Matt Stevens expected to be named in Martin Johnson’s World Cup squad – Rugby news
South African born England international prop, Matt Stevens, is projected to be the part of Martin Johnson’s 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) team. Stevens has returned to the game after serving a ban of two-year after testing positive for Cocaine in February
2009.
England national rugby union team’s head coach Martin Johnson will announce his provisional 45-man 2011 RWC squad on Monday, June 20. Stevens, after serving his two-year ban, joined the Premiership side Saracens and has helped the side win the 2010/11 Aviva
Premiership title.
Stevens was also part of the England Saxons’ squad in their successful campaign to regain and retain the 2011 Churchill Cup.
Commenting on his possible inclusion in England’s squad, Stevens said, "Because I've played for England before, I know the honour and esteem that goes with it, I am very keen; I will work as hard as I can and see what happens. There is a lot of room for
improvement, I know that, but I am happy with the way things are going."
The 28-year-old Stevens made his international debut for England against New Zealand at Dunedin in June 2004. He has played 32 international matches, which includes starting the game on 16 occasions.
England Saxons head coach, Stuart Lancaster, who has worked with the international prop in the past few weeks has expressed his hope that Stevens will continue with his impressive form and win a place in England’s 2011 RWC squad.
Lancaster said, "From my point of view, Matt has been outstanding, He came in, added an experienced voice and played three lots of 80 minutes on the bounce in the tournament. He has been great off the field, and on the field he has delivered."
However, Stevens needs to fight for his place, particularly keeping in view the number of players fighting for a position in the front row forwards. Additionally, the English Rugby Union’s recent trend of including young players is another hurdle for Stevens
to gain a spot in the final 30-man squad. Earlier, England had named the youngest ever squad for their Barbarians clash and Churchill Cup campaign.
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