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Kitchener seeks home rule

Image: Kitchener: World Cup hopes

England Saxons lock Graham Kitchener is hoping a return to his former home will help strengthen his World Cup claims.

Lock out to impress at Sixways

England Saxons lock Graham Kitchener is hoping a return to his former home will help strengthen his World Cup claims. The 21-year-old has been named in the starting line-up for the Churchill Cup final against Canada after Dave Attwood was ruled out through injury. That means Kitchener will turn out at Sixways on Saturday just weeks after completing his move from Worcester to Leicester. Kitchener came through the academy at the Warriors and helped the club achieve their goal of winning promotion back to the Aviva Premiership this season. And Kitchener is now hoping to cap a memorable season by impressing the England's management to clinch a place in the World Cup training squad, which is announced on Monday. "It's bad luck for David Attwood to be injured but I need to take my opportunities and I'm excited and ready to play," he said. "I've been on the bench and now I want to be on the pitch and playing, especially at Worcester. "It'll be good to go back there, get a start and win the Churchill Cup. I'd like to think that I'd get a warm welcome.

Special

"Sixways has been a special place for me for the last three years. I'm really looking forward to being back and I hope people are looking forward to seeing me." England earned their place in the final of the annual tournament by beating the USA and Tonga, while Canada ensured it would be a repeat of the 2010 showdown by toppling Russia and Italy. And being one of the two survivors from the 38-18 win over the Canucks in New Jersey - along with Alex Goode - Kitchener is refusing to underestimate the Canadians. Kitchener said: "We've reviewed each game, this weekend is a new one and you're only as good as your next game. "We've seen Canada play pretty well and to beat Italy A in the way they did that means we won't take them for granted. "It's been a very positive tournament for us. We came into it not knowing what to expect from the two teams in our group - especially Tonga - but we've beaten them well and as a squad despite the short amount of time together we've bonded together and gelled pretty well." To purchase tickets to the Churchill Cup finals day, visit www.churchillcuprugby.net

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