Rugby Union: London give Probyn hope

JEFF PROBYN was given a way back into the England set-up when he was named in the London team to face the North in the Divisional Championship on Saturday at Newcastle.

Probyn, 37, was chosen at tight- head prop ahead of Andy Mullins, who featured in the 46-man England squad for New Zealand's tour. The Harlequins player was left out of that group but he may have the chance to bid for a Test place when London play the All Blacks on Saturday week.

Justyn Cassell, also of Harlequins, drops out of the London team to play the North after dislocating his right shoulder while Tony Underwood will make his debut for London in the match.

England's Tim Rodber and Ian Hunter have pulled out of the North team to meet Wales A today. Rodber, a back-row forward, is suffering from a recurring ankle problem, while his Northampton team- mate Hunter has decided against playing two matches in the space of just four days.