An injury time try for Worcester wing Lydia Thompson, who made her England debut just seven days ago in the tournament opener, secured the victory in the dying minutes of the game.

The match, which was billed as the winner takes all clash, was a typical England versus France encounter with both sides fired up and giving everything they had to secure the win and the crown.

But in the end it was England’s tenacity that paid off as they came from a 22-25 deficit to take the title away from France in style.

England Head Coach for this tour Graham Smith, who blooded seven new caps over seven days, said: “This has been a tour of opportunity for all the players involved and I can safely say every single player involved has taken this opportunity with both hands.

“This was a scintillating game, but as a coach a hard game to watch. We certainly controlled the first half but after the restart it was a different matter and France took control when we couldn’t get our consistency going and we did not defend as well. We also gave away too many penalties and France were able to take those points and that put us in a precarious position.

“However, we never gave up and after making some changes from the bench we took our opportunities, with Sally Tuson scoring a late try and then Lydia Thompson touching down for the crucial score in extra time.

“We are obviously delighted to have won the European Cup and defended our title but I am more delighted about the fact that we have underlined what talent we have coming through our system. It has also been great to have Simon Middleton on board as Assistant Coach for this championship. He has made a real impression and we are fortunate to have a coach of his calibre involved in the England set-up.”

England took the European Cup crown the hard way going 3-0 behind in the early stages after French full-back Jessy Tremouliere converted a penalty when England were penalised for holding on.

France and England then battled it out in a typical clash between these two sides, which saw them neck and neck for the next forty minutes. England had their chances, with both Katherine Merchant and Thompson going close but France defended staunchly and kept their fierce rivals out.

In the end France’s line did break when Bristol flanker Marlie Packer made some space before offloading to Thompson, who had both the power and the pace to dive over the try-line. Emily Scarratt (PICTURED) added the conversion to hand England a 7-3 lead at the break.

After the restart though, France turned the tables and a 42nd minute try for substitute Elordie Portaries, after a good line-out, catch and drive, saw them take a 7-10 lead.

England try machine Merchant then put England back in control with a 49th minute touchdown, converted by Scarratt, but the lead did not last long as French fly-half Aurelie Bailon kept the scoreboard ticking over with two penalties and two drop goals.

Scarratt clawed a penalty back for England but at 25-17 down, and only five minutes left of full time, France looked like they had done enough to take the title.

However, Bristol centre and substitute Tuson, who had been on the field for just seven minutes, ignited a spark for England which France couldn’t put out however hard they tried. A good drive from a line-out saw the ball recycled out to Merchant and then a waiting Tuson, who on just her third cap, powered over the try-line to score.

Scarratt, however, couldn’t make the conversion leaving England 22-25 adrift but as the clocked counted down in injury time some superb footwork and evasive running saw winger Thompson surge her way 60 metres up-field to score. France did everything they could to tackle Thompson to the ground but with no success and in the end it cost them the victory. With Scarratt this time making the conversion England took a very memorable 29-25 victory.

England

15 Danielle Waterman (Worcester), 14 Lydia Thompson (Worcester), 13 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), 12 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol), 11 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 10 CeriLarge (Worcester), 9 Georgina Rozario (Lichfield), 1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester), 2 Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield), 3 Laura Keates (Worcester), 4 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), 5 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 6 Sarah Hunter (C) (Lichfield), 7 Marlie Packer (Bristol), 8 Harriet Millar-Mills (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Emma Croker (Richmond), 17 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 18 Emil Braund (Lichfield), 19 Gemma Sharples (Worcester), 20 Fiona Davidson (Richmond), 21 Lauren Cattell (Chesham), 22 Sally Tuscon (Bristol), 23 Kate Newton (Bristol), 24 Fiona Fletcher (Lichfield), 25 Ruth Laybourn (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Tries: Thompson (2), Merchant, Tuson

Conversions: Scarratt (3)

Penalties: Scarratt

Substitutions: Crowley for Clark, Sharples for Packer, Croker for Fleetwood, Tuson for Large (all 70), Braund for Burnfield (81), Davidson for Rozario (86)

England Women’s European Cup Schedule

Spain v England, May 12, WON 61-0.

