Rob Webber has received a call-up to the 32-man squad for the Six Nations © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Players/Officials: Rob Webber

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: England | Wasps

Wasps hooker Rob Webber expressed his delight after being named in the 32-man England squad for the 2012 Six Nations by Stuart Lancaster.

The 25-year-old has represented England at all levels - including Sevens and the Saxons - bar the senior side, although he travelled with the team to New Zealand back in 2010. And Webber's inclusion is as a result of some solid performances for the Adams Park side as he has established himself as a key part of their front-row.

And although Webber is fully aware of the talent his rivals in the squad possess - Dylan Hartley and Lee Mears - he is looking to take full advantage of the opportunity. "It's a huge honour to even be considered to be named the squad and I am really proud to be there," Webber told Wasps' official site. "I have very worked hard with a lot of other players at Wasps this season even though things haven't been going our way and if I got a reward for that by getting the chance to play for England it would be fantastic."

"There are some very talented players competing in my position so I have my work cut out for me but I recognise what a big opportunity this is for me and one I am hoping I can take the chance with both hands. I am extremely grateful to be given a shot and I will give it my very best."

And Webber was quick to praise the inclusion of Joe Simpson in the 32-man squad and fellow Wasps forward Joe Launchbury in the Saxons. "I think it's good news that there are a few of us in there," Webber said. "Being picked I hope shows that people are recognising that the team is doing a lot of things right even if we aren't where we want to be in the Aviva Premiership table.

"Joe [Simpson] will certainly be pushing very hard for his second cap and I think I speak for everyone when I say how fantastic it is for the club that Joe Launchbury is getting this recognition at just 20 years old. If he hadn't been injured earlier in the season I genuinely think he would have been pushing for the senior squad and I know all of us at Wasps can't wait to get him back when he's fully fit next month."