Woodman a doubt for England

Gloucester prop Trevor Woodman could be a doubt for England’s tour to New Zealand and Australia after missing the Zurich Premiership final against Wasps.

Woodman, who has won eight caps, sat out the Twickenham showpiece because of an ankle injury.

And it is understood that a scan might now be required to assess any possible bone damage.

Woodman and the rest of England’s 37-man squad are due to assemble at their Surrey training base tonight before flying to Wellington tomorrow.

The Gloucester loosehead has experienced an injury-ravaged season, starting just one of England’s eight Tests – against New Zealand last November – due to a neck/shoulder problem.

He recovered in time to gain caps off the bench against England’s final two RBS 6 Nations Championship opponents Scotland and Ireland, and is seen as an integral part of coach Clive Woodward’s World Cup plans.

If he was to be ruled out of the tour – England play the New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth tomorrow week, New Zealand on June 14 and world champions Australia in Melbourne seven days later – then Bath-bound David Flatman could reasonably expect a call.

Woodman’s Gloucester team-mate, wing James Simpson-Daniel, hurt his ankle during the Wasps game, and will be another player to attract attention from England’s medical team before departure.

Woodward is due to hold a press conference tomorrow morning, when an update can be expected on any last-minute injury concerns.

Apart from the senior squad, a second England tour party will be on its travels later this week, heading for Canada and the inaugural Churchill Cup competition against Canada and the USA in Vancouver.

The squad, coached by Sale Sharks pair Jim Mallinder and Steve Diamond, will also play two games in Japan on July 4 and 6.