Italy v England, May 15,WON 32-8

France v England, May 19, WO 29-5

Head Coach Graham Smith has made five changes, and one positional, to the team that defeated Italy 32-8 on Tuesday. Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter will once again captain the side which welcomes back Emily Scarratt (pictured) and Katherine Merchant to the starting line-up. Both Merchant and Scarratt were involved in England’s victory in the IRB Challenge Cup Sevens in London on Sunday.

Bristol’s Marlie Packer and Worcester’s Rochelle Clark return to bolster a strong England pack, while Ceri Large moves to fly-half and Kim Oliver is back in at centre.

Smith, whose side like France have defeated both Italy and Spain in this tournament, said: “The spirit in the camp is very good and we are confident that we have a strong enough team to defend our European Cup crown.

“This is a strong England pack, while our backs have also been performing. Georgina Rozario is playing some of her best rugby ever at scrum-half, and Ceri Large is developing into a good international fly-half. Kim Oliver has also been in top form this season, Emily, Kat and Danielle are world class players while Lydia really has the potential to be a world class wing.”

The final England versus France match is set to be a thriller with matches this season between the two sides evenly matched. France have beaten England twice this season, but England took the most recent victory in the RBS 6 Nations in March.

Smith added: “Our players like nothing better than playing France and they’ll be really up for it. We know we’ll have to be at the top of our game for this one, with France being a tough and physical side. Like us they have some new caps in their squad, but they also have the nucleus of their Six Nations side here. They have a good kicking game, can move the ball around well and have a big effective pack and we know they’ll be really up for this match.”

England

15 Danielle Waterman (Worcester)

14 Lydia Thompson (Worcester)

13 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

12 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)

11 Katherine Merchant (Worcester)

10 Ceri Large (Worcester)

9 Georgina Rozario

1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester)

2 Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield)

3 Laura Keates (Worcester)

4 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)

5 Tamara Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

6 Sarah Hunter (C) (Lichfield)

7 Marlie Packer (Bristol)

8 Harriet Millar-Mills (Lichfield)

Replacements:

16 Emma Croker (Richmond)

17 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield)

18 Emily Braund (Lichfield)

19 Gemma Sharples (Worcester)

20 Fiona Davidson (Richmond)

21 Lauren Cattell (Chesham)

22 Sally Tuson(Bristol)

23 Kate Newton (Bristol)

24 Fiona Fletcher (Lichfield)

25 Ruth Laybourn (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

England Women’s European Cup Schedule

Spain v England, May 12, WON 61-0.

Italy v England, May 15,WON 32-8

France v England, May 19, KO 630pm

Both the players will join their team-mates at the WRU National Centre of Excellence on Monday, May 21 for the start of the full training schedule.

The French Rugby Union has formally told the WRU of the players’ May 21 release and informed the two relevant clubs in France.

Wales caretaker head coach Rob Howley has praised the decision as an example of northern hemisphere co-operation during international preparations.

The May 21 date falls outside the formal IRB date of release for players involved in international duty and release is either contracted by individual Unions or discretionary.

Howley said: “This is fantastic news for us as it means Mike and James will be fully involved in the complete preparation programme we have in place.

“They are both experienced international players but it is still a huge advantage to have them working within our environment from day one.

“We are extremely grateful to the French Rugby Union and the individual clubs involved for taking this step.

“It is a gesture which will undoubtedly benefit the players and I know they will want to thank their individual clubs for helping them fulfil their international commitments with Wales.

“It is an example of northern hemisphere rugby working in unity for the benefit of our players and the game in general.

“We are all aware of the difficulties we can encounter when Welsh qualified players are based outside Wales, but this decision shows there are opportunities for us to realise mutual benefits.”

Both the former Ospreys players left Wales for France this year with Phillips joining Bayonne and Hook linking up with Perpignan.

Yesterday (MONDAY) they were both named in the 38-man training squad to prepare to face the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, June 2 before embarking for Australia.

Clermont Auvergne full back Lee Byrne was not selected as he is still likely to be involved in domestic competition in France until the date the tour party departs.

