“We are obviously delighted that Stephen has been totally exonerated of any wrongdoing by the disciplinary panel and that he is now available for selection this weekend against France.

“While we understand and fully support the stance to stamp out dangerous tackles in the game to make it safe at all levels, the disciplinary panel itself felt that the decision to award a penalty was incorrect and we also felt that it was a fair and legitimate tackle by Stephen.

“He is a hard and fair player and I think that his previous disciplinary record supports why we felt so strongly about his defence.  The focus now for Stephen and the rest of the squad is to prepare for the game against France this weekend.”

In his eight year international career, Parks won 67 caps for Scotland, scoring 266 points, including a Scottish record 17 drop-goals.

He was the pivotal figure in Scotland’s successes in 2010, winning a host of Man of the Match awards and steering the side to a historic, unprecedented Test series triumph in Argentina and memorable victories against Ireland and South Africa.  It should also be remembered that he was the Scotland players’ player of the World Cup in 2007, testament to his talent and his immense popularity with his peers.

Parks (Cardiff Blues), 33, had been thinking over his decision following the Rugby World Cup, in which he was Man of the Match in the final pool game against England.

He told www.scotlandrugbyteam.org: “I was thinking about it but the first game of the Six Nations was against England, the auld enemy, Jacko (Ruaridh Jackson) was injured and being able to play against England was huge for me as there was a sense of unfinished business.

“On reflection after the game, after talking it over with my family, girl-friend and close friends I’ve come to the decision that now is the right time to retire from the international game.

“There are some really talented guys coming through – Jacko (Ruaridh Jackson), Greig (Laidlaw) and Duncan (Weir) – and although I’m sad to be finishing my international career I have some fantastic memories of playing for Scotland and what that has meant to me.

“I’ve no regrets at what has been an amazing career for me.  I’ve got my favourite moments for Scotland – uppermost being the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

“That was my first World Cup, something that as a youngster you would always aspire to play in, and it was just such a happy, exciting, positive time.  It was also where I met my girl-friend, Laetitia.

“Other memorable moments have been the two wins against England at home (2006 and 2008), the win against South Africa here at Murrayfield, the two wins in Argentina in 2010 and one in 2008 and the Ireland game in 2010 which was a great occasion.

“I’ve made some incredible friends here in Scotland and in the Scotland team and a lot of those friendships were forged in Glasgow.

“There are a lot of people within Scottish rugby who have been good to me.  I would like to thank Matt Williams, Frank Hadden, Andy Robinson and all the various assistant coaches over the years, alongside the medical, fitness, kit, administrative and media staff who have helped me.

“I was proud of myself in the way I came back from trouble off the pitch in order to regain my position firstly within the Glasgow team and then the Scotland team.

“I want to say a massive thank you to my family and close friends.  They’ve been invaluable for their constant support over the years.

“I also want to thank the loyal fans of the Scotland team.  It’s been a rocky road for me at times but at the end I’ve always given 100 per cent to play at my best and succeed for Scotland.

“This is not the end of me as a rugby player.  My international career is over but I want to keep playing club rugby.  I always enjoyed my time in Glasgow.  It’s one of great cities I’ve visited, so who knows what will happen in the future.”

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “I have really enjoyed working with Dan.  He wasn’t in my first Scotland squads but through his own determination, hard work, skill and competitive spirit he forced his way back into selection.  It’s never an easy decision to make but I feel Dan has made the right decision and thank him for his contribution over the years.”

Parks’ half-back partner on many occasions, Edinburgh Rugby’s Mike Blair said: “The reaction of all the guys when Parksy announced his retirement said it all – stunned silence and emotion.

“Dan is a hugely popular and respected member of the squad and his contribution to some of Scotland’s most famous victories cannot be under-estimated.

“2010 sticks in my mind the most.  Dan coming back from the wilderness to win MOTMs against Wales, Italy, Ireland, South Africa and Argentina in that year just showed how resilient and competitive he is.  His humour, talent and energy will certainly be missed around the Scotland camp.”

