Flatman has played almost 130 games in seven season for Bath

Bath forward David Flatman says he does not expect to ever appear again for the England team.

The 30-year-old has eight international caps, the last coming against Argentina in June 2002.

"I don't think I'll get back into an England shirt. I play the way I play and what they want is something different," Flatman told BBC Bristol.

"They pick the team to win the game and that isn't me. I don't think I'm on the England radar."

The former Saracens forward was called up as cover into the England squad for the Autumn internationals back in November.

I'd love to win more big games and more trophies with Bath. David Flatman

But his Bath team-mate and fellow loose-head prop David Barnes was selected ahead of him.

"I've never been one to think of England in a Bath match," said Flatman.

"I haven't played for England for eight years so I think it's time we moved on from that. I'm a Bath player and that's it."

Flatman joined Bath in 2003 and has become a cornerstone of Steve Meehan's side.

"I want to play well for Bath and play as many games as I can. I think I've been available for all but one game in the last two and a half years," he said.

"I'd love to win more big games and more trophies with Bath.

"Winning the European Challenge Cup [in 2008] is a minor trophy, we all know that.

"But it was an incredible feeling and the best day of my rugby career, without a doubt, and I want more of those."

Bath travel to Newcastle this weekend in a rich vein of form, looking for their sixth consecutive Premiership victory.

"In this league the guards against complacency are the guys you play against," added Flatman.

"There is a point to prove. We got smashed at home by Newcastle which was an unacceptable result so there's no complacency.

"It would be nice not to allow them to do the double on us."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version