Fourie made his debut in English rugby for Rotherham in 2005

Leeds Carnegie head coach Neil Back believes flanker Hendre Fourie is ready for an England call-up.

The 30-year-old South African qualifies for England through residency.

Back told BBC Radio Leeds: "I highlighted a few players in our squad to Martin Johnson when he came along at the start of the season.

"Hendre was one of those. He's certainly playing outstandingly well for us last season and this, and it'll only be a matter of time."

Back added: "But from a selfish point of view I hope Johnno ignores this and doesn't look at him."

England coach Johnson has been forced to shuffle his pack for next month's autumn internationals with nearly 20 players unavailable.

606: DEBATE Have your say on the notable absentees from England's squad

Veteran Bath prop David Barnes and uncapped forwards Richard Blaze and Courtney Lawes have been called up, while fly-half Andy Goode, scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth, winger David Strettle, back-rower James Haskell and prop Duncan Bell all join the elite squad.

Experienced forwards Steve Thompson and Lewis Moody also return.

Fourie, 30, joined Leeds from Rotherham in 2007 but missed six months of the season after injuring his bicep in his debut game.

He was Leeds' player of the year in the 2008-09 promotion season, scoring nine tries in 20 appearances.

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