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Wiggie gets his England chance

Jenny Dixon
30/ 1/2008

SHARKS’ scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth could claim his first England cap in the RBS Six Nations opener on Saturday.

While his capped Sale team-mates, Mark Cueto and Charlie Hodgson, have failed to seal a spot in Brian Ashton’s squad for England’s match against Wales, young Wigglesworth will feature on the bench.

Although the former England Saxons player has never represented his country at the top level, Wigglesworth is confident he has what it takes.

"I think I can have a career in international rugby," explained the 24-year-old.

"I believe in my own ability and given the chance and a run in the team, hopefully I can be an asset to the England side."

Sharks’ prop Andrew Sheridan is the only one of the four players from Edgeley Park, named in England’s training squad, set to start in the match.

Being around familiar faces in training has been a boost for ‘Wiggie’.

"Everyone seems very nice and very positive," he explained.

"It’s been a bit strange being a new boy, but there’s a few of us so it’s alright, and obviously I know a few of the boys already because I’ve come through the system with them and there’s the Sale lads too, so it’s been a good experience."

Wigglesworth was called into England’s training squad before the last year’s World Cup as emergency cover, but was not required for the tournament.

He is hoping to make his mark this time round.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s doctors believe Sharks’ international skipper Jason White will be fit for his country’s clash against France on Sunday, despite missing training on Monday due to a leg injury.

The squad is due to be named today [Wed], and Sharks most prolific try-scorer this season, Rory Lamont, is in the running for a place on the wing.

The Scotland pair could face their French team-mate Lionel Faure, who will receive his first cap if utilised as a prop in the Six Nations fixture.