James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 2lbs / 96kgs
International record: 62 caps (W 28, L 32, D 2; 326 pts – 12T, 40C, 58PG, 4DG)

Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
International record: 65 caps (W 33, L 30, D 2; 40 pts – 8T)

Norton scored a record 36thtry of the season as England saw off France 28-0 in the opening game of the Marriott London Sevens.

Former Bristol and Gloucester wing Norton has now scored more times in a sevens campaign than any other England player in the 13-year history of the HSBC Sevens World Series, overtaking Rob Thirlby (35) in a list that includes the likes of Ugo Monye and David Strettle.

England’s other scores came from Sam Edgerley, who picked up to two tries – and a yellow card during the second half – with Tom Mitchell touching down once and kicking four conversions.

England stuttered early on against France with a number of unforced errors but Edgerley broke from long range, Mitchell exploited some good defensive work that turned over the ball and Edgerley again reacted fastest to snatch the ball and race in from inside his own half to put England 21-0 clear at the interval.

The half back was sent to the sin-bin mid-way through the second half, though, but England did well with only six on the field with James Rodwell covering the ground with ball in hand before Turner twisted and turned the French and before putting Norton away.

Former Gloucester and Bristol wing Norton took his total to 37 this term, more than any Englishman has scored in a single season of on the world series, overtaking Rob Thirlby’s tally of 35 in 2003-04.

Sam Edgerley (2) and Tom Mitchell added tries for England against France with Mitchell converting all four.

Edgerley and Mitchell were also on target against the USA, who briefly threatened when Rocco Mauer levelled the game.

Dan Fish got the consolation try against Spain having scored the clincher against Zimbabwe when Richard Smith and Rhys Jones also scored.

England had stuttered during both their opening games with a high error count but they were untroubled once Edgerley – a Latin and Greek student at University College London – raced in from long range.

Mitchell exploited some good defensive work that won a turn-over for the second try and Edgerley again reacted fastest to snatch the ball and race in from inside his own half to put England 21-0 clear at the interval.

The half back was sent to the sin-bin mid-way through the second half, though, but England did well with only six on the field before Mat Turner put Norton away.

England were more composed against the USA, a patient passage of build-up play culminating in Mitchell’s opening try.

Mauer levelled but Edgerley then took advantage of some ball-winning work from Chris Cracknell to dart over, then more thoughtful build-up play allowed Norton to stroll over for this season’s try No.37.

Quarter final England v Fiji

England were edged out of a quarter final thriller 21-14 by Fiji after succumbing to an injury time score on the second morning of the Marriott London Sevens.

World Player of the Year nominee Mat Turner’s two tries had put England on the front foot and they were pushing for the winning score until they were penalised at the breakdown. Fiji then went the length of the field for Jamilai Naikadawa to clinch victory.

The result puts Fiji into the semi finals against New Zealand, who clinched a 10^thHSBC Sevens World Series title when they thumped South Africa 36-0. Argentina meet Samoa in the other half of the draw.

Third-placed England now take on South Africa in the semi finals of the Plate competition.

On day one, England had beaten France 28-0 and the USA 15-5 before a 14-7 defeat against Samoa halted their progress.

Against Fiji – who will finish the series in second place – England produced their most incisive attacking work of the weekend.

They trailed to Setefano Cakau’s early try but a composed build-up with good work from Sam Edgerley and Chris Cracknell put Turner away with Tom Mitchell converting.

They hit the front in the second half with Dan Norton involved on the left before Turner was put away down the middle for a 14-7 lead.

Fiji levelled two minutes from time through Isake Katonibau but England dominated the closing moments with Turner and Rob Vickerman bursting into the Fiji 22 before the Islanders got out of jail.

Plate semi England v South Africa

Mat Turner’s try edged England past South Africa 19-17 and into a Plate final against Australia on day two of the Marriott London Sevens.

The World Sevens Player of the Year nominee also struck twice in the 21-14 cup quarter final defeat against Fiji settled when Jamilai Naikadawa struck in the final move of the match.

