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2014-15MEDIA GUIDE

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England Rugby 2014–15 Media Guide

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Contents

Ian Ritchie welcome

Stuart Lancaster welcome 3

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Media contacts 4

Media access 5

England Senior Men 21

England Women 85

England U20 125

England Sevens 152


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Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive

A very warm welcome to all our friends in the media at such an exciting time for the entire game in England, from the U8s playing in grassroots clubs to Stuart Lancaster’s England squad running out at Twickenham and the fans tweeting messages of support.

Whether it’s installing floodlights or improving social spaces at local clubs, or the new pitch and gymnasium at Pennyhill Park, creating the right environment and facilities is equally important. Investing in the game means investing in all of our people and the places that rugby is played and enjoyed. Planning and logistics for Rugby World Cup 2015 are on track and the Webb Ellis Cup will return from its 15 country tour, to be taken around England as we reach 100 days to go until the tournament.

Our great working relationships with England Rugby 2015 and Rugby World Cup Ltd are ensuring that the tournament’s operational delivery supports, wherever possible, our aim of growing the game.

England Women have won the Women’s World Cup in France, our England U20s have retained the Junior World Championship in New Zealand and, as the QBE Internationals kick off the Twickenham season, interest in rugby has soared. I am very grateful for your coverage of our sport, which helps to recruit not only players but also new volunteers and future leaders for the game.

Ian Ritchie

Welcome from

I am sure like everyone involved in England Rugby you are excited about the next 12 months.

The World Cup in England in 2015 is a huge chance for us as a country – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to create something special.

We have already noticed an increase in public interest and your coverage of the game plays a crucial part in that. You are the window through which the public and everyone who follows England so passionately can connect with us.

We have 12 internationals to go until the World Cup though, starting with the World Champions New Zealand at Twickenham, and our focus is very much on that first game of the QBE Internationals.

Nine of those next 12 games will be at Twickenham which is great because the atmosphere there is fantastic. The grassroots fan and the England rugby supporter now feels connected to the team

and if we can garner all that momentum going into a home World Cup it will be very powerful.

It’s a really exciting time for England rugby at the moment and we feel we’ve got young, talented players coming through all our teams.

The Women and Under-20s are also included in this guide as they head towards a Six Nations as World Champions. Our men and women’s Sevens teams also feature as they try and qualify this season on behalf of Team GB for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Thank you again – your contribution and support of all our teams is greatly valued and appreciated.

Stuart Lancaster


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Stuart Lancaster, Head Coach

Welcome from


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Media Contacts

Dave BartonSenior England Team Communications ManagerE: [email protected]: +44 (0) 7736 517 610

England

Brendan AltadonnaWallabies Media ManagerE: [email protected]: +61415961097

Australia

Lionel RossigneuxCommunications & Media ManagerE: [email protected]: +33 (0) 6084 51794

France

David O SiochainMedia & Communications OfficerE: [email protected]: +353 86 043 6798

Ireland

Andrea CimbricoMedia ManagerE: [email protected]: +39 (0) 3207 877687

Italy

Joe LockeAll Blacks Media ManagerE: [email protected]: +64274418461

New Zealand

Rulla Su’a VaaiMedia OfficerE: [email protected]

Samoa

Michael JamesScotland Team Media ManagerE: [email protected]: +44 (0) 7814 615553

Scotland

De Jongh BorchardtSARU Media ManagerE: [email protected]: +27 82 999 9979

South Africa

Luke BroadleyWRU National Squad Media ManagerE: [email protected] T: +44 (0) 7736 185883

Wales


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Twickenham Stadium – Media Accreditation 2014/15Media Accreditation for 2014/15 fixtures, to be played at Twickenham Stadium, must be applied for via the RFU’s online system www.englandrugby.com/pressaccreditation. Applications will not be considered unless they are registered via this system.

All applicants are required to confirm that they have read, understood and agree to the RFU’s Media Accreditation Terms and Conditions, a copy of which can be found upon application.

All photographers, written media and non-host broadcasters must apply through this system.

For all accreditation enquiries contact Charlotte Trusson, RFU Communications Team and Events Coordinator, on 0208 831 6563 or [email protected].

Note to desks: In preparation for the Rugby World Cup, media holding Twickenham Stadium annual passes should wear them to all England media events. Those not in possession of a pass should email England Senior Team Communications Manager [email protected] confirming their attendance.All dates and timings subject to change.

Week 1 – England training campSunday, October 268pm Revised list of players coming to camp issued via email

Tuesday, October 28 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 12pm Stuart Lancaster Daily writers’ briefing, Parkview Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm embargo 12.20pm Stuart Lancaster Sunday writers’ briefing, Oak Room – embargoed until 10pm Saturday12.40pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews 3, Parkview Room12.45pm Three backs available for interview, Parkview & Oak Rooms1.15pm Three forwards available for interview, Parkview & Oak RoomsOne player will be available to broadcasters only with no embargo One player will be embargoed from the Daily writers’ briefings until 10pm FridayOne player will be embargoed from the Daily writers’ briefings until 10pm Sunday Three players will be embargoed from the Sunday writers’ briefings until 10pm SaturdaySelected players will also be available to broadcasters subject to stated embargoes Email broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 5pm on Monday, October 27 2pm Vision access to training warm-up (media should be pitchside by 1.30pm)

Media Access


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Week 2 – QBE International v New Zealand Sunday, November 2 8pm List of players returning to camp issued via email

Monday, November 3 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 12.30pm Stuart Lancaster writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm embargo 12.30pm One player broadcast interviews, Stuart Room12.50pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews x 3, Stuart Room12.50pm One player writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm embargo 1.15pm Close Email broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 5pm on Sunday, November 2

Tuesday, November 4 – Pennyhill Park Hotel12.30pm Graham Rowntree writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm Tuesday embargo12.30pm Captain and two player broadcast interviews, Stuart Room12.45pm Graham Rowntree broadcast interviews x 3, Stuart Room 12.45pm Captain writers’ briefing, Carolean Room12.55pm One player writers’ briefing, Carolean Room1.05pm One player writers’ briefing, Carolean Room1.15pm Close One player will be embargoed from the writers’ briefing until 10pm Tuesday One player will be embargoed across all platforms until 7am Wednesday The captain will be embargoed across all platforms until 10pm Wednesday Embargoes for the players excluding captain will be finalised by one hour before the session starts Email broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 12pm on Monday, November 3

7pm List of players being released to Aviva Premiership clubs and those returning to camp on Wednesday issued via email

Wednesday, November 5Day off, no media access

Thursday, November 6 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 9.45am Team announcement via EnglandRugby.com and press release 10.30am Vision access to training warm-up (media should be on site by 10am) 10.45am Additional 15 minutes for Getty and one pooled national photographer 12.30pm Stuart Lancaster press conference, Carolean and Stuart Room 12.45pm Stuart Lancaster Daily writers’ briefing embargoed until 10pm, Hampton Room1pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews x 3, Carolean and Stuart Room1pm Selected players from the Test 23 (minus Monday/Tuesday players and captain) available, Carolean, Stuart and Hampton Rooms 2pm Player session closes Players will be allocated to broadcast, online and print media but requests will be considered. One player for broadcast media will be embargoed until 12.30pm Friday One player will be embargoed from a writers’ briefing until 10pm FridayBroadcasters should email [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday, November 5 to confirm attendance

Friday, November 7 – Twickenham Stadium 11am Access to captain’s run warm-up 12.30pm Andy Farrell writers’ briefing, Media Briefing Room (formerly named the Good Health Bar), first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm Friday embargo12.50pm Andy Farrell broadcast interviews x 3, Media Briefing Room Requests to [email protected] by 5pm on Thursday, November 6


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Saturday, November 8 – Twickenham Stadium QBE International – England v New Zealand, 2.30pm Post match to include Sundays’ player, Mondays’ briefing with Stuart Lancaster and one player embargoed until 10pm Sunday across all platforms.

