Martin Johnson names NZ tour squad

By Padraic Halpin

LONDON (Reuters) - New England manager Martin Johnson named six uncapped players in a 32-man squad on Tuesday for next month's two-test tour of New Zealand, his first selection since taking over from former coach Brian Ashton.

The London Irish trio of Nick Kennedy, David Paice and Topsy Ojo were included for the first time alongside Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care, Bristol prop Jason Hobson and hooker Dylan Hartley of Northampton.

Lock Steve Borthwick will captain the side in the absence of injured prop Phil Vickery, who is recovering from a knee ligament injury. Flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson was ruled out last month and requires shoulder surgery.

Johnson's contract does not begin until July 1 and he will stay in England with his pregnant wife throughout the June tour.

"Would I like to be out there? Of course I would, but circumstances are what they are," Johnson told reporters at Twickenham.

"It's awkward not being there and it's not ideal but I will get updated on all the day-to-day issues that happen and (will be involved) with selection obviously.

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"Sitting here right now we have a fairly good idea of who will be in the starting 15 and a determination in the way we want to play."