Tom Powell and Sam Edgerley then got the scoreboard moving against the Blitzbokke only to England to find themselves trailing 17-12 in the final moments and pinned on their own line.

But Edgerley twisted his way out of trouble and Turner shrugged off a tackle before accelerating 70 metres to the line with Mitchell’s conversion completing the escape act.

The result sent England into the Plate final against Australia, who held off Spain 17-12.

Earlier New Zealand duly clinched their 10^thHSBC Sevens World Series title by beating South Africa 36-0.

Tournament roundup

England finished the HSBC Sevens World Series in third place overall after being beaten 14-12 in the Marriott London Sevens Plate final by Australia.

Mat Turner’s fifth try of the weekend meant he finished as the series leader with 38 in the campaign from the nine events – one ahead of teammate Dan Norton – and debutant Jeff Williams struck in the second half but Dan Bibby missed with a late penalty shot at goal as Australia hung on the lead earned by tries from captain Ed Jenkins and Ed Stubbs.

New Zealand wrapped up a 10thseries title for coach Gordon Tietjens by reaching the semi finals, where they were beaten by Fiji, who lifted the London title with a 38-15 win over Samoa and claimed second place in the overall rankings.

They were cheered home by a day two crowd of 42,977, taking the total attendance to a record series high of 103,027 for the weekend.

Earlier Fiji had edged out England of the cup 21-14 at the quarter final stage with a last-play try from Jimilai Nakadawa. England then staged their own great escape act when World Player of the Year nominee Turner clinched a 19-17 win over South Africa in the Plate semi final.

Overall they didn’t hit the heights they reached in winning Dubai in December or in reaching the Glasgow final last weekend, but head coach Ben Ryan was upbeat about their progress.

“We gave Fiji their sternest test and were one ruck under their posts from reaching the semi final, so things could have been a little bit different, but that’s the way sevens goes,” said Ryan, whose sport assumes Olympic status after the end of the London 2012 Games

“We’re proud of our efforts over the last 12 months and I’m really enthusiastic about the potential in the side. We’ll stay together as a group and I’m sure we’ll improve.”

Wales beat Scotland 27-5 to win the third tier Bowl competition with tries from Richard Smith, Alex Walker, Dan Fish and Rhys Patchel. Andrew Turnbull replied.

After their shock 22-7 defeat against Spain on the opening day, Wales beat the USA 28-19 and Fish’s late try grabbed a 28-26 win over Portugal. Scotland cruised past Kenya 21-5 and Zimbabwe 31-19.

England’s secured a second IRB Women’s Challenge Cup win of the season by beating the Netherlands 34-7 with a hat trick of tries from Joanne Watmore, two from Katherine Merchant and one from Alice Richardson.

England have called newcomer Jeff Williams and former captain Andy Vilk into their squad for this weekend’s Marriott London Sevens.

Head coach Ben Ryan had needed to make one change for the final leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series after former England U20 wing Mark Odejobi fractured a bone in his foot last weekend.

But half back John Brake is suffering from concussion caused by a blow to the head in the Glasgow final against New Zealand, so both the powerful Vilk and France-based Williams join the group.

England face France (12:42), the USA (16:00) and Samoa (19:28) in tomorrow’s Pool B matches with Fiji or Wales their potential opponents if they reach the quarter finals.

Former Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks centre Vilk, 30, captained England Sevens in 2007-08 before moving to Treviso and has been playing under Neil Back at Rugby Lions this season.

Williams, 23, is a centre with RC Chateaurenard in the Federale 1 division in France this season who previously played for the Hamiltons club and the Sharks Academy in South Africa.

“We’re lucky to be able to call on two quality players who’ve spent a lot of time with the squad,” said England head coach Ben Ryan.

“Andy’s very experienced with more than 30 tournaments under his belt at this level while Jeff’s got a good pedigree, has impressed us in training and by the way he’s fitted into our group so well.

“We feel we’re on an upward curve at the moment and we played some great rugby in Glasgow so we’re eager to finish on a high on what should be a fantastic occasion at Twickenham.”

