9/4/05 - Sanderson able to sting Wasps

The Sixways skipper has not been included in the England squad to play in the fifth leg of the 2004/05 IRB Sevens series.

Sanderson is a key component of the England Sevens set-up but coach Mike Friday has agreed the flanker should be able to play in all of Worcester's Premiership games this season.

There were fears Sanderson could be called up and would therefore miss the clash against the European champions but the Warriors will be able to keep hold of their captain.

With three legs left of the IRB Series to be played in Singapore, London and Paris, England will be aiming to close the gap on leaders New Zealand, who remain in pole position in the rankings, and Fiji and Argentina who are second and third respectively.

Friday said: "Singapore gives England a real opportunity to show that we can bounce back after going so close to reaching the final in Hong Kong.

"We were obviously disappointed with the defeat to Fiji but I am pleased that so many of the RWC Sevens squad and a number of players who have played at this level before will be with us in Singapore."

Meanwhile, Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth has denied there are any shady dealings going on behind Premiership closed doors over promotion and relegation.

"With regards to the end of season can I assure all our supporters that there is no conspiracy," he said.

"A lot of people are saying some of the results have been extremely strange but I can assure you that rugby players and those running the game would not entertain anything less than to do their utmost to win every game, irrespective of their league situation.

"Regarding the final matches, we have to pick up one, two or three bonus points which may be enough. We would prefer to win our three remaining matches but at least one more win would put it beyond doubt.

"Therefore, we have to be confident that we will not be the 12th club and involved in the debate over whether Bristol or Exeter meet the entry criteria."