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High Noon Uncapped centre in Six Nations squad; Johnson captain
LONDON (AP) -- Uncapped Newcastle center Jamie Noon was named Thursday in England's 30-man Six Nations rugby union championship squad. The 21-year-old was called up by England manager Clive Woodward following his impressive club performances this season. Woodward recalled Leicester wing-center Leon Lloyd, who was capped during England's summer tour to South Africa last summer but missed the autumn tests against the Springboks, Australia and Argentina. Wasps flyhalf Alex King and Saracens center Ben Johnston were omitted after being part of the autumn squad. Suspended England captain Martin Johnson retains the captaincy -- as promised by Woodward last weekend -- while injured trio Matt Dawson, Phil Greening and Danny Grewcock are also selected. Johnson is currently serving a 35-day Rugby Football Union ban, imposed after Saracens cited him for foul play during a Cup quarterfinal clash at Leicester on December 9. The ban expires two days before England opens defense of its Six Nations title against Wales in Cardiff on February 3. Sale flanker Alex Sanderson retains his place, despite an injury that is likely to sideline him throughout the Six Nations. "With the exception of two changes, the squad is the same as the one I announced in September for the autumn internationals," Woodward said. "Jamie Noon has progressed quickly from playing for England Under-21s last year. All the England coaching staff have been impressed with his progress at club level and during the development player training sessions we held with the main squad in the autumn." "I am also pleased to welcome back Leon Lloyd, whose recent club form has been impressive." Noon and Lloyd are unlikely to challenge for places in England's final match-day 22. On the injury front, scrum-half Dawson (shoulder), hooker Greening (knee) and lock Grewcock (toe) are continuing their recoveries. "They appear to be making progress with their injuries, and I hope they will be available for selection when I pick the 22 to play Wales on January 30," Woodward said.
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