English Rugby
Lancaster: Tindall has got 'a lot to prove'
ESPN Staff
May 16, 2012
Gloucester's Mike Tindall is halted, Gloucester v Newcastle Falcons, Aviva Premiership, Kingsholm, England, April 14, 2012
Mike Tindall's Gloucester days appear to be at an end © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Stuart Lancaster | Mike Tindall

England coach Stuart Lancaster is looking forward to seeing his side line up against Mike Tindall when the former England skipper takes to the Twickenham pitch with the Barbarians but has also sounded a note of caution to the centre.

The former England captain has not featured for his country since the World Cup, when his antics off the field created more headlines than his performances on it.

Lancaster dropped Tindall for the Six Nations and turned his attention to the future, with uncapped centres Jonathan Joseph and George Lowe among those preferred for the summer tour of South Africa. Tindall has been named in the Barbarians squad for their games against England, Ireland and Wales along with former international team-mates Iain Balshaw and Paul Sackey.

Although Lancaster is unlikely to consider Tindall again, he believes it is fitting for the 33-year-old to appear again at Twickenham after winning 75 caps for England. Lancaster said: "It is great that he is playing. I am sure Mike has got a lot to prove by playing at Twickenham and I think it is great that he has the opportunity to do that again."

Asked whether it was unlikely that he would pick Tindall, Lancaster said: "I think the way we are going in terms of our squad, and trying to pick a group of players towards 2015, yes."

Reports in the Daily Mail also suggest that Tindall's outing for the Barbarians could be his last competitive rugby match. The centre's contract is up at Gloucester and there is reportedly a lack of offers on the table for his services.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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