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Phil Vickery
Back in the front row: Phil Vickery has recovered from injury and will return to the Wasps team for the Premiership final

Phil Vickery's shock final comeback

Chris Jones, Rugby Correspondent
30 May 2008


Phil Vickery will today be given a shock call-up to the London Wasps team to face Leicester in the Guinness Premiership play off final at Twickenham tomorrow.

Vickery, who injured knee ligaments against Sale on 15 April, was given little chance of making the final but has defied the medical experts and proved his fitness for Wasps biggest game of the season. However, it will be a risk for Wasps and a major challenge for Vickery, who has not played for more than six weeks.

The England captain will be named at tight-head prop while Riki Flutey has been given the No10 position vacated by the injured Danny Cipriani as the Londoners bid to end the season with a trophy.

Vickery said: "I have trained fully this week and I am down on the team sheet to play. All being well, I'm looking forward to walking out the tunnel at Twickenham."

Running on to the pitch for the final time as a player will be Lawrence Dallaglio.

Once retired, the 35-year-old will become an associate director of the club and will spearhead the search for a new stadium next season.

It is understood that Dallaglio has also been approached by Lions coach Ian McGeechan to run the rule over potential back row candidates for the three Test tour of South Africa next year.

Dallaglio also has plans to go into coaching or management and will complete the level three stage of the Rugby Football Union's coaching course over the next six months. Part of that training will involve gaining experience at Richmond.

Dallaglio was invited to take a Richmond forwards training session this year and is willing to help out when needed next season.

However, it does not signal a full time involvement with Richmond, who are committed to remaining an amateur outfit.

Dallaglio said: "I did one session for Richmond and would be happy to help Buster White, my old Wasps team-mate, if he needs me next season. I will also be involved off the pitch with Wasps."

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