Recognition For Vyvyan

By Ridley Hall
May 15 2002

Hugh Vyvyan has been given the recognition he deserves by being called up for the England squad to take on the Barbarians a week on Sunday. He is one of 12 uncapped players who will get a chance in the showpiece. Nothing much is at stake but it gives Hugh a chance to show what he can do.

He's making second row his favourite position and has come on leaps and bounds alomngside Player of the Season Stu Grimes.

Ironically this Saturday there's an outside chance he may have to revert to flanker if neither Dunbar nor Mower recovers from injury.

Dave Walder is also in the England squad, but Jonny Wilkinson has been told he won't be needed and to go away and have a well earned rest.

Michael Stephenson has been shunted back into the 7's squad which takes part in the London heat of the world series on May 24 and 25.

But first there's Gloucester for the boys to think about. Rob desperately wants to win this one before signing his new five year contract but, as well as his injured flankers, he has Tom May's injury to worry about and the fact that Inga has already left to coach Samoa in the Pacific Rim competition.