Rugby:Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers) and Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby) have joined up with England tonight to prepare for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations match against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Waldrom was once considered a backrow who would dominate the English scene but his progress slowed only to be given the chance with the England Saxons against the Irish Wolfhopunds last Saturday in Exeter.
Waldrom scored a try against Ireland after he pounced on a bouncing ball and one handed caught it before thundering through. The younger brother of former All Black Scott Waldrom, he was overlooked by the All Blacks selectors whilst playing in New Zealand, and after making his move to England, had aspirations of eventually playing for the England national team.
Under International Rugby Board (IRB) regulations he qualified for selection as his grandmother was born in England
Banahan brings bulk to the England side and he too proved invaluable for the Saxons when he crossed the pitch in a covering move from his wing to deny Munster’s Simon Zebo a certain try in the first half of the Saxons game.
Waldrom and Banahan take over from Luke Narraway (calf) and Henry Trinder (ankle), who will remain at Gloucester for treatment.
Also staying at their clubs this week are Toby Flood (knee), Courtney Lawes (knee), Manusamoa Tuilagi (calf) and Tom Wood (foot).
Chris Robshaw was also named as England captain.
The Harlequins skipper will lead his side into the RBS 6 Nations match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
"It’s a huge honour and a very proud day - hopefully one that will live in my memory for a long time to come. Thanks to everyone who has helped me, especially Quins," said Robshaw.
"There's lots of other leaders in the group and they have been great since we met up. It's not about myself because there are six or seven guys around me who all have a massive role to play, whether that's bossing scrums, line-outs, attack, defence...Stuart (Lancaster), Graham (Rowntree) and Andy (Farrell) have given us the game plan and it's up to us to get it across to the other players to drive the standards and the squad forward in the right way."
England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: "We have a strong leadership group and I have been very impressed with the way they have all stepped up so far. Chris is a key member of that group and has shown with Harlequins and when I have worked with him in the Saxons that he can lead a team tactically and passionately. I am delighted that he has got this chance at the highest level and I know it will be a very proud moment for him, his club, family and friends when he leads England out at Murrayfield on Saturday." Forwards (18):Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby); Mouritz Botha (Saracens); Calum Clark (Northampton Saints); Alex Corbisiero (London Irish); Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers); Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers); Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints); Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints); Joe Marler (Harlequins); Lee Mears (Bath Rugby); Ben Morgan (Scarlets);; Tom Palmer (Stade Francais); Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers); Chris Robshaw (C) (Harlequins); Matt Stevens (Saracens); Rob Webber (London Wasps); David Wilson (Bath Rugby); Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers)
BACKS (14):Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints); Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby); Brad Barritt (Saracens); Mike Brown (Harlequins); Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints); Owen Farrell (Saracens); Ben Foden (Northampton Saints); Alex Goode (Saracens); Charlie Hodgson (Saracens); Joe Simpson (London Wasps); Charlie Sharples (Gloucester Rugby); David Strettle (Saracens); Jordan Turner-Hall (Harlequins); Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