Week 3 – QBE International v South Africa Sunday, November 9 8pm List of players returning to camp issued via email

Monday, November 10 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 12.30pm Stuart Lancaster writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm embargo 12.30pm One player broadcast interviews, Stuart Room12.50pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews x 3, Stuart Room12.50pm One player writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm embargo 1.15pm CloseEmail broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 5pm on Sunday, November 9

Tuesday, November 11 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 12.30pm Mike Catt writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm Tuesday embargo12.30pm Captain and two player broadcast interviews, Stuart Room12.45pm Mike Catt broadcast interviews x 3, Stuart Room12.45pm Captain writers’ briefing, Carolean Room12.55pm One player writers’ briefing, Carolean Room1.05pm One player writers’ briefing, Carolean Room1.15pm Close One player will be embargoed from the writers’ briefing until 10pm Tuesday One player will be embargoed across all platforms until 7am Wednesday The captain will be embargoed across all platforms until 10pm Wednesday

Embargoes for each player will be finalised one hour before the session starts Email broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 12pm on Monday, November 107pm List of players being released to Aviva Premiership clubs and those returning to camp on Wednesday issued via email

Wednesday, November 12 Day off, no media access

Thursday, November 139.45am Team announcement via EnglandRugby.com and press release 10.30am Vision access to training warm-up (media should be on site by 10am) 10.45am Additional 15 minutes for Getty and one pooled national photographer 12.30pm Stuart Lancaster press conference, Carolean and Stuart Room 12.45pm Stuart Lancaster Daily writers’ briefing embargoed until 10pm, Hampton Room1pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews x 3, Carolean and Stuart Room1pm Selected players from the Test 23 (minus Monday/Tuesday players and captain) available, Carolean, Stuart and Hampton Rooms 2pm Player session closes Players will be allocated to broadcast, online and print media but requests will be considered. One player for broadcast media will be embargoed until 12.30pm Friday One player will be embargoed from a writers’ briefing until 10pm FridayBroadcasters should email [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday, November 12 to confirm attendance

Friday, November 14 – Twickenham Stadium 11am Access to captain’s run warm-up 12.30pm Graham Rowntree writers’ briefing first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm Friday embargo, Media Briefing Room12.50pm Graham Rowntree broadcast interviews x 3, Media Briefing RoomRequests to [email protected] by 5pm on Thursday, November 6


00


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Saturday, November 15 – Twickenham Stadium QBE International – England v South Africa, 2.30pm Post match to include Sundays’ player, Mondays’ briefing with Stuart Lancaster and one player embargoed until 10pm Sunday across all platforms.

Week 4 – QBE International v SamoaMonday, November 17 – Pennyhill Park Hotel12pm List of players returning to camp issued via EnglandRugby.com and press release3pm Stuart Lancaster writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm embargo 3.20pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews x 3, Stuart RoomEmail broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 5pm on Sunday, November 16

Tuesday, November 18 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 12.30pm Captain writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm Tuesday embargo12.30pm One player broadcast interviews, Stuart Room12.45pm Captain broadcast interviews x 3, Stuart Room12.45pm One player broadcast interviews, Carolean Room 1.15pm Close One player will be embargoed from the writers’ briefing until 10pm Tuesday The captain will be embargoed across all platforms until 10pm Tuesday Email broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 12pm on Monday, November 177pm List of players being released to Aviva Premiership clubs and those returning to camp on Wednesday issued via email

Wednesday, November 19 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 9.45am Team announcement via EnglandRugby.com and press release 10.30am Vision access to training warm-up (media should be on site by 10am)

11.15am Additional 15 minutes for Getty and one pooled national photographer 12pm Team announcement via EnglandRugby.com and press release 12.30pm Stuart Lancaster press conference, Fairway Room12.45pm Stuart Lancaster Daily writers’ briefing, Hampton Room embargoed until 10pm 1pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews x 3 Fairway Room2.30pm Vision access to training warm-up (media should be on site by 10am) 4pm Requested players from the Test 23 (minus Tuesday players and captain) available 5pm Player session closes Players will be allocated to broadcast, online and print media but requests will be considered. One player for broadcast media will be embargoed until 12.30pm Friday One player will be embargoed from a writers’ briefing until 10pm Thursday One player will be embargoed from a writers’ briefing until 10pm Friday Broadcasters should email [email protected] by 5pm on Tuesday, November 18 to confirm attendance

Friday, November 21 – Twickenham Stadium2pm Mike Catt writers’ briefing, Media Briefing Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm Friday embargo2.20pm Mike Catt broadcast interviews x 3, Media Briefing Room3.30pm Access to captain’s run warm-up – Twickenham StadiumRequests to [email protected] by 5pm on Thursday, November 20

Saturday, November 22 – Twickenham Stadium QBE International – England v Samoa, 7pm Post match to include Sundays’ player, Mondays’ briefing with Stuart Lancaster and one player embargoed until 10pm Sunday across all platforms.


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Week 5 – QBE International v Australia Sunday, November 23 8pm List of players returning to camp issued via email

Monday, November 24 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 12.30pm Stuart Lancaster writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm embargo 12.30pm One player broadcast interviews, Stuart Room12.50pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews x 3, Carolean Room12.50pm One player writers’ briefing – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm embargo 1.15pm Close Email broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 5pm on Sunday, November 23

Tuesday, November 25 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 12.30pm Graham Rowntree writers’ briefing, Carolean Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm Tuesday embargo12.30pm Captain and two player broadcast interviews, Stuart Room12.45pm Graham Rowntree broadcast interviews x 3, Carolean Room12.45pm Captain writers’ briefing, Carolean Room12.55pm One player writers’ briefing, Carolean Room1.05pm One player writers’ briefing, Carolean Room1.15pm Close One player will be embargoed from the writers’ briefing until 10pm Tuesday One player will be embargoed across all platforms until 7am Wednesday The captain will be embargoed across all platforms until 10pm Wednesday Embargoes for each player will be finalised one hour before the session starts Email broadcast interview requests to [email protected] by 12pm on Monday, November 247pm List of players being released to Aviva Premiership clubs and those returning to camp on Wednesday issued via email

Wednesday, November 26 Day off, no media access

Thursday, November 27 – Pennyhill Park Hotel 9.45am Team announcement via EnglandRugby.com and press release 10.30am Vision access to training warm-up (media should be on site by 10am) 10.45am Additional 15 minutes for Getty and one pooled national photographer 12.30pm Stuart Lancaster press conference, Carolean and Stuart Room 12.45pm Stuart Lancaster Daily writers’ briefing embargoed until 10pm, Hampton Room1pm Stuart Lancaster broadcast interviews x 3, Carolean and Stuart Room1pm Selected players from the Test 23 (minus Monday/Tuesday players and captain) available, Carolean, Stuart and Hampton Rooms 2pm Player session closes Players will be allocated to broadcast, online and print media but requests will be considered. One player for broadcast media will be embargoed until 12.30pm Friday One player will be embargoed from a writers’ briefing until 10pm FridayBroadcasters should email [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday, November 26 to confirm attendance

Friday, November 28 – Twickenham Stadium 11am Access to captain’s run warm-up 12.30pm Andy Farrell writers’ briefing, Media Briefing Room – first 5 minutes ‘live’ followed by 10pm Friday embargo12.50pm Andy Farrell broadcast interviews x 3, Media Briefing RoomRequests to [email protected] by 5pm on Thursday, November 27

Saturday, November 29 – Twickenham Stadium QBE International – England v Australia, 2.30pmPost match to include Sundays’ player, Mondays’ briefing with Stuart Lancaster and one player embargoed until 10pm Sunday across all platforms.


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RFU Partners

The Rugby Football Union would like to thank the following who generously support the game


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Twickenham Stadium

For the 2015 Rugby World Cup the RFU’s objective is to deliver a state-of-the-art stadium that will be enjoyed by fans during the tournament and for years to come.

A £76 million project has already seen significant upgrades including the new changing rooms, gym and player medical facilities, replacement of stadium seats, upgrade of media facilities and provision of additional public bars and toilets.

The old big screens have been removed and replaced with two 169 square metre screens suspended from the roof. They will have the ability to show high-quality live video and instant replays, as well as being able to divide into multiple sections to show a variety of statistics, game information, graphics and animations, with partner presence which will link in with the pitch side and mid-tier LED boards. The installation is part of the RFU’s long-term strategy to digitally connect the stadium and enhance its engagement with fans as well as improving their Twickenham experience.

The removal of the old screens will also increase Twickenham’s capacity by 650 seats to over 82,000.

Ahead of the QBE Internationals, new LED floodlights have been installed, becoming

one of the first stadiums in the world to have them. A low energy and low maintenance solution, they will improve spectator viewing and significantly enhance the broadcast quality of matches. New electronic turnstiles that will scan tickets upon entry to the ground have also been installed.

A new AV control room has been created to produce more event-day content across the RFU’s digital media platforms. The facility will allow the coordination of the big screens, the LED boards, 700 Samsung digital display screens placed throughout the stadium (installed ahead of the RBS Six Nations), LED floodlights, and the public address system. This coordinated approach will further improve the spectator experience and match day atmosphere.

Other stadium enhancements will include refurbishments of hospitality box and VIP area.

Twickenham Stadium is fast becoming a popular venue for non-rugby events and has hosted a number of sell-out music events with artists including the Rolling Stones, U2, Lady Gaga and charity concerts for Help for Heroes and Chime for Change. This improvement in technology will bring significant benefits to all events held at the stadium. •


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The World Rugby MuseumTwickenham Stadium Tours and

Twickenham Stadium is home to England Rugby and the World Rugby Museum – which offers the ultimate experience for the world rugby enthusiast.

The museum gives a unique insight into rugby. People of all ages and nationalities can follow the history of the game from its origins in Rugby school to the present day. Learn why people love rugby from the grassroots to the elite game and get the stories behind some of the greatest players, matches and tries.