Lock Alastair Kellock, a team-mate and captain of Dan with both Glasgow Warriors and Scotland, added: “International rugby has enormous highs and lows and it’s testament to the credibility of Dan’s character that he managed to bring positivity to every day he was involved.
“It’s been a huge privilege to have played with him over so many years for Glasgow and Scotland.”

The Scotland team to play Wales in Cardiff on Sunday will be announced tomorrow.

The Saxons go into the game at Netherdale on the back of a 23-17 win over the O2 Ireland Wolfhounds at Exeter secured by tries from Leicester Tigers No.8 Thomas Waldrom and Saracens scrum half Ben Spencer, and 13 points from Gloucester Rugby fly half Freddie Burns.

Flanker Seymour, 27, and centre Joseph, 20, take over from Waldrom and Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby), who have been added to the senior squad training for the opening match of the RBS 6 Nations at Murrayfield.

Benjamin, 23, replaces Delon Armitage (London Irish) following the latter’s suspension from the Saxons Elite Player Squad. The Worcester wing scored five tries in two Churchill Cup appearances against the USA and Canada last summer.

Saxons coach Jon Callard said: “Dave Seymour’s been playing very well for Sale and captaining the side too while Miles played a big role last summer. I’m sure he was disappointed not to be part of the Saxons EPS and this is a great opportunity for him to show what he can do.

“Everyone’s delighted that JJ (Joseph) is playing again. It was always our intention to involve him at the right time, when he was fit and with his club’s blessing. He’s a really exciting talent.”

Callard added: “The energy and attitude of the group over the last week has been outstanding and now it’s important that we keep on working hard and improve our execution going into tough away game.”

The Saxons are training at the National Sports Centre at Bisham Abbey and travel to Scotland on Wednesday.

England Saxons

Backs

Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)
Miles Benjamin (Worcester)
Freddie Burns (Gloucester Rugby)
Paul Hodgson (London Irish)
Matt Hopper (Harlequins)
Jonathan Joseph (London Irish)
Ryan Lamb (Northampton saints)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
Billy Twelvetrees (Leicester Tigers)
Ben Spencer (Saracens)

Forwards

Chris Brooker (Harlequins)
Paul Doran-Jones (Northampton Saints)
Matt Garvey (London Irish)
James Gaskell (Sale Sharks)
Joe Gray (Harlequins)
Rupert Harden (Gloucester Rugby)
Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)
Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors)
Kearnan Myall (Sale Sharks)
George Robson (Harlequins)
Andy Saull (Saracens)
David Seymour (Sale Sharks)
Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers)
Nick Wood (Gloucester Rugby)

Saracens scrum half Spencer – the youngest man in the team – darted over from close range after just 10 minutes to settle his early nerves and Waldrom retrieved Freddie Burns’s deflected chip through the Wolfhounds’ defence mid-way through the second half.

Burns added two conversions and his three penalties pulled the Saxons clear. The Wolfhounds responded with scores from David Kearney and Tomas O’Leary. Simon Zebo then struck in the closing seconds.

“It’s been pretty much a dream,” said Spencer.” I got the call on Monday, came in on Tuesday, didn’t expect the call to start and then to score was an absolute dream. I was pretty nervous before the game, it took it out of my legs a bit, and to get a try early on just settled me down.”

The Saxons dominated at the set piece to help him ease his way into the game against senior Ireland internationals Isaac Boss and O’Leary.

“It’s always a pleasure to play behind a pack that’s going forwards,” he said. “Whenever they got a maul going we stopped that quickly, on our set piece we were clinical and the ball was on a plate for me so it was brilliant to be behind a pack that was so dominant.”

Waldrom was an injury replacement at the Rugby World Cup without getting on the field, and the Leicester Tigers forward made a big contribution even before his 53rd minute try.

“It was good to get the first game under my belt,” said Waldrom. “It was a big week leading up to it and it was good to get out and do my thing. You’re put where you’re put and you can only do your best from where you are. It’s an important stepping stone and it was a big deal.

“All 22 guys out there want to be pushing for the top team but you’ve got to perform, whether you’re at the Tigers or here you’ve just to go out and enjoy it. That’s what I did today.”

Saxons coach Jon Callard believes there is more to come from the side, too, as they add more precision to a big-hearted performance in front of the 8,000 Sandy Park crowd.

“Technically you can go away and work on it but the thing you were going to get measured on today was heart and desire and hunger,” said Callard. “We did that today and we were gritty and determined.

“We weren’t clinical and it wasn’t flash but the boys dug in, especially the front five. They were exceptional in the work they produced and they did well to control that and give us some ball. It’s easier to go forward when you’re winning.”

The Saxons regroup next week before heading to Galashiels to face Scotland A on Friday, February 3 (7pm).

The 22-year-old centre has put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him play a pivotal role in the club’s progress until at least the end of May 2015.

Currently a contracted member of the Scotland 7s squad, Horne, like back-row forward James Eddie, will complete his commitments in the abbreviated game before rejoining the Warriors set-up on a full-time basis in the summer.

With a leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series coming to Scotstoun Stadium in May, the Fifer is in line for an early sample of on-field action at the ground that will be the Warriors’ playing home from next season.

Prior to joining up with the Scotland 7s earlier this campaign, Horne was in fine form for Sean Lineen’s men, underlining his attacking threat with a brilliantly constructed match-winning try in the historic RaboDirect PRO12 victory away to Leinster.

The former Howe of Fife and West of Scotland player said: “I’m thrilled to have signed a new contract with the Warriors. All the signs are that it’s going to be an exciting place to be over the next few years, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be part of that.

“I’m really enjoying my time with Scotland 7s, and with six tournaments to play, including the one in Glasgow, there’s a huge amount to look forward to on that front over the rest of the season.

“I’ll be giving my all to win selection for those tournaments and help the team achieve success, before coming back to the Warriors and doing my bit to help the club build on the positive signs we’ve seen both on and off the pitch this season.”

Head coach Lineen commented: “Identifying and tying down our best young players is key to the progress everyone at Glasgow Warriors strongly believes is possible over this and the coming seasons.

“I’ve been a big fan of Pete for quite some time, and he’s really come on as a player since he joined us from the National Academy in 2009. He’s got the full range of skills for the modern centre – great hands, a confident kicking game, and an excellent step.

“Allied to those gifts, he’s one of the bravest guys around and he’ll run himself into the ground for the team. Playing with Scotland 7s has been fantastic for his game, especially his decision-making under pressure, and I’m really looking forward to working with him to ensure he fulfils his undoubted potential.”

Horne is the tenth Warriors player to commit his long-term future to the club in recent months, joining Chris Cusiter, Eddie, Chris Fusaro, Ryan Grant, Rob Harley, Stuart Hogg, Ruaridh Jackson, Duncan Weir and Ryan Wilson.

Glasgow, who can still qualify for the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals, finish their Heineken Cup Pool 3 campaign with a game against Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm).

They then face Scarlets at Firhill on Thursday 9 February (kick-off 7.05pm) in a clash that’s crucial to their bid to remain in the RaboDirect PRO12 play-off places.

EPS:

Forwards – Corbierso, Wood, Cole, Stevens, Gray, Hartley, Paice, Garvey, Lawes, Palmer, Robson, Croft, Robshaw, Seymour, Wood, Morgan, Narraway

Backs – Dickson, Simpson, Youngs, Burns, Farrell, Flood Hodgson, Barritt, Trinder, Tuilagi Allen, Ashton, Benjamin, Sharples, Simpson-Daniel, Brown, Foden

Saxons:

Forwards – Golding Mullan, Marler, Doran-Jones, Harden, Brooker, George, Webber, Attwood, Day Parling, Myall, Slater, Clark Kvesic/Gray, Gibson, Johnson, Wallace, Guest, Waldrom

Backs – Hodgson, Young, Clegg, Hodgson Carlisle, Lamb, Allen Joseph, Lowe, Turner-Hall, Twelvetrees, May, Ojo, Strettle, Wade, Armitage, Miller

Looking at the squad is more sobering than exciting. England are short of quality in a number of places and a number of players who 18 months ago were meant to be at the leading edge of the revolution such as Sharples, Attwood and Waldouck, are now in indifferent form with lesser roles. The young talent that started to froth up and create a stir just before the World Cup really need a year to settle. In a lot of places we are asking players who are lacking important attributes to step up and be international performers. It may work, it may not. For me, this 6N would be about winnowing the talent and trying to create a genuine core to work around, rather than the halfway there house we have at the moment.

My team from this would read as follows;

Foden; Ashton, Tuilagi/Allen, Barritt, Simpson Daniel; Flood/Hodgson, Youngs; Wood/Corbierso, Hartley, Cole, Lawes/Garvey, Palmer, Croft, Robshaw, Morgan rep: Paice, Stevens/Corbierso, Garvey/Robson, Wood/Seymour, Simpson, Burns, Benjamin

It is not a team to rumble up the middle, it is not a team to constantly go wide. Neither style is really applicable to England at the moment as we do not have the resources for it. Rather I see this team playing quickly, attacking the midfield and fringes again and again with the likes of Youngs, Flood, Robshaw and Simpson-Daniel acting as creative fulcrums, changing the angle of attack and bringing the runners onto the ball. There is no shortage of good ball carriers here. By constantly pushing defences back and changing the point of attack at speed I’d expect to see holes emerge for our strike runners to attack. Quick ball will be a necessity, with Croft and Lawes in particular being invaluable here. This is nothing new about this, it’s essentially the tactics with which we beat Australia. If we find our opponents bunching up in the midfield to gang tackle us then we spread it wide; the players must play what’s in front of them. Happily, there is something new here, as Barritt can pass where Hape seemingly couldn’t.

I’m not sure this is going to happen. Lancaster’s been talking a lot about going wide and ball-playing 12s. He’s a braver man than me if he goes with that and a good coach if he can make it work. Our opponents will see the 10-12 pairing as an area to pressure should he go down this route and truthfully, I’m not sure we have anything so exceptional out wide that opposition defences won’t cheerfully drift with us from one touchline to the other. Tuilagi’s a brutal runner, but needs to develop the short passing game that will really exploit space and half-breaks. Ashton is a deadly support runner but nothing special out wide.

However, until we see something concrete, it is all speculation, and I shall do no more of that about Lancaster’s plans.

Where does the EPS go from here? In my opinion, whoever is the next England coach needs to start being very pro-active about fast tracking talents. Johnson, for all his faults, was and now we’re halfway to a good team. The next man has to sort out what Johnson couldn’t find. Of course, he can’t invent players to fill gaps, but he can try and identify those who could and then give them the coaching needed. In many respects, I think the England senior set-up should be a de luxe coaching clinic working hand in hand with the senior clubs to smoothen raw edges; and when they can’t, the player should be referred to a specialist. An example would be Joe Simpson working with Kyren Bracken (his own idea not England’s I might add), which does seem to have had a big effect on his passing game, to the point where I believe he’s now worth looking at for England. It’s people like Simpson that England need to look at first, people with very rare talents. Generally it’s been happening but it needs to be stepped up – and it needs to be remembered that game intelligence is a talent, and frequently a rare one in the English game. It’s why Lee Dickson shouldn’t disappear the moment Danny Care is forgiven. England need to turn some ball players into athletes as well as the other way around, and the England set-up – stretching down into age grade – is the best place to start that.

More specifically though, I believe we need a new front row hooker who does not disappear in the tight, a new heavyweight lock with pace, a new line out general, a new jackal-style 7, a new 8 with both athleticism and hands, a back up 10, a new 12 who offers a running threat and distribution threat, a new creative winger (assuming JSD isn’t used) and a new bosh winger – plus back-ups to every space in the squad apart from 6, 9 and 15. Those are the new talents that need to be identified.

