Captaincy will return to Moody

The Bath flanker missed the whole of England’s Six Nations title-winning campaign with a knee ligament injury, handing over the captaincy reins first to Mike Tindall and then Nick Easter.

But Moody, 33, is the man England manager Martin Johnson wants to lead his squad into the Rugby World Cup amd will officially confirm the team to face Wales – the first of England’s three World Cup warm-up fixtures – tomorrow lunchtime.

And Moody is chomping at the bit to make his England return in a squad that could also include Matt Stevens and the uncapped trio of Manu Tuilagi, Charlie Sharples and Mouritz Botha.

“To be out there and to get to play at Twickenham this weekend will be fantastic,” said Moody.

“It’s the exciting part, you get a chance to play and go out and do what you’re paid to do.”

Tindall, who led England to four victories in the Six Nations before injury cost him a place in the final-round defeat to Ireland, welcomed Moody’s return to the helm.

“Moodos has always been named as that captain,” said Tindall.

“I was very honoured and privileged to be named when he was unavailable – but he is still viewed in my eyes and everyone’s as the ‘skipper.’”