PAT Sanderson has been handed the chance to revive his England career after he was named in Brian Ashton's squad to tour South Africa this summer.

The Warriors captain is part of a 30-man party to tackle the Springboks in Bloemfontein on May 26 and Pretoria on June 2.

It looked like Sanderson's international career had come to an end when he was overlooked for the Six Nations tournament earlier in the year but his return to form at club level, coupled with the unavailability of several key players, has paved the way for a return.

He will be joined in the squad by former Sixways team-mate Andy Gomarsall, the scrum-half who this week signed a new two-year contract at current club Harlequins.

But there is no place in the squad for Worcester lock Craig Gillies, who had been tipped to gain recognition on this tour.

Players from London Wasps, Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby were not considered because of their participation in European finals on May 19 and 20 and eight players are unavailable through injury.

The party will be captained by Sale wing Jason Robinson.

Head coach Ashton said: "If you look at some of the experienced characters as well as some of the younger players who have recently appeared on the international scene it's an interesting mixture.

"It's going to be an enormous challenge for these players. We are under no illusions - it is going to be an incredibly tough two-and-a-half weeks but I don't expect any of the players or management to back down from that challenge."