My fingers are crossed that Lancaster fills some of the spaces by the end of spring.

Eighteen of the squad of twenty two have started games in the Championship this season and a Titans victory, depending on other results, could see them progress into the knock-out stage of the competition.

The two sides have never met previously, but the Ravens side selected boasts a wealth of experience with the majority of them having some Magners League/RaboDirect Pro12 experience.

Titans coach Andre Bester is expecting a tough encounter against the Ulstermen and commented, “It is great to have Ulster Ravens over here for our B&I Cup match and we warmly welcome them to Clifton Lane.
There’s no doubt Ulster will be very competitive and will provide us with the sternest of tests. It will provide us with a difficult challenge, but it is a challenge we will relish and look forward to.”

Ulster Ravens coach Gary Longwell has made three changes to his starting XV for this Saturday’s match.

Andi Kyriacou has come in to replace Nigel Brady as hooker and captain, with Callum Black and Jerry Cronin retaining the prop positions. James Simpson and Lewis Stevenson form a new second row partnership as they replace Neil McComb and Tim Barker. The back row trio of Ali Birch, Willie Faloon and Mike McComish stays unchanged.

The entire back line from the win over Pontypridd last weekend remains intact and includes an all-Dungannon back three of Chris Cochrane, Conor Gaston and Peter Nelson. The bench has a similar look but there are call ups for David O’Mahoney, who will provide cover at lock, and Stuart Olding, who can play outside half or centre.

The Ravens go into the last game occupying top spot in Pool 5 of the British & Irish Cup, with all 6 pool winners and the best two runners up progressing to the quarter finals. A bonus point win for Longwell’s side would secure a home quarter final. The quarter finals are due to be played on Saturday 21st January 2012.

Rotherham Titans: 15 Stephen Hamilton, 14 John McMahon, 13 Elliot Brierley, 12 Byron Godfrey, 11 Peter Homan, 10 Cliffie Hodgson, 9 Matt Rhodes, 1 Jamie Kilbane, 2 Jan-Francois Bester, 3 Ben Hooper, 4 Ben Harris, 5 Adrian Griffiths, 6 Ben Wade, 7 Carl Kirwan, 8 Sam Dickinson (Capt.).

Replacements: 16 Ross White, 17 Ted Stagg, 18 Rob O’Donnell, 19 Shane Cahill, 20 Barney Maddison, 21 Jimmy Williams, 22 Ed Tellwright.

Ulster Ravens: 15 P Nelson, 14 C Gaston, 13 M Allen, 12 C Farrell, 11 C Cochrane, 10 J McKinney, 9 I Porter, 1 C Black, 2 A Kyriacou (Capt.), 3 J Cronin, 4 J Simpson, 5 L Stevenson, 6 A Birch, 7 W Faloon, 8 M McComish.

Replacements: 16 N Annett, 17 C Carey, 18 D O’Mahoney, 19 N Faloon, 20 B McIlroy, 21 S Olding, 22 R Andrew.

After a 20-15 success at Firhill last Sunday, a further triumph would see the Warriors do the double over last year’s French Top 14 finalists and stay right in the hunt to progress from Pool 3.

But with Montpellier having already beaten the likes of Toulon and Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Yves du Manoir, and come within a minute of seeing off European champions Leinster at home in Round 1, the scale of the challenge facing Glasgow this weekend is obvious.

Lineen said: “This is a simply massive game for the whole club. We’ve put ourselves in a reasonable position by beating Bath and Montpellier at home, but if we’re serious about progressing from the pool we need to win on the road, and we know from our experience in Dublin how difficult that is.

“We know it will be just as tough in southern France this weekend. Montpellier showed at Firhill that they’re a terrifically physical team with a lot of ability, and they’ve won their last three games in the Top 14, beating sides like Clermont and Biarritz.