England are third in the table behind New Zealand and Fiji going into the final leg of a series in which the eight tournament titles have been shared by five different teams.

England Sevens: Dan Bibby (UWIC), Chris Brightwell, Chris Cracknell, Sam Edgerley (Rosslyn Park), Tom Mitchell (Oxford University), Dan Norton, Tom Powell, James Rodwell, Mathew Turner, Rob Vickerman, Andy Vilk (Rugby Lions), Jeff Williams (RC Chateaurenard)

HSBC Sevens World Series standings (top six): 1 New Zealand 150pts, 2 Fiji 139, 3 England 123, 4 South Africa 115, 5 Samoa 114, 6 Australia 99, 7 Wales 83, 8 Argentina 77

By MARTYN WINTERS. Ireland forwards coach, Gert Smal has been passed fully fit by his medical team following  his departure from the Irish coaching team in the middle of the 6 nations because of sight problems brought on by a pre-existing eye condition.

His illness caused him to leave the coaching team to be replaced by Munster assistant coach Anthony Foley, but now the former Western Transvaal flanker is back at work and has been attending games since early April.

South African, Smal commented: "I’m looking forward to getting back to working with the players again and it was great to meet up with them last week at our squad get together for the first time since I had to take time off.

"It was a worrying time for my family when I was getting these symptoms affecting my eyesight, but it was clear that I was not going to be able to fully function and deliver the guidance the players needed. We needed to get to the bottom of what was going on and was advised to take some rest, so it is at times like these that you reluctantly have to listen to the advice.

“Anthony Foley did a superb job when he stepped in at such short notice as did Paul (O’Connell) and also Rory (Best) and Donnacha Ryan to give that little bit of leadership along with the other forwards. I’m feeling really good and fit at the moment and really excited about stepping back onto the training field, which is where you want to be as a coach, and looking forward to the tour to New Zealand.

"It is one of the toughest places on earth to tour, so we have to be well prepared, but the opportunity to play the World Champions three times in a row does not come along very often and is something that I think everybody is excited about."

The Ireland Forwards Coach was a noted flanker with Western Transvaal (1980-1983), Stellenbosch University (1984-1985), captained SA Gazelles (1984), SA Defence Force (1986-1987), Western Province (1984-1993) and the Junior Springboks (1986). He turned out for the Springboks against the touring New Zealand Cavaliers in 1986, against a World Invitation XV in 1989 and a Serge Blanco World XV team against France.

Between 1986 and 1990 he was a member of the Rovigo club in Italy, as player-assistant coach, following which he was appointed to a number of key coaching positions in South Africa. He held head coach positions at the Border Bulldogs (1998-1999), Western Province (2000-2002) when they twice won the Currie Cup and then with the Stormers in the Super 12 between 2003 and 2005, reaching the semi-finals in 2004.

In 2004, Smal was appointed to the South African team management as assistant coach to Jake White, during which the Springboks won the Tri-Nations championship in 2004 before being crowned Rugby World Cup champions in France last year.

Both sides played a similar double header in Dublin before Easter against strong French selections and were just beaten in tight encounters.

The under-18 club side lost 19-13 despite outscoring their counterparts two tries to one.  There have been changes to the starting team from that game, with out half Fergal Cleary swapping places with centre Sean O’Hagan in a new look midfield.  In the forwards Scott Flanagan starts at hooker in place of Paul O’Donnell who is injured, with Shane Byrne coming into the replacements as back up.

The under-19 team streaked into a 15-0 lead in their last outing against France under-19, but lost narrowly 24-15 in the end after a late French rally in the second half.  There are also two changes to the starting team from that game, with Robbie Henshaw starting at outside centre in place of Tom Farrell, a try scorer against France under-19.  In the forwards, Christopher Taylor starts at tight head prop, with James Dever moving to the replacements.

