Hodgson gets England recall as Hape is axed (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Hodgson gets England recall as Hape is axed

4:21pm Wednesday 11th January 2012 in General By Bill Marshall

Saracens’ playmaker Charlie Hodgson has been recalled to England’s elite as they prepare for the RBS Six Nations.

Interim coach Stuart Lancaster’s senior squad was announced at West Park Leeds today, and the 31-year-old former Bradford Grammar School pupil is one of 13 changes from the failed World Cup campaign.

The 32 names also includes former Leeds players Tom Palmer (Stade Francais) and Calum Clark (Northampton), who is one of nine uncapped players chosen.

However, there is no place in either the main squad or the England Saxons squad for former Bull Shontayne Hape (London Irish) or Otley-born ex-skipper Mike Tindall (Gloucester).

Lancaster said of Hodgson, who last started for England in 2008: “The move to Saracens (from Sale last summer) has freshened him up and I had no qualms about picking him.

“His defence has improved and he has always been one of the best ball-playing fly halves.”

Saracens have sometimes been overlooked as a club but not now under this new era.

Also chosen are Owen Farrell, Brad Barritt, David Strettle, Mauritz Botha and Matt Stevens.

There are first call-ups for Farrell – son of rugby league legend Andy – and Barritt, alongside Northampton scrum half Lee Dickson and Harlequins centre Jordan Turner-Hall.

Saracens are not the best represented, however, as Northampton provide a quarter of the squad, including uncapped loose forwards Phil Dowson and Clark.

Harlequins prop Joe Marler and Wasps hooker Rob Webber are both included, along with Ben Morgan, the Scarlets No 8 who pledged his allegiance to England after turning down an approach from Wales.

Toby Flood is the most experienced member of the squad with 46 caps, although he is set to miss the start of the Six Nations with a knee ligament injury.

Lancaster has turned to a new generation after omitting senior players Tindall, Nick Easter and Mark Cueto. Delon Armitage and Matt Banahan have been relegated to the Saxons.

Lewis Moody, Jonny Wilkinson and Steve Thompson have retired, while Simon Shaw and James Haskell are ineligible for selection under RFU rules after signing for overseas clubs.

That restriction does not apply to Morgan or Palmer because their contracts predate the RFU’s directive.

England’s elite player squad – Forwards: M Botha (Saracens), C Clark (Northampton), A Corbisiero (London Irish), D Cole (Leicester), T Croft (Leicester), L Deacon (Leicester), P Dowson, D Hartley, C Lawes (all Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), L Mears (Bath), B Morgan (Scarlets), T Palmer (Stade Francais), C Robshaw (Harlequins), M Stevens (Saracens), R Webber (London Wasps), D Wilson (Bath), T Wood (Northampton).

Backs: C Ashton (Northampton), B Barritt (Saracens), M Brown (Harlequins), L Dickson (Northampton), O Farrell (Saracens), T Flood (Leicester), B Foden (Northampton), C Hodgson (Saracens), J Simpson (London Wasps), C Sharples (Gloucester), D Strettle (Saracens), M Tuilagi (Leicester), J Turner-Hall (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester).