KENT Labour MP Derek Wyatt found himself in the eye of a political storm this week over his split allegiances to politics and rugby.

The former England rugby international and MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey was summoned back from the World Cup for a tight House of Commons vote on foundation hospitals.

Unlike sports minister Richard Caborn, Mr Wyatt was in Australia at his own expense as a fan, although he is chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Rugby Union Committee.

He said: "I had set my heart on seeing England win the World Cup. But I am a politician first and foremost."

He gave away his ticket for Saturday's final and was about to board a flight home at midnight on Tuesday when he suddenly received a call on his mobile phone. The chief whips had changed their minds and decided he could stay.

He was relieved but less than amused. "I was really depressed and had prepared myself for the stressful 22-hour flight home. Then they suddenly said I could stay.

"I was in no man's land, I didn't have a hotel, a ticket or a flight home."

The Government has come under fire for wasting taxpayers' money flying Mr Caborn home to boost numbers for the controversial vote.

Mr Wyatt expressed dismay at the lack of political representation at the World Cup. He says there are 40 French MPs in Australia, boosting support for the Paris Olympic bid.

He said: "I don't think the Government has appreciated the power of sport. For us not to have a big presence here is a huge political mistake."

But Gordon Henderson, the Conservative candidate challenging Derek Wyatt in the next general election says it is Mr Wyatt making a political mistake by neglecting important Parliamentary business.

He said: "I am absolutely appalled that he appears to have abandoned his responsibilities to fly off to Australia. I know that he is rugby mad, but this decision is mad full stop."

Mr Wyatt flew to Australia last week and attended both semi-finals. He says Saturday's final will be the biggest ever televised rugby match.

"The atmosphere is absolutely sensational. I was in Tokyo for the England v Argentina football match last year, but this is 10 times better than that."