Ireland Under-18 Clubs v England Under-18 Clubs and Schools (Saturday 14th April, Old Merchant Taylors RFC Middlesex – Kick-off 12.00)

15 – Rueben Pepper-Hobbs (Westport/Connacht)

14 – Adrian Enright (Abbeyfeale/Munster)

13 – Adam Byrne (Naas/Leinster)

12 – Fergal Cleary (Navan/Leinster)

11 – Seamus Keating (Dungarvan/Munster)

10 – Sean O’Hagan (London Irish/St Benedicts/Exiles)

9 – Killian O’Keeffe (Crosshaven/Munster)

1 – Peter Dooley (Birr/Leinster)

2 – Scott Flannagan (Buccaneers/Connacht)

3 – Jacob Walsh (Ballinasloe/Connacht)

4 – Russell Blair (Ballymoney/Ulster)

5 – John Madigan (Charleville/Munster)

6 – Killian Sweeney (Malahide/Leinster)

7- Joe Bercis (Rugby Lions/Exiles)

8 – Jack O’Donohue (Waterpark/Munster) Captain

Replacements:

16 – Brian Cunningham (Navan/Leinster)

17 – Stephen Dalton (Westcombe Park/Exiles)

18 – Shane Byrne (Wicklow/Leinster)

19 – Luke Connolly (Glamorgan Wanderers/Exiles)

20 – Frankie Taggart (Whitgift/Exiles)

21 – Caolin Blade (Monivea/Connacht)

22 – Jim White (Enniscorthy/Leinster)

23 – Eoghan O’Reilly (Buccaneers/Connacht)

Management:

Head Coach – Wayne Mitchell

Manager – Willie Gribben

Assistant Coach – Jimmy Duffy

Doctor – John Quinlan

Physiotherapist – David Hanly

S&C Coach – Joe Mc Ginley

Video Analyst – Jim Herring

Kit/logistics – Tom Nyhan

Squad Coordinator – Sinead Bennett

Ireland Under-19 v England Under-19 (Saturday 14th April, London Irish RFC, Sunbury – Kick-off 13.00)

15 – Darragh Leader (Galwegians RFC / Connacht)

14 – Max McFarland (Clongowes Wood College /Leinster)

13 – Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)

12 – Thomas Daly (Carlow RFC/Leinster)

11 – Rory Scholes (Belfast Harlequins RFC/Ulster)

10 – Steve Crosbie (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)

9 – Dave Shannahan (Clontarf RFC/Leinster)

1 – Edward Byrne (Clongowes Wood College/Leinster)

2 – Bryan Byrne (Clongowes Wood College/Leinster)

3 – Christopher Taylor (Malone RFC/Ulster)

4 – Ultan Dillane (Tralee RFC/Munster)

5 – Gavin Thornbury (Blackrock College/Leinster)

6 – Conor Joyce (Malone RFC/Ulster) Captain

7 – Josh Van Der Flier (UCD RFC/Leinster)

8 – Ryan Murphy (Dolphin RFC/Munster)

Replacements:

16 – John Andrew (Ballymena RFC / Ulster)

17 – Niall Horan (Crescent College /Munster)

18 – Jamie Dever (Westport RFC /Connacht)

19 – Sean McCarthy (Rockwell College/Munster)

20 – Donagh Lawler (St. Michael’s College/Leinster)

21 – Barry Digby (Buccaneers RFC /Connacht)

22 – Harry McNulty (Dublin University RFC/Munster)

23 – Eoghain Quinn (Castleknock College/ Leinster)

Management:

Head Coach – Colin McEntee

Manager – Barney McGonigle

Assistant Coach – Nigel Carolan

Doctor – Tim O’Flanagan

Physiotherapist – Barry Smith

S&C Coach  – Sami Dowling

Video Analyst – Vinny Hammond

Kit/logisitcs – Colin Phillips

Squad Coordinator – Sinead Bennett

Former England man Schofield will make the move from RC Toulon for the 2012/13 season after admitting he was immediately sold on the vision for the future at Worcester by straight talking coaching duo Richard Hill and Phil Davies.

Schofield has spent the last two seasons enjoying his rugby at star-studded RC Toulon in the Top 14, playing with international stars from around the world such as Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Giteau and Bakkies Botha.

However, the 33-year-old, who last weekend shone against Harlequins in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final victory, is now looking ahead to his return to England where he previous played and carved out a fearsome reputation at Sale Sharks.

