England coach Clive Woodward included 15 uncapped players in his squad announced here Thursday for the international match against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday, May 25.
Among the newcomers are Gloucester back Simon Amor, Bristol flanker Michael Lipman and Saracens hooker Matt Cairns. "The matches against the Barbarians over the last two seasons have been invaluable," Woodward said.
“They have consistently produced sides of a very high standard, full of experienced internationals, which provide us with a very tough challenge," the former England and British Lions centre added ahead of this October's World Cup.
"I've selected an exciting squad featuring a number of full internationals and players who have emerged into contention for selection on the southern hemisphere (to Australia and New Zealand) and Churchill Cup (North America) tours in June.
Woodward added: "It's good to see players like David Flatman and Dave Walder returning to their old form after long periods of injury and I'm sure the squad will be well led by Phil Vickery and Kyran Bracken."
England SquadBacks: Simon Amor (Gloucester), Kyran Bracken (Saracens, vice-capt), Phil Christophers (Bristol), Mark Cueto (Sale), Ben Johnston (Saracens), Dan Luger (Harlequins), Jamie Noon (Newcastle), Dan Scarbrough (Leeds), Kevin Sorrell (Saracens), Michael Stephenson (Newcastle), Dave Walder (Newcastle), Nick Walshe (Sale)
Forwards: Peter Anglesea (Sale), Adam Balding (Leicester), Alex Brown (Bristol), Matthew Cairns (Saracens), Alex Codling (Harlequins), Martin Corry (Leicester), David Flatman (Saracens), Dan Hyde (Leeds), Chris Jones (Sale), Michael Lipman (Bristol), Mark Regan (Leeds), Andrew Sheridan (Bristol), Andy Titterrell (Sale), Phil Vickery (Gloucester, capt), Hugh Vyvyan (Newcastle), Mike Worsley (London Irish)
