Northampton Saints: PDJ out to claim a start for England
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PAUL DORAN-JONES is hoping to get a starting spot for Saints to press his claims to be in the England side.
The Saints prop was called up as injury cover for David Wilson last week and is currently back in the England training camp as they prepare for Saturday’s Twickenham clash with Wales.
Doran-Jones won three caps for England in 2009, and is part of the England Saxons squad this season.
The 26-year-old is desperate to regain a place in the England team and feels a starting role for Saints would be a step in the right direction, with tough trips to London Irish and Saracens coming up.
Doran-Jones has not started for Northampton since January 6 in the home Premiership win over Harlequins, with Brian Mujati being preferred.
But the former Gloucester prop said: “Hopefully there will be a start in there for me over the next couple of games, we will see how it is.
“Obviously I am hopeful of getting into the England team, but I am still only there as injury cover, so I am just holding a bag at the moment.
“It is good to be involved, but it is also good to come back here at Northampton and hopefully it doesn’t effect my continuity.”
Doran-Jones joined Northampton as a prop who can play on both sides of the scrum, but he has mainly appeared at tighthead this season.
His versatility could be an asset in forcing his way into the England 22, with Saracens’ Matt Stevens the man on the bench behind starting props Dan Cole and Alex Corbisiero.
Doran-Jones is close to breaking through but knows starting for Saints over the next few games would really help.
Though being split with England duties means he has to work hard to keep his focus on Saints.
“Being away for the last couple of games it is about re-familiarising myself with what has changed at Northampton,” said Doran-Jones.
“Learning what is new and just getting the game plan back in my head.
“I felt good out there on Saturday and it was good to be back at Franklin’s Gardens, it feels like I haven’t played there for ages.”
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