Rugby Union: Family Ties Force White Out of World Cup

England's World Cup preparations today suffered a setback when the Leicester prop Julian White ruled himself out of the tournament. Although the tighthead has agreed to go on standby for the two-month competition, he will not be part of England's official 30-man squad.

The head coach Brian Ashton is due to name his World Cup party on August 14, but White has now followed Northampton wing Ben Cohen in making himself unavailable. Ashton, whose training squad is currently based at the University of Bath, said White had indicated he did not want to leave his young family behind for a lengthy period. White, who is from a farming background, has also bought a considerable amount of land and has commitments in that area.

"Julian has got a young family and he doesn't want to leave them," said Ashton. "Farming-wise he has taken a lot on. He will not be part of the World Cup 30, but he will be on standby. It is a blow, but it is his choice based on those two reasons. I have talked it through with him, and I understand why. He has made his mind up."

Given Vickery's status as captain, White would realistically not have expected to start the bigger World Cup games, including the pivotal pool clash against South Africa in Paris on September 14. But the experience gained from more than 30 England Test appearances would still have made him an important member of Ashton's squad that will try to defend the Webb Ellis trophy.