Rugby World Cup: Waldrom gets OK to join England

Thomas Waldrom. Photo / Getty Images

Thomas Waldrom thought he was going into a review meeting with his Leicester club when coach Richard Cockerill told him: "Pack your bags, you're on your way to New Zealand''.

And as Waldrom told a packed press conference full of New Zealand and English journalists today after being called into the England World Cup squad: "A few hours later I was on a plane to New Zealand. I'm very excited to be here.''

The former Crusaders, Hurricanes, Wellington and Hawke's Bay No.8 is known as a lover of practical jokes, but he was playing it straight today under the glare of the spotlight, although he did mention that he was enjoying "catching up on New Zealand delicacies like Toffee Pops, I've had a couple of them''.

Waldrom has been called into the squad as a replacement for prop Andrew Sheridan, who was sent home with a shoulder injury - but he is in the set-up as a loose forward. With No.8 Nick Easter suffering back soreness, Waldrom - born in Lower Hutt - is a timely replacement for Martin Johnson's men.

The 28-year-old arrived in Dunedin last Wednesday morning but due to tournament protocols he wasn't allowed to be involved with the England team until officially becoming part of the squad.

That meant he had a undergo a sort of 'quarantine', preparing for a possible call-up while knowing that he could be sent back to England at any moment. He went from official call-up to media scrum today, but he was taking it in his stride. "It's a bit crazy but enjoyable,'' he said.

"I knew I could be a over here for only a little stint but you would do anything you can for this opportunity and I'm here now so I'm pretty happy.''

While in New Zealand, Leicester had been thrashed by Saracens at their Welford Road home, but Waldrom said his club coach Cockerill was happy to let him go, at least outwardly. "He's not going to deny you an opportunity to go to a World Cup. He knows what it's like to be a player. He's got a job at the Tigers as well and a team to look after. I'm very appreciative.''

Waldrom, who qualifies for England through a grandmother, said he was hoping to get a call-up to the match-day squad. "If I get the opportunity to play it will be a great honour and even my family will be proud of me as well.''

England's next assignment is their final match of Pool B against bitter rivals Scotland at Eden Park on Saturday night. Waldrom would relish the chance to play a part in that clash but he also has an eye on matches in the future.

When asked about how he thought the All Blacks were going, he said: "They've been going good. They're steadily going about their work and we are as well. You never know what's going to happen down the line.''

A folk hero among fans for his Thomas the Tank Engine try-scoring celebrations, Waldrom has made a fine fist of his first season with Leicester and was named Premiership players' player of the season.

His ball-carrying ability is his strength and he will add much-needed go-forward to England's attack if he gets the chance.

When asked whether he is a better player now, he replied. "Rugby is different [in England]. It's a lot more intense and everything. I went to the Tigers knowing I wanted to learn more about rugby. You find ways to improve yourself.''

He also promised to celebrate in the traditional manner. "If I score a try, that will definitely come out.''