Schofield said: “I’m looking forward to the move to Warriors. I spent nine years in the Aviva Premiership with Sale Sharks and I always hoped to be able to come back again.

“It has been good to experience life and rugby in France, it really intrigued me, but it’s good to be coming back to the English top-flight. I feel I am coming back to where I belong.

“It’s been a really good time for me at Toulon and to play in the Top 14. I have met good people over the two years and worked with some good coaches. I take a lot from this, both on and off the field.

“I have been lucky enough to play with some quality players at Toulon and I have certainly learnt a few things, I think the experience has been hugely beneficial to me.

“It was quite interesting to play against Harlequins last weekend in Europe and the English players again.

“I spoke to a few guys after the game, the people who play in my position, and they told me about how exciting the Aviva Premiership was this season, how quick the games have been and what a great brand of rugby it is.”

Schofield also revealed how the coaching team of Hill and Davies had quickly persuaded him that Sixways was the right destination for him.

“Worcester were the first club I spoke to about a move back to England – and after speaking to Richard and Phil my mind was made up,” he revealed.

“I’m a loyal guy and after I chatted with them I told them I was coming. Decision made, I was sticking with them.

“They spoke very well and told me about the vision for the club, what they wanted over the next few years and what would be happening.

“What they said, and how they said it, spoke volumes to me. It struck a chord and they were straight down the line with me, which is how I want people to be. Coming to Warriors was a no brainer after that.

“Everyone knows the facilities at Sixways are outstanding and what is also crucial is the support,” he added. “Worcester have a great following, I have seen those fans first hand, and a cracking stadium. Any player would want to be part of that.

“I played with Chris Jones for a number of years so he will be one face I know well. We used to live together but I’m not sure he will be so happy if I turn up with a suitcase on his doorstep. I might ask if he fancies a housemate for a while,” he joked.

“It will be good, though, to catch up with him. He is quality player who I got to know very well during our time at Sale.”

Schofield, who is also due to become a father in the coming months, admits plans are now underway to make the move back to the UK.

But for now the second row will continue to play his rugby as he has throughout his career – by not taking a step back.

“I want a big finish with Toulon now, there is no respite for me,” he declared. “We have the semi-final of the Amlin Challenge Cup coming up against Stade Francais and also some big games in the Top 14. I have some goals I still want to achieve before I leave France.

“When that is done, then I’m then looking forward to moving back to England and getting stuck in with Warriors.

“I will take a deserved break for a few weeks at the end of the season and then I’ll be at Sixways and ready to rip.”

There are a number of changes to the side that defeated Portugal 34- 24 in the quarter finals last Friday.

Squad captain Dan Leavy starts this game in a much changed pack. He is joined in the back-row by Rory Maloney and Peader Timmins who both featured in the first game.

There is a new front row with Charlie Slowey, Max Abbott and Eoghan McKeever while Ross Moloney and Sean O’Brien make up the second row.

In the back line Bobby Holland and Conor McKeon are unchanged in the half backs while Harrison Brewer is joined in the centre by Rory O’Loughlin.

David Johnston switches to the right wing with Greg O’Shea coming in on the left. William Dardis completes the back three.

IRELAND UNDER-18 SCHOOLS Team & Replacements (v France Under-18s, FIRA/AER U-18 European Championship Elite Group, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Tuesday, April 3rd, kick-off 17:30 local time/16:30 Irish time):

