Simpson-Daniel 'delighted' with call-up

Gloucester's James Simpson-Daniel was delighted to learn of his call-up to England's 30-man squad for its tour of Australia and New Zealand in June.

The 21 year-old winger joins Gloucester team-mate Andy Gomarsall and departing colleague Trevor Woodman - who will join Sale Sharks in 2004/05 - in the England squad, with club mates Alex Brown, Andy Hazell, and Henry Paul earning selection in the 'A' team.

Commenting on gloucesterrugbyclub.com, Simpson-Daniel identified the opportunities on offer when the touring party travel to New Zealand at the beginning of June.

"When you look across the two squads there are some very strong 'back three' players named," he said. "But this gives me, and the rest of them, a great opportunity to impress the management team against some of the toughest opposition around."

Simpson-Daniel has been in strong try-scoring form during the current campaign, scoring eight tries in 17 Zurich Premiership appearances and six tries in seven Heineken Cup outings.

The talented 'Cherry and Whites' player was on the bench for a number of England's Six Nations games this Spring, after he missed out on the World Cup squad in 2003.

"It's a great way to cap a long and hard season, and I just want to get involved and push those who already have those starting positions."