“We’re also coming into the game with a bit of form, having lost only one of our last nine matches, but we’re well aware that beating a quality Top 14 team on home turf is going to take something special.

“We’ve got the players to deliver it, but we’ll need everyone firing on all cylinders across the 80 minutes to send our supporters home happy. We’ll certainly need to start much better than we did on Sunday, where it took us a good half hour to get into our stride.

“The players know that, and although it’s been a relatively quick week in terms of the turnaround, I’ve been delighted with the really positive and determined vibe that’s been coming from the group. They’re up for the challenge of securing what would be one of the best results in Glasgow Warriors’ history.”

Lineen’s starting line-up for the clash shows five changes from the weekend. In the backline, Troy Nathan comes in for Graeme Morrison at inside centre, while Ruaridh Jackson replaces Duncan Weir at stand-off.

Up front, meanwhile, Jon Welsh cedes to Ryan Grant at loose-head prop, Johnnie Beattie takes the No.8 shirt, and Chris Fusaro is rewarded for a string of impressive displays with a starting role at openside flanker.

The inclusion of the former Heriot’s man, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, means that John Barclay switches to the blindside. Rob Harley, a stalwart of the side so far this season, misses out with a hand injury sustained in Sunday’s game.

Lineen explained: “As ever, we’ve picked a team we strongly believe can win us the game. We said last week that Ruaridh and Johnnie would get more opportunities to bring their influence to bear, and this is a great chance for them to shine.

“Duncan Weir again performed very well last weekend, but I was impressed with the control and composure that Ruaridh brought off the bench, while Johnnie gives us another great ball-carrying option in the back row.

“Chris Fusaro more than merits a start – he’s been absolutely tremendous so far this season. We’re very comfortable about moving John Barclay to blindside; he’s not played a massive amount of rugby there, but he’s got more than enough quality and game knowledge to take the switch in his stride.

“Graeme Morrison is unlucky not to be in the 23, but it’s indicative of the competition we have for places now. Rob Dewey has been performing consistently, and did well as captain against Dragons.”

Glasgow have only once tasted victory on French soil in the Heineken Cup, the famous 33-26 beating of Toulouse in January 2009.

They have, however, beaten Montpellier away, 30-11 in December 2003 in the European Challenge Cup.

GLASGOW WARRIORS TEAM TO PLAY MONTPELLIER IN HEINEKEN CUP POOL 3 AT STADE YVES DU MANOIR ON SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER (KICK-OFF 4.40PM LOCAL TIME (3.40PM UK TIME), LIVE ON SKY SPORTS VIA RED BUTTON)

15 Stuart Hogg

14 Federico Aramburu
13 Peter Murchie
12 Troy Nathan
11 Rory Lamont

10 Ruaridh Jackson
9 Chris Cusiter

1 Ryan Grant
2 Pat MacArthur
3 Mike Cusack
4 Richie Gray
5 Al Kellock (captain)
6 John Barclay
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Johnnie Beattie

SUBSTITUTES

16 Dougie Hall
17 Jon Welsh
18 Moray Low
19 Tom Ryder
20 Henry Pyrgos
21 Ryan Wilson
22 Rob Dewey
23 Duncan Weir

Not considered for selection due to injury: Rob Harley (hand), Gordon Reid (hand), DTH van der Merwe (shoulder), Rob Verbakel (hamstring).

Both sides have the chance to qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition if they were to win, but a loss would almost certainly be the end of the road in this season’s competition.

The two teams met in the group stages of the inaugural year of the competition and Bedford were pushed all the way by the Welsh team in a gruelling 36-24 win which saw plenty of tries, passion, perfect place kicking and a streaker.

The Blues have thrown themselves into training this week following a close fought win over Rotherham last Saturday. One man who has been given a slight leave of absence though is winger Josh Bassett who joined up with the England Under 20 squad during a training trip to Portugal. The 19-year-old has been in sparkling form this season having racked up 11 tries and his eye for the line certainly seems to have struck a chord with the England coaching set up.

