Mike Tindall to play against England – Rugby News Update
Mike Tindall, the 33-year-old former England Captain and Centre will line up against the England team for the Barbarians at Twickenham. Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England is keen to see the former captain play, saying that he still has lots to prove.
"It is great that he is playing. I am sure Mike has got a lot to prove by playing at Twickenham and I think it is great that he has the opportunity to do that again."
Tindall might not be in the frame for a recall according to Lancaster, as he has one eye on the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and wants to keep a squad of players that will be available for the side in three years time.
When asked if Tindall had a chance of playing for England, he said, "I think the way we are going in terms of our squad, and trying to pick a group of players towards 2015, yes."
Making his international debut in 2000, Tindall has been one of the most consistent players throughout his career, scoring a try in his first international match again Ireland at Twickenham, on February 5, 2000.
His stars kept rising since his debut and he was an essential member of the England team that won the World Cup in 2003. He played in all but one of the seven matches and for good measure, he scored a try against Georgia at the tournament. However, he was
dropped for the semi-final in favour of Mike Catt, a player who is now part of Lancaster’s backroom team. It was thought that Catt’s shooting abilities served England better in the wet conditions, but Tindall was back for the final against Australia.
He missed the 2007 Rugby World Cup through injury but when the next World Cup came along he was the Captain of the team. England had a disastrous tournament with Tindall being in the news for the wrong reasons. He was caught on CCTV having a night out with
a blonde, and he was subsequently fined 25,000 pounds.
Rumour has it that Tindall is playing his last competitive match at Twickenham. His contract with his club Gloucester is over and no one is vying for his signature.
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