FORMER Welwyn rugby player Joe Worsley has been named in the British and Irish Lions squad for this summer s tour to South Africa. The tough-tackling 31-year-old London Wasps flanker is one of eight English players in the 37-man party to take on the Sprin

FORMER Welwyn rugby player Joe Worsley has been named in the British and Irish Lions squad for this summer's tour to South Africa.

The tough-tackling 31-year-old London Wasps flanker is one of eight English players in the 37-man party to take on the Springboks.

Head coach Ian McGeechan announced the touring squad in London yesterday (Tuesday) with Munster and Ireland second row Paul O'Connell selected as captain.

Worsley enjoyed a superb Six Nations campaign with England and will be battling for places in the Lions starting XV with the Irish back row trio of David Wallace, Stephen Ferris and Alan Quinlan and Welshman Martyn Williams.

The other England internationals in the squad are centre Riki Flutey, scrum-half Harry Ellis, winger Ugo Moyne, lock Simon Shaw, hooker Lee Mears and props Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery.

Utility forward Worsley can play in all three back row positions and has won 72 England caps.

He has played in three Rugby World Cups and was a member of the triumphant 2003 squad in Australia.

Worsley also featured in the 2007 RWC final against South Africa in France.

But this will be his first British Lions tour.

The first test match against South Africa takes place in Durban on Saturday, June 20 - six days after Worsley's 32nd birthday.