Cohen leaves England in the lurch

Northampton Saints star Ben Cohen has withdrawn from England’s tour of South Africa and has made himself unavailable for selection for Rugby World Cup 2007. The wing wants to spend time with his wife, who is expecting twins.

The 28-year-old, a RWC winner in 2003, was included in Brian Ashton’s 30-man squad for the two-Test mid-year tour on Tuesday, but has decided to put his international career on hold for the year.

“Ben was very pleased to hear the news that he would be touring with England but he has reflected on his selection and his current personal circumstances,” said Ashton.

“His wife is expecting twins later in the year so I understand his reasons for withdrawing from the tour and from contention for the Rugby World Cup squad to spend time with her.”

Cohen, who had 57 Test caps to his name, started all but one of England’s matches at RWC 2003 and the triumph marked a unique family double – his uncle, George Cohen, played football at right-back for England when they won the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

Ashton will announce Cohen’s replacement in the England squad on Tuesday, and Gloucester full-back Iain Balshaw, who was the obvious omission from Ashton’s original squad, could now be promoted from the England Saxons.

Cohen has scored 31 tries for England but his international career has stuttered since the Rugby World Cup triumph.

He was overlooked for the 2005 Lions tour and withdrew from the reserve list to take a summer off having fallen out of love with the game.

Cohen refound his form with Northampton and started all four November Tests this season, scoring against New Zealand to join Will Greenwood in second place on England’s list of leading try-scorers.

But he was overlooked when Ashton replaced Andy Robinson in charge for the Six Nations and there must now be doubts whether he will don the red rose again.

Cohen will certainly find it harder to break back into the England fold for the 2008 Six Nations, given he will be playing in National League One next season with relegated Northampton.

And there is also fresh competition with Harlequins tyro David Strettle making such an immediate impression during the Six Nations, Josh Lewsey now being considered solely as a wing and the likes of Olly Morgan bolstering England’s back three options.