Rugby: Waldrom named in England training squad

Thomas Waldrom. Photo / Getty Images

England have named four New Zealand-born players in their 45-man training squad for the rugby World Cup later this year.

England named former Hurricanes and Crusaders No.8 Thomas Waldrom, hooker Dylan Hartley and midfield backs Riki Flutey and Shontayne Hape in the squad yesterday which will be trimmed to 30 before the tournament in New Zealand in September and October.

The 28-year-old Waldrom, now playing for Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership, was named Rugby Players' Association player of the year. He moved to Leicester at the start of the season after 30 Super rugby appearances for the Hurricanes and 26 times for the Crusaders.

Waldrom, whose brother Scott made his All Blacks debut in the midweek match against Munster in 2008, was born in Lower Hutt, but qualifies for England through his grandmother.

Northampton hooker Hartley was born in Rotorua and his abrasive style has seen him make 28 appearances for his adopted country.

Hape, a former rugby league centre who played 14 times for the Kiwis, has 11 England caps to his name and will be competing with former Hurricane Flutey for a spot in the final squad.

Prop Matt Stevens, who returned to action in January after a two-year doping ban, was included in the squad along with Samoan-born 20-year-old centre Manu Tuilagi.

- NZPA