England in New Zealand 2014
Lancaster to wait before naming tourists
ESPN Staff
May 7, 2014
Stuart Lancaster waves to the travelling fans, Italy v England, Six Nations, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, March 15, 2014
The waiting game for Sturat Lancaster © Getty Images
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Stuart Lancaster will not finalise England's touring party for June's three-Test series in New Zealand until he is more certain who will be available to him and when.

He will wait on the outcome of a host of club play-offs and finals before completing the squad lists for next month's New Zealand challenge, according to PA Sport. He is expected to need at least 40 players, owing to the seven-day gap between the Premiership final and England's first Test in Auckland on June 7.

None of the Premiership finalists will be available for the Auckland Test, leaving Lancaster waiting to adjust his squad depending on who reaches the final. He is then likely to name stronger sides for the other two Tests.

He will take 12 specialist front-rowers and four scrum-halves to solve the headache caused by the lack of time between the end of the domestic season and the New Zealand trip.

PA Sport said he was likely to name a 15-strong training group next week after the final round of the regular Premiership season when the semi-finalists are known.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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