Are there any bolters that may make Englands tour to NZ in June? Also do Clubs have final say so on who goes?

Question

Any newbies who you think should be given a chance to develop on this tour? How much sway does the clubs hold over the RFU in deciding who gets to come on tour, or is it again a development type of squad? With emphasis on developing and not winning games, but blooding new players.

Answer 1

Sale fullback Beb Foden is being talked up by Philippe Saint-Andre to be picked for England. Also 19 year old Newcastle Falcons scrum-half Micky Young could be a bolter if the Poms want to develop some youngsters. Of course there is Danny Cipriani but he will hardly be a bolter with all the hype he has been given after one game for the Poms. Another 19 year old Miles Benjamin of Worcester could also be in the frame although they won't want to risk to many young players in a testing ground like New Zealand (remember 1998).

Hopefully they can send out there strongest team as I understand all the Unions have made a promise to the IRB to only send their best teams from now on. We shall see.

Answer 2

Looks like Danny Cipriani will have the Number Ten jersey all to himself with Johnny's absence, so that's good news i think.

Perhaps the likes of Tom Varndell should be given a go.

It's not a development tour, the goal is to go and win games (however unlikely that's going to be).