Highlights include:· The world’s finest collection of rugby

memorabilia – over 25,000 iconic items dating back to 1700s.

· An array of trophies including the Calcutta Cup, the intricately engraved trophy made of 270 silver rupees that England and Scotland have been competing for since 1879

· Film and video footage, including the Rugby World Cup film, allowing fans to re-live some of the most memorable rugby moments as they journey through the ages.

· Play Rugby Zone – Take up the challenge of this new interactive zone by testing your

skills including speed, strength and kicking prowess, to find out “What Kind of Rugby Player Are You?”

Twickenham Stadium is the fifth largest sports stadium in Europe and the largest rugby venue in the world. For a peak behind the scenes, fans can take a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable volunteer tour guides to some of the most exclusive parts of the stadium. •

To find out more about a stadium tour or the museum: www.englandrugby.com/twickenham/world-rugby-museum/

www.englandrugby.com/twickenham/stadium-tours/


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Rugby World Cup, the world’s third biggest sporting event, is coming to England and Cardiff in 2015, and with a potential TV reach of 4.2 billion across 207 territories, the nation is set to be at the centre of a truly global spectacle next year.

20 teams will compete for the Webb Ellis Cup between September 18 and October 31, 2015, and England have been drawn in Pool A alongside Australia, Fiji, Uruguay and Wales. The tournament hosts will get Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015) underway against Fiji on September 18 and the squad will be based at Pennyhill Park in the build-up to their first three pool phase matches at Twickenham Stadium. England will then head to Salford to prepare for their final Pool A match against Uruguay at the Manchester City Stadium.

England Rugby 2015, the Organising Committee for next year’s Rugby World Cup, has selected 13 match venues in 11 host cities: Brighton Community Stadium, Elland Road, Kingsholm Stadium, Leicester City Stadium, Manchester City Stadium, Millennium Stadium, Olympic

Stadium, Sandy Park, St. James’ Park, Stadium MK, Twickenham Stadium, Villa Park and Wembley Stadium. Both the opening and closing matches of the tournament will be held at Twickenham Stadium.

41 Team Bases have been chosen to host the 20 participating teams and will play an important role in spreading the reach of the tournament across the country. A mix of rugby clubs, schools, colleges, universities and dedicated training facilities will become home from home for the visiting teams next year and the world’s best players can look forward to preparing for next year’s tournament in first-rate facilities.

RWC 2015 will not only be a world-class sporting event, but also a chance to deliver the foundations of a sustainable legacy for the RFU to build on. The potential for RWC 2015 to act as a catalyst for the growth of the game in England is huge and next year’s tournament is set to excite and inspire the nation to play and support the game, as well as bringing the rugby community closer together. •

Rugby World Cup 2015


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MATCH SCHEDULE

www.rugbyworldcup.comTM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008.

DATE MATCH NO. POOL MATCH LOCATION VENUE KICK-OFF

TIME

POOL PHASEFri Sept 18 OPENING CEREMONY London Twickenham Stadium 19:00

Fri Sept 18 1 A England v Fiji London Twickenham Stadium 20:00

Sat Sept 19 2 C Tonga v Georgia Gloucester Kingsholm Stadium 12:00

Sat Sept 19 3 D Ireland v Canada Cardiff Millennium Stadium 14:30

Sat Sept 19 4 B South Africa v Japan Brighton Brighton Community Stadium 16:45

Sat Sept 19 5 D France v Italy London Twickenham Stadium 20:00

Sun Sept 20 6 B Samoa v USA Brighton Brighton Community Stadium 12:00

Sun Sept 20 7 A Wales v Uruguay Cardiff Millennium Stadium 14:30

Sun Sept 20 8 C New Zealand v Argentina London Wembley Stadium 16:45

Wed Sept 23 9 B Scotland v Japan Gloucester Kingsholm Stadium 14:30

Wed Sept 23 10 A Australia v Fiji Cardiff Millennium Stadium 16:45

Wed Sept 23 11 D France v Romania London Olympic Stadium 20:00

Thurs Sept 24 12 C New Zealand v Namibia London Olympic Stadium 20:00

Fri Sept 25 13 C Argentina v Georgia Gloucester Kingsholm Stadium 16:45

Sat Sept 26 14 D Italy v Canada Leeds Elland Road 14:30

Sat Sept 26 15 B South Africa v Samoa Birmingham Villa Park 16:45

Sat Sept 26 16 A England v Wales London Twickenham Stadium 20:00

Sun Sept 27 17 A Australia v Uruguay Birmingham Villa Park 12:00

Sun Sept 27 18 B Scotland v USA Leeds Elland Road 14:30

Sun Sept 27 19 D Ireland v Romania London Wembley Stadium 16:45

Tues Sept 29 20 C Tonga v Namibia Exeter Sandy Park 16:45

Thurs Oct 1 21 A Wales v Fiji Cardiff Millennium Stadium 16:45

Thurs Oct 1 22 D France v Canada Milton Keynes Stadium MK 20:00

Fri Oct 2 23 C New Zealand v Georgia Cardiff Millennium Stadium 20:00

Sat Oct 3 24 B Samoa v Japan Milton Keynes Stadium MK 14:30

Sat Oct 3 25 B South Africa v Scotland Newcastle St James' Park 16:45

Sat Oct 3 26 A England v Australia London Twickenham Stadium 20:00

Sun Oct 4 27 C Argentina v Tonga Leicester Leicester City Stadium 14:30

Sun Oct 4 28 D Ireland v Italy London Olympic Stadium 16:45

Tues Oct 6 29 D Canada v Romania Leicester Leicester City Stadium 16:45

Tues Oct 6 30 A Fiji v Uruguay Milton Keynes Stadium MK 20:00

Wed Oct 7 31 B South Africa v USA London Olympic Stadium 16:45

Wed Oct 7 32 C Namibia v Georgia Exeter Sandy Park 20:00

Fri Oct 9 33 C New Zealand v Tonga Newcastle St James' Park 20:00

Sat Oct 10 34 B Samoa v Scotland Newcastle St James' Park 14:30

Sat Oct 10 35 A Australia v Wales London Twickenham Stadium 16:45

Sat Oct 10 36 A England v Uruguay Manchester Manchester City Stadium 20:00

Sun Oct 11 37 C Argentina v Namibia Leicester Leicester City Stadium 12:00

Sun Oct 11 38 D Italy v Romania Exeter Sandy Park 14:30

Sun Oct 11 39 D France v Ireland Cardiff Millennium Stadium 16:45

Sun Oct 11 40 B USA v Japan Gloucester Kingsholm Stadium 20:00

KNOCKOUT PHASESat Oct 17 41 QF1: W Pool B v RU Pool A London Twickenham Stadium 16:00

Sat Oct 17 42 QF2: W Pool C v RU Pool D Cardiff Millennium Stadium 20:00

Sun Oct 18 43 QF3: W Pool D v RU Pool C Cardiff Millennium Stadium 13:00

Sun Oct 18 44 QF4: W Pool A v RU Pool B London Twickenham Stadium 16:00

Sat Oct 24 45 SF1: W QF1 v W QF2 London Twickenham Stadium 16:00

Sun Oct 25 46 SF2: W QF3 v W QF4 London Twickenham Stadium 16:00

Fri Oct 30 47 Bronze Final London Olympic Stadium 20:00

Sat Oct 31 48 Final London Twickenham Stadium 16:00

All matches are BST, except for those played on or after Oct 25 which are GMT (UTC). Subject to change.RWC2015#


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LegacyRugby World Cup

(1) Better FacilitiesThe RFU is helping clubs to create better facilities, making an additional investment of £10m from 2013 to 2017. A £7.5m investment over the past two years resulted in a £27.5m total spend on 340 club projects. Playing surfaces, with better drainage and pitch improvements, artificial pitches, floodlights,

and changing facilities are all being improved.Just under 500 clubs took part in NatWest RugbyForce 2014, with over 14,500 volunteers, including 19 local MPs, improving their club environment. This season sees a new and improved programme that will run from 9th October 2014 to 31st October 2015 and will help clubs ‘Get Behind England’.

To seize on the once in a lifetime opportunity presented by Rugby World Cup 2015, the RFU’s Lead Up & Legacy Strategy sets seven priority areas in which to invest efforts and resources to ensure new people take up the game, those who have left are inspired to return, and all those involved enjoy the best possible experience of rugby.


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(2) Investing in PeopleInvesting in coaches & refereesOver £1m is being invested in newly qualified coaches and referees, aiming to have 20,000 registered and licensed coaches and 7,500 qualified referees by 2017. The ‘Keep Your Boots On’ campaign will recruit coaches and match officials from players who have recently retired or are about to retire from playing. With the support of QBE, 2015 new coaches are being recruited through the QBE coaching club, nearly 1,500 already completing the 15-a-side course.

Investing in young volunteersYoung people are taking a leading role in their clubs with almost 1,000 Young Rugby Ambassadors, aged 16-20, and 440 mentors developing ways to get their club and community involved in Rugby World Cup 2015.

(3) More SchoolsBy the time of the Rugby World Cup, 400 non-rugby playing secondary schools will have been introduced to rugby, with the aim of extending this to 750 by 2019. The All Schools programme, with CBRE now as Principal Partner, sees new young players embracing rugby, and teachers and coaches impressed by rugby’s core values impact on the pitch and in school life.

(4) Returning PlayersA total of £500,000 has been committed to the RFU’s Make Contact campaign, supporting the

28 geographic Constituent Bodies in bringing back 16-24-year old lapsed players into regular 15-a-side rugby.

(5) Touch RugbyOne of the most inclusive sports available, touch rugby is being regularly enjoyed by 16,000 people in O2 Touch centres and leagues, with a total of 230 Touch centres (126 at clubs, 75 at colleges and 29 at universities).

The O2 Touch ambassador programme involves 18 – 30 year olds taking the lead in bringing more players along to sessions.

(6) Other NationsThe RFU, with support from the IRB and Rugby Europe, has selected 17 nations for the Unity Project which twins them with CBs to support the development of rugby across Europe.

Areas have been identified for countries and CBs to work on together over the next two years, from helping to educate groundskeepers to developing in-country educators to increase the number and quality of coaches and referees.

(7) Cultural EngagementAn interactive website created by the RFU in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust and England Rugby 2015 is bringing the tournament to life in secondary schools.

Designed by teachers, the site offers resources and ideas to incorporate rugby and its core values into classroom teaching as part of the build-up to the tournament. •


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Grassroots Rugby

All Schools:Launched in September 2012, England Rugby’s All Schools programme, will increase the number of secondary state schools playing rugby. Our aim is to have 400 schools enrolled by next year’s world cup and 750 schools by 2019.

· 100 new schools joined this year taking the total in All Schools to 300

· 47 RFU Rugby Development O�cers delivering in 302 All Schools linked to 140 community rugby clubs

· Over 60% of the All Schools are running a mixed or girls’ programmes

· Over 150,000 students will participate this season

After two years of delivery:· Over 300 teachers trained as coaches and

match o�cials now delivering rugby· Over 2,000 students trained as rugby

sports leaders· Over 26,400 hours of specialist rugby

coaching delivered

All Schools is one of the major legacy programmes for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and presents a once in a generation opportunity to deliver the greatest participatory legacy for the game. Recently CBRE, the commercial property and real estate services advisor, signed a four-year deal to be principal partner of the programme. All Schools is generously supported by O�cial Partner Canterbury – who delivers bespoke kit design workshops for every school

involved – as well as Gilbert, OPRO, Comic Relief and ICAP.www.englandrugby.com/allschools

NatWest RugbyForce 2015NatWest RugbyForce 2015 will be helping rugby clubs the length and breadth of the country to get ready to open their clubhouses and be the place to watch England take on the best in the world.

This is the third year of a nationwide programme inviting clubs to be part of something special with England Rugby and is their opportunity to get behind England, help attract new members and become stronger and more sustainable for the future. The programme runs from 9th October 2014 to 31st October 2015 and o�ers a host of benefits, support and advice to participating clubs.www.englandrugby.com/NatwestRugbyForce •

Jonny Wilkinson and Emily Scarratt join pupils at an All Schools rugby festival at Streatham Croydon RFC


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Developing the Game for Women and GirlsFollowing England’s fantastic success at the Women’s Rugby World Cup and a full-time sevens programme being set up looking ahead to the Olympics in 2016, the women’s game received another unprecedented boost when the RFU announced plans to get 100,000 more women and girls involved in the game across the country.

The strategy, launched in September 2014 at the Houses of Parliament, will capitalise on the growing popularity of the women’s game.

It aims to grow the game to see 25,000 women and girls taking part in contact rugby by 2017, while expanding the reach of the game

to attract more coaches, volunteers, o�cials, social players and fans.

The women’s and girls’ game has seen great growth over the past 12 months with playing numbers increasing from 15,000 to 18,000 – double the growth seen in any other year.

The RFU will target 200 clubs in England, along with schools, colleges and universities to make rugby an option for females.

The strategy focuses on the needs of the grassroots game:

· Ensuring a warm and welcoming club environment

· Providing local options for every need· Develop a grassroots playing, coaching and

volunteering pathway through education and into clubs

· Ensuring that rugby is a real option for females when considering their sporting and fitness choices. •

“The England Women’s team are an inspiration to women and girls coming into the sport, particularly after their brilliant World Cup win. I welcome the RFU’s strategy to get more women and girls involved in the game, be that as players, coaches or volunteers.”Helen Grant, Minister for Sport

“It really feels like something has changed in our sport, and I am hugely excited about what the future holds for women’s rugby.”Sarah Hunter, Rugby World Cup winner


20

RFU Digital Channels

EnglandRugby.comEnglandRugby.com is the new digital face of the RFU. The rebranded site was launched earlier this season.

The site offers news and information to the rugby community from fans to players, coaches, referees, schools and volunteers.

The site is fully responsive to different devices, whether you are browsing on a PC, mobile or tablet.5m unique users35m page views

BroadcastEnglandRugbyTV (ERTV) is an exclusive channel on EnglandRugby.com and is also available on YouTubehttp://www.youtube.com/user/officialRFUTV10.6m total viewsSubscribers: 31,800

Social MediaFacebook: 1,212,430 fansfacebook.com/officialEnglandRugby

Twitter: 282,182 fans@EnglandRugby

Google+: 114,182 followershttps://plus.google.com/+englandrugby/posts

Instagram: 46,878 followershttp://instagram.com/englandrugby

Vine: 10,107 followershttps://vine.co/#/EnglandRugby

http://www.englandrugby.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/officialRFUTV

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby

https://plus.google.com/+englandrugby/posts

http://instagram.com/englandrugby

https://vine.co/search/england+rugby

England Men

England Rugby2014–15 Media Guide


22

England Senior MenThe countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 has begun with England having 12 games left until their opening game against Fiji on September 18, 2015.

With four QBE Internationals, five RBS 6 Nations matches and three summer games, including two QBE Internationals at Twickenham, there is a very real feel to the run-in to the tournament.

The first of the QBE Internationals in November see England come up against the World Champions New Zealand for the fifth time in 12 months and with further matches against South Africa, Samoa and Australia.

The Six Nations will see the ‘three blues’ of Italy, Scotland and France play at Twickenham with away trips to the Millennium Stadium to take on Wales in the opening game and the Aviva Stadium to play Ireland. They will meet Ireland again in the summer as the last in a triple contest involving France home and away.

Looking back, the highlight of last season for England was arguably claiming the Triple Crown in the RBS 6 Nations for the first time since 2003 with an away win over Scotland followed by two home victories against Ireland and then Wales.

Going into the final day three teams still had a chance of winning the Championship – Ireland, England and France. England beat Italy by more over 40 points in Rome but in the final game Ireland beat France by two points to secure the title on points difference.

It was a dramatic end to the tournament but, having won four matches out of five for the third season in a row, it was ultimately disappointing for England. Losing the first game in Paris, when England failed to close out the game, ultimately cost them the championship.

England made a lot of progress in many

areas, especially in attack, where they scored 14 tries compared to five tries in 2013 while in defence they conceded the least points by an England side in the Six Nations since 2003. While there were without five British & Irish Lions – Brad Barritt, Dan Cole, Tom Croft, Geoff Parling and Manu Tuilagi – as well as Christian Wade and Marland Yarde, there were also steps forward in consistency of selection with England using 28 players and had an unchanged backline for all five games.

England felt they had made strides from November when Australia, Argentina and New Zealand came to Twickenham. England won the first two but lost to the All Blacks, which was frustrating after our record win over them 12 months previously.

The season closed with England taking on New Zealand again in June in the first ever three-Test series between the nations.

The domestic and European schedule leading up to the tour presented challenges in terms of selection with 14 players from Northampton Saints and Saracens flying out a week later than the initial tour part and not being available for the 1st Test because of the Aviva Premiership final.

England ran them close in the first two Tests in Auckland and then Dunedin – losing by five points and one point – but failed to take the most of their chances.

The win over the Crusaders in Christchurch was a boost but the last Test in Hamilton was disappointing, particularly in the first half, although in the second England a lot of character to regain some momentum after going 29-6 down.

Off the field England also spent time out in the community in New Zealand in an effort to give something back to such a rugby-mad country and be good ambassadors for their own. •


23

2014 QBE Internationals

08.11.14 14:30 England v New Zealand Twickenham Stadium

15.11.14 14:30 England v South Africa Twickenham Stadium

22.11.14 19:00 England v Samoa Twickenham Stadium

29.11.14 14:30 England v Australia Twickenham Stadium

2015 RBS 6 Nations Championship

06.02.15 20:05 Wales v England Millennium Stadium

14.02.15 14:30 England v Italy Twickenham Stadium

01.03.15 15:00 Ireland v England Aviva Stadium

14.03.15 17:00 England v Scotland Twickenham Stadium

21.03.15 17:00 England v France Twickenham Stadium

Date KO Fixture Venue



24

England Senior Squad

David Attwood

A huge man at six foot seven and weighing in at a little less than 19 stone, with size 15 shoes, Dave’s attributes are clear to see but it’s his rugby brain and his old-head-on-young-shoulders that puts him above the chasing pack.

Starting his rugby life at Frampton Cotterell in Bristol, Dave progressed through the Bristol mini rugby leagues before joining the Bristol Rugby Academy where he combined playing at Dings Crusaders and later Bristol University – where he obtained a degree in Physics and Philosophy.

We almost lost Dave to athletics, however, as he represented England as a 17 year-old, but an injury meant he could only play rugby and thankfully he chose to stick with it.

Very much a West Country man, he started with Bristol before moving to Gloucester and now finds himself at Bath Rugby.

He made his Saxons debut in 2010 against the Irish Wolfhounds and later that year in November he stepped up to claim his full international cap against New Zealand off the bench.

There was a bit of a wait before he started both Test matches against Argentina two summers ago and five more caps in this year’s Six Nations, all off the bench, set him up for two more against the All Blacks this summer.

Club Bath RugbyPosition LockBorn 05.04.87 | Bristol Height 2.01m (6’7”)Weight 118kg (18st 8lb)Caps 12 Points 0Honours England U18, U20, Saxons, England

Twitter @Dmjattwood

International Record2010 NZ(R), Sam(R) 2013 Arg (1,2), A 2014 F(R), S(R), I(R), W(R), It(R), NZ (1R, 3R)


25


Brad Barritt

Having learned his trade in South Africa and found his way to these shores in 2008 to join up with Saracens, Brad has never looked back. He’s won the Premiership, bagged a hatful of caps for England and topped a fine few years by joining the British & Irish Lions on tour in Australia 2013.

Educated at Kearsney College in Durban, Brad started his professional career playing for Natal Sharks and featured for the Emerging Springboks and went on to win the Currie Cup in 2008 before heading over to play in North London with Saracens.

A UK passport holder courtesy of his grandparents with a grandfather who played for

English Universities, Brad was drafted into the England Saxons squad in 2009 and scored a try on his first appearance for the side against the United States in that year’s Churchill Cup.

He was named Saracens Player of the Season in 2009-10 and shared his full England debut with fellow Saracen Owen Farrell against Scotland at Murrayfield in February 2012. Brad didn’t add to his caps on the tour of New Zealand this summer but did score a try against the Crusaders in the mid-week fixture.

Outside rugby, Brad is a big Arsenal fan who also enjoys following international cricket.

Club Saracens Position CentreBorn 07.08.86 | Durban, South AfricaHeight 1.86m (6’1”)Weight 100kg (15st 10lb)Caps 18 Points 5 – 1T Honours Emerging Springboks, Saxons, England, British & Irish Lions

Twitter @bradbarritt

International Record2012 S, It, W, F, I, SA (1, 3R), Fj, A, SA, NZ 2013 S, I, F, It, W 2014 F(R), S(R)


26


Kieran Brookes

Kieran was thrust into professional rugby pretty much straight out of school. He joined Newcastle Falcons in 2009-10 immediately after completing his studies at Kirkham Grammar School and after only 40 senior matches, he appeared off the bench for Paul Doran-Jones for the England XV against the Barbarians.

Six days later, he helped England Saxons to launch their Churchill Cup campaign with a runaway 87-8 win over the USA at Franklin’s Gardens. This summer he picked up his first of two full England caps, coming off the bench against New Zealand in the second and third Tests.

Before switching to Kingston Park, he was with Fylde for ten years, starting at the age of nine. Schooled in Perth, Australia and Grahamstown, South Africa, Kieran represented Ireland U18 and U19 and England U20.

Kieran was signed by Leicester in 2011 but returned to Kingston Park on loan from the Tigers in March 2013. He went on to sign a two-year-deal in April of that year.

Born in Stoke, Kieran studied for a sports coaching qualification at Northumbria University.

Club Newcastle FalconsPosition PropBorn 29.08.90 | Stoke-on-TrentHeight 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 124kg (19st 7lb) Caps 2Points 0Honours Ireland U18 & 19s, England U20, Saxons, England

Twitter @KBrookes3

International Record2014 NZ(2R, 3R)


27


Mike Brown

Mike didn’t play in any age group England team until U20. Such is the man and his work ethic – he got specialist speed coach Margot Wells, previously a Scottish hurdles champion, to help train him – he’s now considered one of the best full backs in the world.

He started all five of last year’s Six Nations games and was named the Six Nations Player of the Championship after topping the charts for try scoring – he scored four, including his first for his country – most defenders beaten, most metres gained, most clean breaks and most carries. He also started all three Tests against New Zealand this summer.

Having been educated at Peter Symonds College in Winchester and Wyvern College in Salisbury, Mike has been with Harlequins all of his professional life and in May 2011, he won the Amlin Challenge Cup and was also voted the club’s Players’ Player of the Season.

The following year, he helped Quins to win the Premiership title for the first time and also managed to put himself back on the international scene after a brief stint in the England set-up where he collected three caps in 2007 and 2008.

Club HarlequinsPosition Full backBorn 04.09.85 | SouthamptonHeight 1.83m (6’0”)Weight 92kg (14st 7lb)Caps 29Points 25 – 5THonours England U21, Saxons, England

Twitter @mikebrown_15

International Record2007 SA(1, 2) 2008 NZ(1) 2012 S(R), W(R), I(R), SA(1), Fj(R), A(R), SA, NZ

2013 S, I, F, It, W, Arg (1, 2), A, Arg, NZ 2014 F, S, I, W, It, NZ (1, 2, 3)


28


Luther Burrell

A move to Northampton from Sale two years ago could not have worked out much better for Luther. He’s now a European and domestic double winner – the Aviva Premiership and the European Challenge Cup – with Saints and has seven international caps to his name after starting in all of last year’s Six Nations Championship and being involved in two of this summer’s Tests against the All Blacks.

Joining up with Billy Twelvetrees in the centres and playing at outside centre, Luther marked a memorable debut with a try against France at the Stade de France. He went on to score another two tries in the Championship.

Luther studied at All Saints Catholic College and Huddersfield New College and started

his career playing Rugby League at U14 and U15 levels for the Huddersfield Giants before moving to Huddersfield Rugby Union Football Club. He was given a chance at Leeds Tykes Academy – the Academy director at the time was a certain Stuart Lancaster.

Luthers’ senior Rugby Union debut for Leeds Carnegie came when he was aged just 19 in the 2006/07 campaign and he went on to make 41 appearances for the club.

After four seasons at Leeds, Luther headed across the Pennines to Sale Sharks in 2011, before signing with Northampton Saints.

Club Northampton SaintsPosition CentreBorn 06.12.87 | HuddersfieldHeight 1.91m (6’3”)Weight 109kg (17st 2lb)Caps 7Points 15 – 3THonours Saxons, England

Twitter @lutherburrell

International Record2014 F, S, I, W, It, NZ (2,3R)


29


Danny Care

Speed, quick feet and an eye for a gap have seen Danny Care involved with the England senior set-up since 2008.

It all started as a six-year-old for Danny with his local club in Leeds, West Park Bramhope RUFC. We almost lost him to his first love, football. At the age of 11 he joined the Academy at Sheffield Wednesday.

In the end, he stuck with rugby, though, and was picked for the North of England, then England Schools U16 in 2003 by which time he was also playing club rugby with Otley RUFC. A stint with Leeds Tykes Academy led to him winning a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne with England Sevens.

As an understudy to All Black, Justin Marshall, Danny lacked first-team action so made the move to Harlequins in 2006.

In January 2008, he was called up to the Saxons squad and later that year he picked up his first full cap, coming off the bench against New Zealand in Auckland.

He won the Premiership title with Quins in 2012, making him Danny the Champion and he finished off the 2012-13 campaign by being named as the Supporters’ Player of the Season. Last year’s Six Nations saw Danny start all five games and he picked up his latest cap against New Zealand over the summer.

Club HarlequinsPosition Scrum halfBorn 01.02.87 | LeedsHeight 1.77m (5’10”)Weight 87kg (13st 10lb)Caps 48Points 44 – 7T, 3DGHonours England U16, U18 Clubs, U19, U19 Sevens, U20, U21, Saxons, Sevens, England

Twitter @dannycare

International Record2008 NZ(1R, 2), PI, A, SA, NZ 2009 I(R), F(R), S(R), Arg (1, 2), A, Arg(R), NZ(R)

2010 W, It, I, S, F, A(1, 2R), NZ(R), A(R), Sam(R), SA(R) 2011 W(R), It(R), F(R), S(R), I(R), W, W(R)2012 SA (3), Fj, A, SA(R), NZ(R) 2013 S(R), F(R), It, W(R) 2014 F, S, I, W, It, NZ (2)


30


Calum Clark

As seasons go, Calum couldn’t have asked for much more in the last one. He was given the honour of captaining the Saxons last season and played a big part in Northampton’s double success last year of the Aviva Premiership and the European Challenge Cup.