15 – William Dardis (Terenure College/ Leinster)
14 – David Johnston (Rockwell College/ Munster)
13 – Rory O’Loughlin (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)
12 – Harrison Brewer (Terenure College/ Leinster
11 – Gregory O’Shea (Crescent College/ Munster)
10 – Conor McKeon (Gonzaga/ Leinster)
9 – Bobby Holland (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)
1 – Charlie Slowey (CBC Cork/ Munster)
2 – Max Abbott (PBC Cork/ Munster)
3 – Eoghan McKeever (CBC Monkstown/ Leinster)
4 – Ross Molony (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)
5 – Sean O’Brien (CC Roscrea/ Connacht)
6 – Rory Maloney (CC Roscrea/ Leinster)
7 – Daniel Leavy (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)captain
8 – Peadar Timmins (Clongowes Wood College/ Leinster)
Replacements:
16 – Dylan Donnellan (Clongowes Wood College/ Leinster
17 – Adain Slattery (PBC Cork/ Munster)
18 – Shane Delahunt (Kilkenny College/ Leinster)
19 – Shane Boyle (Sligo GS/ Connacht)
20 – Darragh Moloney (CBC Cork/ Munster)
21 – Josh Fullerton (CCB/ Ulster)
22 – Gearoid Lyons (Crescent College/ Munster)
23 – Stephen O’Neill (Terenure College/ Leinster)
24 – Cian Kelleher (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)
25 – Cormac O’Donnell (St Munchins/ Munster)
26 – Jack O’Neill (Castleknock College/ Leinster)

Ireland Fixtures:

Friday 30th March 2012 
Ireland 34 Portugal 24

Tuesday 3rd April 2012
M5: KO: 17.30hrs Ireland v France
aturday 7th April 2012
M9: KO: 16.45hrs Winner M5 v Winner M6
M10: KO: 15.00hrs Loser M5 v Loser M6
M11: KO: 12.45hrs Winner M7 v Winner M8
M12: KO: 11.00hrs Loser M7 v Loser M8

All matches will be played at Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid.

The Ireland U-18 Schools will warm up for their defence of the FIRA/AER European title with a pre tournament friendly against Scotland in Coolmine RFC on Sunday, March 25th, k.o. 12 noon.

This year’s Justin Bridou U-18 European Championship takes place in Spain with Ireland drawn in the Elite group alongside England, Wales, France, Scotland, Italy, Georgia and Portugal.

Ireland won the tournament in France last year for the first time having previously reached two finals with the U-18 Club team.

The U-18 Schools, who beat a fancied England team by 17 – 8 to take the title in 2011, will play Portugal in Ciudad Universitaria in Madrid in their opening game on March 30th. The winner will progress to a semi final where they will face either France or Scotland.

Terry McMaster will coach the 26 man squad with the assistance of Paul Barr and Kenny Hooks.

Ireland U-18 Schools Squad (FIRA/AER U-18 European Championship, Madrid, March 29- April 8th)

Max  Abbott (PBC Cork/ Munster)

Benjamin Alexander (RBAI/ Ulster)

Shane  Boyle (Sligo GS/ Connacht)

Harrison Brewer (Terenure College/ Leinster)

William Dardis (Terenure College/ Leinster)

Shane Delahunt (Kilkenny College/ Leinster)

Dylan  Donnellan (Clongowes Wood College/ Leinster)

Josh Fullerton (CCB/ Ulster)

Bobby Holland (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)

David  Johnston (Rockwell College/ Munster)

Cian Kellerher (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)

Daniel Leavy (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)

Gearoid  Lyons (Crescent College/ Munster)

Rory Maloney (CC Roscrea/ Connacht)

Eoghan McKeever (CBC Monkstown/ Leinster)

Conor  McKeon (Gonzaga/ Leinster)

Saba  Meunargia (Marist College/ Connacht)

Ross Molony (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)

Sean  O’Brien (CC Roscrea/ Connacht)

Cormac  O’Donnell (St Munchins/ Munster)

Ruairi O’Farrell (Blackrock College/ Leinster)

Jack  O’Neill (Castleknock College/ Leinster)

Gregory O’Shea (Crescent College/ Munster)

Rory O’Loughlin (St. Michaels College/ Leinster)

Charlie  Slowey (CBC Cork/ Munster)

Peadar Timmins (Clongowes Wood College/ Leinster)

Ireland U-18 Schools Management

Terry McMaster – Head Coach

Paul Barr – Assistant Coach

Kenny Hooks – Assistant Coach

John McKinney – Team Manager

Chris Shield – Fitness Coach

Ozzie Fogarty – Team Doctor

David Lyons – Team Physio

Vinny Hammond – Team Analyst

Nicola Lyons – Team Co-ordinator

John Moran – Team Assistant