THREE rugby stars with north Hampshire connections have been named in the England squad that will tour New Zealand next month.

Tom Rees, Tom Croft and Peter Richards were picked in the 32-man squad, which was announced by manager Martin Johnson and elite rugby director Rob Andrew on Tuesday.

Openside flanker Rees, who is 23 and a former Basingstoke RFC colt, will be looking to reclaim a place in the starting XV after suffering a terrible run of injuries.

Croft, a blindside flanker who grew up in Kingsclere and is 22, will be hoping to keep his place in the side after picking up three caps in this year's Six Nations Championship.

Former Lord Wandsworth College student Peter Richards, who is 30 and plays at scrum-half, has also been named in the squad.

However, Jonny Wilkinson, who also attended the Long Sutton school, requires surgery on his shoulder and will miss the tour.

Rees and Croft will both be in action for their clubs this weekend, looking to secure a place in the Premiership play-off final.

Rees' Wasps side face Bath at Adams Park, while Croft, who plays for Leicester, will travel to table-toppers Gloucester in the other semi-final.

12:04pm Friday 16th May 2008

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