Born in Stockton-on-Tees, Calum played for Darlington RFC under the influence of Brian Ashton as a member of the National Junior Academy in 2005-06 before being part of the Leeds Carnegie Academy from the age of 14. Five years later, he became the youngest forward to appear in the Premiership in 2007.

He represented England U16s and U18 and went on to captain England U20 in the 2009 IRB Junior World Championship. He joined Northampton in 2010 and duly became the Northampton Young Player of the Season for 2010-11.

Calum attended Richmond School before moving to Barnard Castle Sixth Form to take A levels – the same school as Lee Dickson, Rob Andrew, the Underwood brothers, Rory and Tony, and Mathew Tait.

Club Northampton SaintsPosition FlankerBorn 10.06.89 | Stockton-on-TeesHeight 1.96m (6’5”)Weight 110kg (17st 4lb)Caps 0Points 0Honours England U16, U18 & U20, Saxons

Twitter @Calumclark89

International RecordUncapped


31


Lee Dickson

It could have been Lee Dickson of Northampton Saints and Scotland but thankfully he opted for the Red Rose over the Thistle. Born in Germany to an English mother and Scottish father, Lee came over to England to be schooled at Barnard Castle. On the back of his school rugby he was selected to play for Scotland U19 in the Junior World Cup in 2004.

He switched to England for the U21 World Cup a year later but found himself in the bizarre situation of being picked in both the Scotland A squad and the England Saxons squad in 2007. He chose to play for England and, of course, he went onto to get his full international cap in 2012 against who else but Scotland.

Lee’s professional career started at Newcastle Falcons where he made 41 appearances before moving on to play for Northampton where, thanks to a double last season, he’s bagged two Amlin Challenge Cup winners’ medals, an LV= Cup and an Aviva Premiership title.

There’s always bragging rights at stake when he comes up against his brother and fellow scrum half, Karl, who plies his trade at Harlequins but, having come off the bench twice in the summer tour of New Zealand, it’s the right to wear England’s number nine shirt that matters most to Lee.

Club Northampton SaintsPosition Scrum half Born 29.03.85 | Verden, GermanyHeight 1.78m (5’10”)Weight 83kg (13st 1lb) Caps 18Points 0Honours Scotland U19, England U21, Saxons, England

Twitter @Dicko9

International Record2012 S(R), It(R), W, F, I, SA (1R, 2R) 2013 Arg(1, 2) A, Arg, NZ

2014 F(R), S(R), W(R), It(R), NZ (1R, 3R)


32


Kyle Eastmond

Kyle Eastmond found himself in the England set up after only playing the game for a less than three years. That was, of course, because he made the switch from Rugby League in 2011.

Born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, Kyle was educated at The Radclyffe School and was asked to train with the St Helens first team at the age of just 17. He went on to make 42 appearances for St Helens, scoring 401 points, and picked up his first England cap in 2009 against Wales. He represented England four times during his 13-a-side career.

He joined Bath Rugby in October 2011 but a groin injury kept the utility back out of the game for close to a season.

A fine following season, in which he switched from wing to inside centre, saw Kyle rewarded with appearances off the bench for England Saxons against Ireland Wolfhounds and Scotland A before being picked in the non-cap Test against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

After scoring in that game, Kyle made his Test debut off the bench against Argentina at Salta in the summer of 2013. He followed that up with a start in the second Test and a brilliant individual try to complete a highly successful trip.

His next two caps, both starts, came against New Zealand in the recent summer tour.

Club Bath RugbyPosition CentreBorn 17.07.89 | OldhamHeight 1.71m (5’7”)Weight 82kg (12st 13lb)Caps 4Points 5 – 1T Honours (RL) England (RU) Saxons, England

Twitter @kyle_eastmond7

International Record2013 Arg (1R, 2) 2014 NZ(1,3)


33


Owen Farrell

As scripts go, Owen Farrell’s super charged rise to the top couldn’t read much better. At only 23, he already has a Premiership title with Saracens, full intentional honours with England and a British & Irish Lions cap. And he was also nominated for the 2012 IRB Player of the Year alongside All Blacks, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, and Frédéric Michalak of France.

Owen didn’t win that accolade but did take home the 2012 Premiership Young Player and RPA Young Player of the Year awards.

He was destined for a life in rugby. His uncle, Sean O’Loughlin, was a loose forward for

Wigan Warriors, England and Great Britain and his father, the current England backs coach Andy Farrell, was a legend in the Rugby League world with Great Britain and Wigan before moving to Saracens and playing for England, a similar path to Owen who started playing League as an eight year-old for Wigan St Patricks before switching codes and joined Sarries as a 16 year-old.

He started in all five of last year’s Six Nations games and in doing so he went beyond 250 points for his country. He started the second Test against New Zealand this summer but an injury meant he missed the final one.

Club SaracensPosition Fly half/CentreBorn 24.09.91 | WiganHeight 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 96kg (15st 2lb) Caps 25Points 271 – 2T, 33C, 64PG, 1DGHonours England U16, U17, U18, U20, England, British & Irish Lions

Twitter @owen_faz

International Record2012 S, It, W, F, I, SA (1, 2R, 3R) Fj(R), A(R), SA(R), NZ

2013 S, I, F, W, A, Arg, NZ 2014 F, S, I, W, It NZ (2)


34


Ben Foden

After four years as a scrum half with Sale Sharks, Ben made the switch to Northampton Saints and, although his first cap saw him come off the bench to play scrum half against Italy in 2009, he has since always featured in the back three.

Educated at Bishop Heber High School in Cheshire before moving to Bromsgrove School for the sixth form and then Manchester University, Ben was an ever-present going through the junior ranks representing England U16, U19, Sevens, England Counties as well as being a member of the 2006 England U21 Grand Slam side.

A Guinness Premiership title in 2006 with Sale and most recently the Aviva Premiership title

with Saints can be added to three European Challenge Cups – one with Sale in 2005 and two with Saints in 2009 and 2014. He was also named RPA Young Player of the Year in 2009 but failed to add to his caps on England’s tour of New Zealand this summer despite dotting down against the Crusaders in the mid-week fixture.

He’s known for his slick running and silky hands on the pitch but he’s also got pretty healthy lungs in him. He picked up the nickname of ‘Pop Idol’ or ‘Pops’ by auditioning for the programme, the one won by superstar, Michelle McManus. Ben later married Una Healy of the pop group, The Saturdays. So, he has no Issues getting Up to play rugby, a sport he Just Cant Can’t Get Enough of.

Club Northampton Saints Position Full back/WingBorn 22.07.85 | ChesterHeight 1.83m (6’0”)Weight 93kg (14st 9lb)Caps 34Points 35 – 7THonours England U16, U18, U19, U21, Sevens, Counties, Saxons, England

Twitter @ben_foden

International Record2009 It(R) 2010 I(R), S(R), F, A(1,2), NZ, A, Sam, SA

2011 W, It, F, S, I, W, I World Cup – Arg, G, R, S, F 2012 S, It, W, F, I, SA (1, 2, 3) 2013 Arg(1R, 2R) Arg, NZ


35


George Ford

Born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, George is the son of Bath Rugby head coach and former England defence coach Mike Ford, who made his name as a Rugby League player with Warrington, Castleford and Great Britain.

George got involved with the sport at Saddleworth Rangers RLFC at the age of four and stints in the academies at both Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls followed before he eventually switched codes, joining Leicester Tigers at the age of 15.

In 2009 he became the youngest player to make his professional debut for Leicester at the age of 16 years and 237 days – a game in which

he was in direct opposition at fly half to older brother Joe, who now plays at Sale Sharks.

In October 2011 George became not only the first Englishman to win the title of IRB Junior Player of the Year, but also the youngest ever winner of the award.

His England Saxons debut followed against Ireland Wolfhounds at Galway but lack of first-team starts at Leicester saw the talented number 10 move to Bath Rugby for the 2013-14 season. He won his first Test cap in last year’s Six Nations coming off the bench against Wales but he missed the tour of New Zealand to have an operation on his shoulder.

Club Bath RugbyPosition Fly halfBorn 16.03.93 | OldhamHeight 1.75m (5’9”)Weight 84kg (13st 3lb)Caps 2Points 0Honours England U16, U18, U20, Saxons, England

Twitter @George_Fordy

International Record2014 W(R), It(R)


36


Will Fraser

Injuries have played their part in the development of the talented Saracens flanker Will Fraser but with a full season under his belt and under the steady guidance of the Saracens coaching team, you get the feeling he could be pushing for full international honours in the future. Having represented England U16, Will was a regular member of Saracens Storm during his emergence and was dual registered with Bedford Blues. He also played alongside his three brothers at Fullerians. He is the older brother to inspirational Henry Fraser who in 2009 suffered a broken neck while on holiday in Portugal. Henry continues to be

a constant source of motivation – not just for his brother, but for the thousands who follow his YouTube and Twitter accounts. Henry also opened Saracens’ Allianz Park in 2013.

