rlhttps://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jan/13/six-nations-england-elite-squadrl

Given how the England team have "performed" under Johnson it's no surprise really.
I see Chris Ashton is selected also,he's been in good form for Northampton by all accounts.

67 tries in 62 appearance for Northampton, well worth a punt IMV.
I always rated Hape when he was with the Bulls, shame about the injuries tho. Well not really, but I'm sure you get my drift.

would't be surprise if luke rooney isnt in the england yawnion squad in the next few years.....thats if he goes to worcester news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 444981.stm

would't be surprise if luke rooney isnt in the england yawnion squad in the next few years.....thats if he goes to worcester news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 444981.stm

Does that include the season in National One when he scored a shedload against semi-pro sides?

Even so, he's the top try scorer in the league this year IIRC so an opportunity is overdue.

Picking Hape at 12 would make a statement about how England want to play, as he's not a kicking inside centre by any stretch of the imagination.

Good on him for making a big enough impact to warrent a selection. Had he not been a crock in RL I'd loved to have seen him at headingley but RU was his best bet with his injuries as he doesnt have to do much there.

Now onto England RU. If i was an RU fan it must be worrying that they cant produce youngsters good enough that they have to look firstly at RL converts and secondly at folk who werent even born in the UK

Are the RU fans claiming their game is a laughing stock because they picked a player not from the UK in the same way league fans were when Maurie Fa'asavalu was picked?
Or are they used to it, having had so many in the past?

Wilkinson to hoof it before it reaches him?

He's been picked to play 13 apprently

The rugger buggers should have picked big Les to play outside of Hape..... just like the "good" old days

You ought to see the bitterness it has prompted from Stephen Jones in The Times ....

Yes it does but your second point is the most compelling.
A good record though at any level, particularly for a converted RL fullback.

I suppose this does reduce the chances of getting Ashton to turn out for Northampton RL.

Only league fans reserve that level of bitterness and self loathing for their own sport.

Shontayne. Beautiful British name. Comes from the Anglo Saxon for 'sailing under a flag of convenience', though rumours persist it's Celtic for 'three knee reconstructions'.