Twickenham hospitality news: Jonny Wilkinson dropped for Toby Flood

17/03/2010

Toby Flood has been given an opportunity to convince Martin Johnson to select him for the clash in front of fans with England v Barbarians Twickenham hospitality tickets.

The Leicester Tigers stand-off has been handed the number ten shirt by England boss Johnson for the March 20th 2010 Grand Slam decider with France in Paris.

Johnson has given Flood the nod at the expense of Toulon star and World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson, who has been dropped to the bench after receiving criticism throughout this year's Six Nations over his ability to control England's attacking play.

Wilkinson's chances of selection were dealt a further blow in last weekend's Calcutta Cup match against Scotland, when he was forced off after suffering a blow to the head.

"Jonny took a number of bangs and heavy blows," Johnson said. "We need at least two players in every position and we would have been happy to pick Toby in every game so far."

If Flood can impress in Paris, it could put him in line to appear in front of fans with England v Barbarians Twickenham hospitality tickets on May 30th.

Posted by Katie Leake