Thomas gets England call-up

By Mark Stevens

Haydn Thomas has joined Exeter Chiefs team-mate Tom Johnson in the England squad preparing to tackle a star-studded Barbarians line-up at Twickenham this Sunday (1pm).

The 30-year-old scrum-half, together with Sale's Kearnan Myall, have both been added to Stuart Lancaster's 25-man squad as nine of England's summer tourists will be in action for either Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints on Saturday in the Aviva Premiership final.

Thomas is in contention for a first appearance in a senior England shirt, while 6ft 7in lock Myall, 26, has featured for England Saxons since 2009.

Lancaster, who will be assisted by Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter not only this weekend, but also during their forthcoming South American tour, said: "This week it's good to have Haydn and Kearnan involved in the senior England environment ahead of what should be a great game against a very strong Barbarians team. They have both played well recently and deserve this opportunity."

England name their side for Sunday's match against the Barbarians on Friday at 11am.

Meanwhile, Lancaster has added Northampton Saints backs Luther Burrell and Stephen Myler to their summer tour squad following this weekend's final.

Uncapped pair Burrell, 25, and Myler, 28,  have been called up following injuries to Alex Goode (shoulder) and Joel Tomkins (ankle) that have ruled the Saracens pair out of the Barbarians game and the tour which includes matches against a CONSUR XV in Montevideo, Uruguay (June 2) and Tests against Argentina in Salta (June 8) and Buenos Aires (June 15). 

Lancaster added: "Luther Burrell and Stephen Myler have both played well in the second half of the season and they've both got a great opportunity to put a marker down for the future on tour in Uruguay and Argentina.

"Our commiserations go to Alex Goode and Joel Tomkins. It's disappointing that they have to miss out but they have both had excellent seasons and I am sure they will be back in contention next season.”