EDF Energy Cup - : England stars return for Wasps

Lawrence Dallaglio in EDF Energy Cup action last season

England stars return for Wasps

31 October 2007, 9:59 am

By Jonathan McConnell

London Wasps host Gloucester in their second EDF Energy Cup pool game on Sunday boosted by the return of several more of their Rugby World Cup stars as England's Paul Sackey, Lawrence Dallaglio and Simon Shaw are anticipated to run out in black and gold for the first time this season on Sunday.

The game promises to be an exciting showcase of English rugby, with Gloucester boasting exciting players such as Ryan Lamb, Anthony Allen and James Simpson Daniel in their back line whilst Wasps can call on Sackey, Fraser Waters and Danny Cipriani, all of whom played a part in flying the flag for England in their World Cup preparations and campaign.

Up front, Wasps supporters can also look forward to the return of Wasps favourite Frenchman, Raphael Ibanez who, alongside Dallaglio and Shaw, will be enjoying his first club action of the season since returning from France.

With Tom Rees, Eoin Reddan and Dan Leo already having their first club games under their belts, Wasps are well on their way to getting back to full strength, though supporters will have to wait at least another week to see Joe Worsley and Josh Lewsey in action, both of whom continue to rehab from hamstring injuries, and of course England captain Phil Vickery, who is rested for this weekend.

With the entire squad back in training at some point this week, if not playing at the weekend, Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan said:

"It's nice to have everyone back in the fold again, especially as we are preparing for some very big games in the coming weeks, beginning with Gloucester on Sunday. They have made a very strong start to the season, and playing them will be a good measure for us as we get back towards a full strength squad."