Back with Will, he was educated at Berkhamsted Collegiate and Dulwich College and spent six months with the Western Province Academy in 2009 before returning to Saracens and gaining selection for the England Counties tour to Canada in 2010.

A Premiership title with Saracens followed in 2011 and his call-up to play for the Saxons came in 2013 when he made his debut against the Ireland Wolfhounds scoring a match winning try.

Club SaracensPosition FlankerBorn 29.10.89 | WatfordHeight 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 105kg (16st 7lb)Caps 0Points 0Honours England U16, England Counties, Saxons, England

Twitter @Will_Fraser89



37


Alex Goode

Equally adept with a number 10 or 15 on his back, Alex Goode first featured for England in South Africa back in June 2012 where he picked up his first cap at the famous Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

He came off the bench in three of last year’s Six Nations games and bagged the first points for his country – a penalty goal against France. He scored a try against the Crusaders on the summer tour of New Zealand but failed to add to his 16 caps thus far.

Sport runs through his family. He’s the nephew of Olympic badminton star Jo Goode who took a bronze medal in Sydney.

Alex’s love for the game of rugby increased through his schooling at Leys School in Cambridge, Oakham School and later the University of Hertfordshire and he had a stint with both Bath Rugby and Cambridge, the latter being his home city club.

Before he became a professional, Alex played tennis for his county, competed in the National Schools athletics finals and played football for the Ipswich FC academy.

He’s been involved with England right the way through the age groups representing the U16 A team, the U19 team and picked up a Grand Slam with the U20s before going on to play sevens for England and then the Saxons.

Club SaracensPosition Full back/Fly halfBorn 07.05.88 | CambridgeHeight 1.81m (5’11”) Weight 90kg (14st 2lb)Caps 16Points 3 – 1PGHonours England U16A, U19, U20, Sevens, Saxons, England

Twitter @Alex_goode0

International Record2012 SA (2R, 3), Fj, A, SA, NZ 2013 S, I, F, It, W, Arg(R) 2014 F(R), S(R), W(R)


38


Dylan Hartley

An Aviva Premiership and European Challenge Cup double capped a great season for the Northampton Saints skipper, Dylan Hartley, last year.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Dylan qualifies for England through his English mother and after emigrating in 2002 he came to the attention of the Worcester Warriors Academy. A couple of seasons with them followed before he made the move to Northampton where he became the youngest ever Premiership captain in 2009.

Full England honours came Dylan’s way in 2008 and only three minutes after stepping off the bench he touched down for his maiden

international try. He’s since gone on to captain his country, filling in for the absent Chris Robshaw in the 14-all draw with South Africa at Port Elizabeth two summers ago.

Dylan started as a prop at Rotorua Boys High School in New Zealand but went on to cover all three England front row positions during the 2005 IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina before settling into the number two shirt.

Dylan led Saints in the Premiership final in 2013 but a red card meant that he was ruled out of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia despite being selected in the original tour party.

Club Northampton Saints Position HookerBorn 24.03.86 | Rotorua, NZHeight 1.85m (6’1”)Weight 108kg (17st 0lb)Caps 57Points 5 – 1THonours England U18 Clubs, U19, U21, Saxons, England

Twitter @DylanHartley

International Record2008 PI(R), A(R), SA(R), NZ(R) 2009 It(R), W(R), I(R), F(R), S(R), Arg (1, 2), A(R), Arg, NZ

2010 W, It, I, S, F, NZ(R), A, Sam, SA 2011 W, It, F, S, I, W, I(R) World Cup – Arg(R), G, S(R), F(R) 2012 S, It, W, F, I, SA (1, 2, 3) 2013 S(R), I(R), F, It(R), W(R), A(R), Arg, NZ 2014 F, S, I, W, It, NZ (2R, 3)


39


James Haskell

From his early days on the England Sevens circuit to playing club rugby in Japan and New Zealand, James has racked up some air miles throughout his rugby career.

Born in Windsor and schooled at Papplewick College and Wellington College, Berkshire, James played for England at every age group before joining London Wasps from Maidenhead Rugby Club.

He picked up medals in the Heineken Cup and the Premiership with Wasps before he went to France to play for Stade Francais. His travels took him to Japan where he ran out for the Ricoh Black Rams before a stint

playing in the Super 14 for New Zealand side, the Highlanders.

Having played a full part in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand under Martin Johnson and playing against Wales in 2013 for his 50th cap, James is now back at Wasps and was given the captaincy for this season having started against the All Blacks in the first Test of the summer tour.

Away from rugby, James is a huge advocate of healthy living and has worked on a number of fitness and health related projects promoting just that.

Club Wasps Position Back rowBorn 02.04.85 | WindsorHeight 1.94m (6’4”)Weight 117kg (18st 6lb)Caps 51Points 20 – 4THonours England U18, U19 & U21, England Sevens, Saxons, England

Twitter @jameshaskell

International Record2007 W, F 2008 W, It, F, I(R), NZ(1,2), PI(R), A(R), SA, NZ 2009 It, W, I, F(R), S(R), Arg(1,2R), A(R),

Arg, NZ 2010 W, It, I, S, F(R), A(1R), Sam 2011 W, It, F, S, I, W. W(R), I World Cup - Arg, G, R, S, F(R) 2012 SA (3), SA(R), NZ(R) 2013 S(R), I, F(R), It, W(R) 2014 NZ


40


Jonathan Joseph

Jonathan, or ‘JJ’ as he’s known, began playing at the age of 10 at Derby RFC before he moved south to join up with London Irish and was picked for England at both U18 and U20 level.

Born in Derby and educated at Park House near Newbury – the same school as Leicester Tigers, England and Lions flanker Tom Croft – JJ went on to Millfield in Somerset and now finds himself playing for Bath having switched from Irish two summers ago.

JJ played for the Saxons against Scotland A in the 2012 and selection on the tour to South Africa in the summer of 2012 saw him pick up his first cap off the bench before starting the final two Tests.

Injuries have played a part in the development of Jonathan but a solid start to the season with Bath Rugby has got the centre back on track to push for a centre berth.

Club Bath RugbyPosition CentreBorn 21.05.91 | Derby Height 1.80m (5’11”)Weight 90kg (14st 2lb)Caps 6Points 0Honours England U18 & U20, Saxons, England

Twitter @Jonathanjoseph0

International Record2012 SA(1R,2,3), NZ(R) 2013 Arg(1,2)


41


George Kruis

After leaving St John’s School in Leatherhead with three A grades at A Level, George signed a contract with Saracens and, since his debut back in 2009, he has gained international recognition.

George learned the game at Dorking RFC from the age of seven and went on to represent London & SE U18 before appearing in all five matches in the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship. George, able to play in the back row or the second row, was available to play for Canada through his father but thankfully decided on the Red Rose.

He spent time on loan at Bedford Blues for the 2010-11 Championship campaign and had a stint at Barking but, in 2013, he was a member of the side which defeated the Ireland Wolfhounds 14-10 in Galway for the first of his three games for England Saxons.

Injuries have played their part in George’s rise. However, they have not had as much influence as the former England and Saracens second row Steve Borthwick. The former Sarries captain was a great sounding board for George and now, having moved onto pastures new, George has started to see himself command a starting berth at his club.

Club SaracensPosition Lock/Back rowBorn 22.02.90 | RedhillHeight 1.98m (6’6”)Weight 116kg (18st 4lb)Caps 0Points 0Honours England U20, Saxons

Twitter @GeorgeKruis



42


Matt Kvesic

After making a name for himself in the England junior ranks, Matt was rewarded with his full international cap two summers ago on the tour of Argentina, where he started both Tests.

Born in Iserlohn, Germany, where his English father, who played army rugby, was posted at the time, Matt moved back to England and took up the sport at Swanage & Wareham RFC. He went to Blundell’s School in Tiverton and joined the Worcester Warriors Academy aged 14 before completing his studies at Worcester Sixth Form College.

A former South West and England U16 player, Matt made his senior debut for Worcester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against the Scarlets

in November 2009, becoming the youngest player to represent the Warriors in the professional era.

He captained England at U18 level before starting 14 out of 15 England U20 games over a 13-month period and he can also add to his achievements the Young Personality of the Year for Worcestershire Sport, as well as the Warriors Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year for 2012-13.

Matt is now into his second season with Gloucester after playing a part in the England victory over the Crusaders in New Zealand over the summer.

Club Gloucester RugbyPosition Flanker Born 14.04.92 | Iserlohn, GermanyHeight 1.86m (6’1”)Weight 105kg (16st 7lb) Caps 2Points 0Honours England U16, U18, U20, England

Twitter @mattkvesic

International Record2013 Arg (1, 2)

Joe Launchbury

At six foot six and weighing in at a just over than 19 stone, Joe has all the attributes a lock could possibly want. And England seem to agree.

