergoing back surgery, but featured as a second half substitute during Gloucester's Zurich Premiership defeat against Leeds last weekend.

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"It is an honour to be selected to captain England again," said Vickery.

"I enjoyed the experience against the Baa-baas last year, and against Argentina on the 2002 summer tour, but I am fully aware that the appointment is just for this game.

"I intend to do everything I can to help the team produce the right result against what is shaping up to be a very strong and experienced Barbarians side."

England boss Clive Woodward used last year's Barbarians fixture to assess the talents of players like James Simpson-Daniel, Phil Christophers and James Forrester, and a similar approach can be expected this time around.

"I am delighted that Phil has made a complete recovery from his long-term injury," said Woodward.

"Giving him the captaincy against the Barbarians gives me an excellent opportunity to gauge his match fitness in a tough and demanding game against international opposition."

Woodward intends announcing a 26-man squad for the Baa-bass clash tomorrow week, then a final 22 and both tour squads - for Australia and New Zealand, plus the Churchill Cup Tests in Vancouver - on May 21st.

"Notwithstanding injuries, I expect to be able to choose from a full complement of players for the two tours, both of which are vital to our preparations for the World Cup later this year," he said.