By Mally (09/07/03)
July 9 2003

Dave Walder and Jamie Noon join Jonny Wilkinson in England's World Cup training squad. The initial 43 man squad (plus 7 reserves) has been submitted to RWC Ltd for accreditation. It comes as no surprise to see the name of the Falcons' captain, Jonny Wilkinson, on the list and Jamie Noon has gradually edged his way into the squad over the course of the last six months. Noon's strong performances for England A during the 6 Nations saw him promoted to the fringes of the full England side and tipped by many as likely to go to the World Cup.

In contrast only a few months ago Dave Walder was a real outside bet, recuperating from a broken leg, Walder had fallen way down the England pecking order. With the injury to Charlie Hodgeson opening up the second fly-half spot and strong performances on the Churchill Cup tour Walder has a real chance of making the final 30 man squad.

The final 30 man World Cup squad will be selected after the three warm-up matches in August. Commenting on the RFU website Clive Woodward said:

"I’ve announced an initial 43 man squad, which will be cut to a final 30 on September 8th ahead of the Rugby World Cup and after three tough and challenging games against Wales (August 23rd, Millenium Stadium, Cardiff) and France (Marseille, August 30th and Twickenham September 6th)."

"A total of 36 players will begin training on July 21st, with the final seven who were involved in the Churchill Cup and Japan tour joining the rest of the squad on July 28th." (For the full RFU article click here .)

Mixed Feelings

Although pleased for Dave, who truly is a 'fans' favourite', concern for a Walder-Wilkinson less Falcons has been expressed on this and other website's Message Boards. After last season and the severe dip in form while Wilkinson was out injured Newcastle need to ensure they have adequate cover at both fly-half and full-back.

I suppose the crux of the matter is what comes first - club or country. While I wish Dave all the best (honest!) as England will need a strong back up to Jonny, the nightmare of last season is all too fresh. As a "one-eyed" Falcons' fan come autumn I want to see Dave in the black of Newcastle not the white of England!

England Squad

Backs

Stuart Abbott (London Wasps)
Iain Balshaw (Bath)
Kyran Bracken (Saracens)
Ben Cohen (Northampton Saints)
Matt Dawson (Northampton Saints)
Will Greenwood (NEC Harlequins)
Alex King (London Wasps)
Andy Gomarsall (Gloucester)
Paul Grayson (Northampton Saints)
Austin Healey (Leicester Tigers)
Josh Lewsey (London Wasps)
Dan Luger (Perpignan)
Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons)
Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks)
Dan Scarbrough (Leeds Tykes)
James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester)
Ollie Smith (Leicester Tigers)
Mike Tindall (Bath)
Dave Walder (Newcastle Falcons)
Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons)

Forwards

Neil Back (Leicester Tigers)
Steve Borthwick (Bath)
Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers)
Lawrence Dallaglio (London Wasps)
Will Green (London Wasps)
Danny Grewcock (Bath)
Andy Hazell (Gloucester)
Richard Hill (Saracens)
Martin Johnson (Leicester Tigers) CAPTAIN
Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers)
Jason Leonard (NEC Harlequins)
Lewis Moody ( Leicester Tigers)
Mark Regan (Leeds Tykes)
Graham Rowntree (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Sanderson (Sale Sharks)
Simon Shaw (London Wasps)
Andy Titterell ( Sale Sharks)
Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints)
Phil Vickery (Gloucester)
Dorian West (Leicester Tigers)
Julian White (Leicester Tigers)
Trevor Woodman (Gloucester)
Joe Worsley (London Wasps)

Reserves: Not Invited to training but on RWC Aaccredited list:

Alex Brown (Gloucester)
Phil Christophers (Leeds Tykes)
Jamie Forrester (Gloucester)
Phil Greening (London Wasps)
Ben Johnston (Saracens)
Martyn Wood (London Wasps)
Mike Worsley (NEC Harlequins )