England turn back the clock with last hurrah for their golden oldies

Four years after being dubbed Dad's Army, England named an even older squad yesterday to defend the World Cup in France.

Coach Brian Ashton has gambled on experience by dumping the stars of tomorrow and instead opting for the heroes of yesteryear.Lawrence Dallaglio made it a hat-trick of 35-year-olds by joining Mark Regan and Mike Catt in the 30-man squad.Andy Farrell, 32, also earned the nod, pushing up the average age of the world champions' playing party to almost 30.

Ashton's picks will amuse the southern hemisphere, where one columnist has already likened England's campaign to a pension plan.
"They haven't so much turned back the clock, but launched a time machine to pick their World Cup squad," wrote New Zealand Herald columnist Chris Rattue.

"Having won the Webb Ellis Trophy with Dad's Army in 2003, they are now going to defend it with the Last of the Summer Wine. What a comedy."
Ashton has decided that the tournament has come too soon for 22-year-olds Toby Flood and James Haskell, Nick Abendanon, 21, and teenage starlet Danny Cipriani.
In doing so he appears to have gone against his principles - for this is a guy who has always argued that if you're good enough, you're old enough.

But the southern hemisphere was last night warned to think twice before mocking England - by one of its greatest players.
Michael Lynagh, World Cup winner and Australia's record points scorer, said: "I would advise against anyone poking fun at this England selection.
"England have demonstrated in the past couple of weeks that the strength and the power of their forward play is something to fear.
"I expect this World Cup to be dominated by big, powerful forwards and England have certainly got a few of those. They are big men and once that power gets coupled with a backline which is capable of using that dominance and the possession that that delivers, they could be a pretty potent force.
"These guys will not want to be known as the players that gave back the World Cup."

Dallaglio's selection has been disputed by former captain Will Carling, who questioned the No.8's form and said that he could be a "divisive influence".
But Wasps' boss Ian McGeechan said: "Lawrence has proved himself in every way on the biggest stages that rugby has to offer, not just on the field but also with what he brings to the team environment.
"I've no doubt that as a player and a leader he will deliver for England in the coming weeks."
England will be poorer for the absence of Mike Tindall and Charlie Hodgson, who were both denied the chance to prove their recovery from long-term injuries.
But if Ashton has sacrificed the X-factor that his young guns brought, he has overdosed on 'mental toughness', the quality he believes to be most vital at a World Cup.
He has told those players whose dreams he has shattered to remain on stand-by in case of injuries. And he will now tell those remaining that there are no opponents they need fear.

For while it is a massive leap of faith to believe that England can become the first nation in World Cup history to make a successful title defence, nobody - not even the All Blacks - will choose to come up against them.
by Alex Spink

Jack's Court Warning For Edinburgh

Scottish Rugby Union president George Jack has vowed to "vigorously" fight Edinburgh in court if the ongoing dispute between the Murrayfield neighbours ends with a legal battle.
In a letter to member clubs, Jack also insisted a court case would "in no way" impact on the SRU's ability to fund grass-roots player insurance, and the project devised to increase participation at all levels.

Jack refuted claims from Edinburgh owner Bob Carruthers that the SRU are "apparently insolvent" and urged followers of Scottish rugby to "challenge" such suggestions.
The row, which centres on Edinburgh's claim that they are owed a substantial six-figure sum by the SRU in overdue Magners League and Heineken Cup match payments, escalated when the club withdrew their 12 Scotland internationals from a week of World Cup training last month.
Jack wrote: "As we have continually reminded the new Edinburgh owners, the agreements between the union and Edinburgh Rugby form a binding contract and we expect Edinburgh to honour its obligations.

"This means, for example, that we expect Edinburgh to release players for Scotland duty.
"If they choose not to do so we will defend the union's position and as necessary protect our rights in the best interests of the game.

"Ultimately, this means that if Edinburgh decides to press its claims through the courts we will, albeit with a heavy heart, defend our position vigorously."
Jack rejected the suggestion that the SRU are close to insolvency, claiming the remarks were worthy only of "contempt".

"I would ask you to challenge such allegations wherever you come across them," he wrote.
"Our chief executive, Gordon McKie, informed us at our recent AGM that the SRU's 2007 financial statements will show a trading profit, albeit before any provision required for the closure of the Border Reivers.

"Our borrowings are down almost £2million to £19million.
"We have considerable headroom in our borrowing facilities, we have the full support of our bankers and we have very considerable asset backing in the form of our land at Murrayfield.
"Therefore I would suggest that you treat any reports to the contrary with the contempt they deserve."

Jack stressed that the SRU have "explored every avenue" in an effort to avoid a courtroom confrontation with Edinburgh officials.
Carruthers and brother Alex took charge of the Magners League side last year on a franchise basis, signing a five-year contract to run the club who were previously under SRU control.
Jack told the member clubs: "Your elected representatives on the Scottish Rugby Council have been kept fully up to date with regards to the dispute ... and have reported to the council that they are satisfied that the correct strategy in the best interests of Scottish - and Edinburgh - rugby is being pursued."

Jack added: "Those of you who know me will appreciate that the welfare of the players has throughout been at the forefront of my concerns. I am determined that whatever happens with Edinburgh, the impact of the current dispute on the players will be minimised."