Friday 13 June 2014 08:09, UK
England head coach Stuart Lancaster has called up Sale Sharks forward Michael Paterson to his tour squad in Dunedin.
The 29-year-old trained with the group on Friday and could feature in Tuesday’s game against the Crusaders in his native Christchurch.
Paterson, who can play at lock or in the back row, played 58 minutes of England’s 39-29 defeat to the Barbarians at Twickenham on June 1.
England need cover in the second row and Lancaster leapt at the chance to bring Paterson into the fold given he was already in the country visiting family.
Lancaster said: “We wanted some second row cover and with Michael having trained with us leading up to the Barbarians game and knowing our systems it made sense to call on him as he was in Christchurch visiting family.
“He trained well with us this morning and will be in contention for selection for what is an important match against the Crusaders.”
Paterson joined Sale from Cardiff Blues last summer and impressed in his debut season in the Aviva Premiership, helping the Sharks qualify for the European Rugby Champions Cup.
He spent four years playing Super Rugby – three years with the Crusaders and one year with the Hurricanes – before joining Cardiff Blues in 2010.
Paterson became eligible to play for Wales after completing three years of residency, while he qualifies for England through his grandfather.
