England singing Flutey's tune
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:55
Martin Johnson is looking forward to seeing Riki Flutey in an England jersey for the first time, as the former New Zealand Maori centre qualified for England selection on residency grounds.
Starting his role on July 1, the new team manager's first official duty was to select the 32-man England Elite and Saxons squads that now form part of the eight-year agreement between club and country.
And among the seniors is Flutey, London Wasps' New Zealand-born centre who was last season's Players' Player of the Year.
"We've picked the squad purely on rugby form and merit and with what we want to do on the field," Johnson told rfu.com.
"Riki is a very good player, he deserves his place on merit and he is keen to be in the England team so we are looking forward to having him in the squad," Johnson added.
Wasps team-mate and former England flyhalf, Danny Cipriani, is tipping Riki Flutey to provide the spark in attack and become a "massive asset" to England.
Cipriani, who is still nursing his ankle after recent surgery, believes Flutey is a dynamic player who will bring some bite into the England attack.
"Riki has brought dynamism and passion to Wasps. He's a phenomenal player and has had an amazing season," Cipriani told clubcall.com.
"If he can replicate what he does for Wasps at international level, he will be a massive asset to England, " he added.
