Freshwater rejects Woodward invitation

Perpignan prop Perry Freshwater has declined an invitation to join England's tour of Australia and New Zealand next month.

Freshwater - who was originally named in England's second-string squad for June's Churchill Cup in Canada - was approached by Sir Clive Woodward following the injury to Bath prop David Flatman.

But the New Zealand-born player told the England coach that he wanted to see his club through to the end of the French season.

Perpignan look set for a berth in the semi-finals of the French championship, and - all going well - will contest the Final on June 26, the day of England's final tour match against Australia in Brisbane.

The loss of Freshwater has add to Woodward's mounting front row problems.

England have already lost Phil Vickery to injury and Jason Leonard to retirement, whilst Flatman is unlikely to be able to travel to Australasia due to a recent Achilles tendon injury.

Props Tim Payne (Wasps) and David Barnes (Bath) have been called into England's second-string squad, and Woodward will be hoping that both men can get through Saturday's Zurich Premiership Final without succumbing to injury.

The good news for England is that prop Matt Stevens - a senior tourist - has won his battle with a knee infection, and is named amongst Bath's replacements for the Final.