There is also a welcome return to action for former England Under 20 star Gregor Gillanders who has recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury which he picked up last season. The back row star comes straight into the starting line-up along with Henry Staff who starts his first game following two appearances from the bench. Only three players who started against Rotherham last week – Ian Vass, Chris Locke and Alex Rae – get the nod for this all important clash against Llanelli.

Speaking ahead of the game, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: “We have, and continue, to take the British & Irish Cup very seriously and we know that Llanelli come to us looking to book a place in the quarter finals. All of the ingredients are there for a cracking game of rugby and we are all looking forward to it.

“We’ve had some tough fixtures in recent weeks and we have another one on the horizon when we travel to Bristol next Friday night. We have a good sized squad and thankfully a lot of our long term injuries are on mend so I am a little spoilt for choice when it comes to selection.

“Gregor and Henry are in the starting line-up while Neil Cochrane also returns to the bench and it is vital for these lads to get some game time. Likewise, there are a few players who haven’t featured in recent weeks so they have a great opportunity to stake a claim.

“I have a lot of respect for Llanelli and know that they will be eager to get revenge for their last visit to Goldington Road and also seal a final eight spot. We, however, also want to progress in this competition, go one better than last season and pick up that trophy.”

Starting line-up:

15. Mark Kohler

14. David Vincent

13. Henry Staff

12. Ian Vass

11. Tom Bedford

10. Jamie Lennard

9. Stefan Liebenberg

1. Nico Steenkamp

2. Chris Locke

3. Dan Seal

4. Billy Johnson

5. Sam Pailor

6. Gregor Gillanders

7. Alex Rae (c)

8. Don Barrell

Reps: 16. Neil Cochrane, 17. Phil Boulton, 18. Mike Howard, 19. Bry White, 20. Luke Baldwin, 21. Jake Sharp, 22. Josh Bassett.

Few players have achieved the status enjoyed by the former Newcastle Falcons fly-half, but another player to have claimed a place in the pantheon of rugby greats is his former England team-mate Jason Robinson.

“Jonny Wilkinson has got to be one of the best players to have ever played the game and just to have been around him has been fantastic.” says the former British Lions, Great Britain RL, England, Sale Sharks and Wigan RL star.

“He’s been so influential to so many players. His dedication, his commitment and his willingness to give 100 per cent in everything, his knowledge of the game and the fact that he’s such a nice lad. He’s very humble for somebody who has reached the heights he has achieved and for him to keep his feet firmly on the floor has been great to see.

“It’s sad, obviously, that he’s retired. He obviously has a few years left in him and he’s committed himself to Toulon, but what a player. I was lucky just to have been able to share his company and to be able to glean so much from his knowledge of the game, especially coming into rugby union when I did.

“I was keen to learn the game and the laws and when you are coming up against some of the big boys and to be able to look around in the huddle and see guys like him and Dallaglio and Johnson – that certainly was a confidence booster. If you needed more confidence and you looked around, you saw guys who, under that pressure, with their backs against the wall, would come up with the goods time and time again.

“For many years he struggled with injuries and seemed to have one setback after another. To come back from that just showed real character and just a willingness to play and a willingness to get better.

“And when you speak to guys who played with him and against him, they knew that they’d have to be on their game. He’d always be looking to raise the bar. If you played against him you were always looking to shut him down and to make sure that you didn’t give away penalties because you know his boot would punish you.

“It’s been fantastic to play with such a great player and to have so many great memories. Obviously everybody looks back to the World Cup in 2003 when he kicked the drop-goal, but for me it’s just been the day-to-day things – the attention to detail, being able to do kicking practice with him, just seeing what makes him tick.

“And also sitting round and having a coffee and a chat and seeing the guy behind the name and discovering what nice guy he is. He’s the biggest name in rugby union and he’s done so much for the game.

“He deserves all the praise and the accolades that he’s had. He’s been outstanding – one of the all-time greats of English rugby.”