He started all five Six Nations games last year and all three on the New Zealand tour which means he has started all of England’s last 19 Tests. He touched down for his maiden Test try against Argentina last autumn, something he followed up with a second a week later against New Zealand.

Born in Exeter, Joe was educated at Christ’s Hospital and went on to play for Horsham

before joining the Harlequins Academy aged 15. He wasn’t offered a professional contract and at 18 he left Harlequins and joined the then National League 2 South side Worthing for the 2009/10 season. An opportunity arose at Wasps and, after a brief stint training with the Eastern Province Kings in South Africa, Joe was given a full-time contract from July 2010.

After success with England U20, he was voted England Player of the Tournament at the IRB Junior World Championship. He came off the bench in the QBE International against Fiji at Twickenham in 2012 to win his first cap and went on to be named QBE Player of the Series.

Club London Wasps Position LockBorn 12.04.91 | Exeter Height 1.98m (6’6”)Weight 123kg (19st 5lb)Caps 22Points 10 – 2THonours England U18, U20, England

Twitter @Joe_Launch

International Record2012 Fj(R), A(R), SA, NZ 2013 S, I, F, It, W, Arg(1, 2), A, Arg, NZ 2014 F, S, I, W, It, NZ (1, 2, 3)


43



44


Courtney Lawes

Courtney burst onto the international scene in 2009 against Australia and in 2010 was named Man of the Series for the November Tests. He went on to play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand before doing the double last season in lifting the Aviva Premiership title and the European Challenge Cup with his club Northampton.

Born in Hackney but raised only a stone’s throw away from Franklin’s Gardens, the home of the Northampton Saints, he made his first appearance in National One against Esher in 2007-08 for the first team. What makes his tale more remarkable was that he only really got serious about the sport of rugby at the age of 16.

Educated at Moulton College and Northampton School for Boys, the same school as former England hooker Steve Thompson, Courtney followed the path of England luminaries Ben Cohen and Thompson in graduating to the Saints Academy from Northampton Old Scouts rugby club and in 2007 he toured Australia with England U18 and figured in the 2009 U20 Six Nations Championship before making his full international debut.

Injuries have played a big part in Courtney’s life, but 2014 saw him play a full part with Northampton and start every Six Nations game as well as picking up two more caps on the recent tour of New Zealand.

Club Northampton SaintsPosition Lock/FlankerBorn 23.02.89 | Hackney Height 2.00m (6’7”)Weight 111kg (17st 7lb)Caps 32Points 0Honours England U18, U20, England

Twitter @Courtney_Lawes

International Record2009 A(R) 2010 S(R), A(1R, 2), NZ, A, Sam, SA 2011 W, I World Cup – Arg, S, F(R)

2012 W(R), NZ(R) 2013 S(R), I(R), F, It(R), W(R), Arg (1R, 2R), A, Arg, NZ 2014 F, S, I, W, It, NZ (2R, 3)

Joe Marler

Such is Joe’s down-to-earth approach to life, had rugby not intervened, he would have been very content working in his uncle’s turf business. Luckily for us, the burly Harlequins prop found the oval ball.

Joe was educated at Maynards Green Primary School and Heathfield Community College and began playing the sport at the age of 11 for Eastbourne Sharks. He also had a stint with Haywards Heath’s juniors where he played alongside Gloucester and England team mate Billy Twelvetrees.

After captaining England U18 in Argentina and in the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan Joe played in all ten matches for England U20 in 2010.

Having joined the Harlequins Academy in June 2008, he spent the ensuing season on loan to Worthing and Esher before settling in at Quins. This season he has taken on the captain’s arm band from Chris Robshaw.

January 2011 saw Joe play for the Saxons against Italy and 17 months later, he won his first cap on tour against South Africa in Durban.

Joe started in the first four games of last year’s Six Nations but missed out in the Italy game due to the birth of his first child. He was back on the coal face this summer to take on the All Blacks, once again starting every Test.

Club Harlequins Position PropBorn 07.07.90 | EastbourneHeight 1.84m (6’0½”)Weight 110kg (17st 4lb)Caps 22Points 0Honours England U18, U20, Saxons, England

Twitter @JoeMarler

International Record2012 SA(1, 2, 3), Fj, A 2013 S, I, F, It(R), W, Arg (1, 2), A(R), Arg, NZ 2014 F, S, I, W, NZ (1, 2, 3)


45



46


Jonny May

Last season’s Six Nations Championship was a real breakthrough for this talented and pacey winger.

Born in Swindon, Jonny was part of Swindon Town FC’s Academy but stuck with rugby after picking up the game aged five at Wootton Bassett RFC.

He was educated at Ridgeway School and came seventh in the Great Britain U15 pole vault in 2003. He then studied at Hartpury College, where he was a member of Hartpury College RFC where he played on the opposite wing to Wales and Lions winger, Alex Cuthbert.

Since then Jonny has represented England U20 and signed with Gloucester after a summer

playing in Australia for the Brumbies Academy in 2007.

Jonny’s electric form in late 2011 and early 2012 earned him a call up to the England Saxons squad to face the Irish Wolfhounds and, also that year, he was awarded the Try of the Year at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Awards for his sensational solo effort against Harlequins.

He toured South Africa with England in 2012 and got his first cap against Argentina on the summer tour of 2013 against Argentina. He started every game on the wing for England in last year’s Six Nations and picked up a further cap against New Zealand on last summer’s tour.

Club Gloucester RugbyPosition WingBorn 01.04.90 | SwindonHeight 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 90kg (14st 2lb)Caps 7Points 0Honours England U20, Saxons, England

Twitter @paybackmay

International Record2013 Arg 2014 F, S, I, W, It NZ(1)


47


Ben Morgan

Ben started his playing days as a five-year-old with Dursley RFC in Gloucester, before crossing the Severn to Merthyr to play with the Scarlets. A hugely successful time with Llanelli – he was named Scarlets Young Player of the Year in 2011 – left him the dilemma of which country he wanted to play for as he’d qualified for Wales through residency. Thankfully the talented number eight stuck with England and he hasn’t looked back since.

He moved back to the West Country, joining Gloucester in 2012, and was selected in the England Elite Squad with an initial cap coming off the bench against Scotland at Murrayfield in February 2012. His first start was, ironically, against Wales at Twickenham three weeks later.

Born in Bristol, he was schooled at Kingswood Primary, Katharine Lady Berkeley’s at Wotton-under-Edge and even figured alongside England and Gloucester squad mate Charlie Sharples in the U14 and U15 sides at Dursley.

Ben took a plumbing apprenticeship at City of Bristol College and was a part-time labourer before he took rugby seriously and trimmed down from 20st 12lb, losing two-and-a-half stone.

He featured in all three tests against the All Blacks this summer and so far has two tries to his name in England colours, both against Argentina.

Club Gloucester Rugby Position Number 8Born 18.02.89 | Bristol Height 1.91m (6’3”)Weight 116kg (18st 4lb)Caps 23Points 10 – 2THonours England

Twitter @Ben_J_Morgan8

International Record2012 S (R), It (R), W, F, I, SA (1, 2), SA, NZ 2013 S, Arg (1, 2), A(R), Arg(R), NZ(R)

2014 F(R), S(R), I(R), W, It, NZ (1, 2, 3R)


48


Matt Mullan

Matt’s England career has been limited by injury and because of that he’s played only five times for his country over a four year period. His maiden Test appearance came against Italy in February 2010 and, following a shoulder reconstruction after a freak training ground injury, he had to wait for his second cap – again off the bench this time for Joe Marler – against New Zealand last November.

His third game was against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in March in the last Six Nations before picking up his two most recent caps against New Zealand on the summer tour.

He was born in Brighton and educated at Bromsgrove School and went on to represent

England Under 20. A product of the Worcester Academy, he came to prominence in 2007-08 with 25 appearances for the club in all competitions, followed by 24 matches in 2008-09 having made his senior debut in December 2005 against Newport Gwent Dragons.

In June 2012, Matt toured with the senior England squad and started both midweek matches which produced victories over the respective South African Barbarians South and North sides. Matt ended his Worcester career to join Wasps last season and played in both Saxons games against Ireland Wolfhounds and Scotland A last winter.

Club WaspsPosition PropBorn 23.02.87 | BrightonHeight 1.83m (6’0”)Weight 112kg (17st 8lb)Caps 5Points 0Honours England U20, Saxons, England

International Record2010 It(R) 2013 NZ(R) 2014 It(R) NZ (2R, 3R)


49


Stephen Myler

It was all about Rugby League for Stephen Myler for the first twenty years of his life. After leaving Wade Deacon High School at the age of 16, he joined up with St Helens Academy. From there he went on to play for Widnes Vikings in 2003 then moved again, this time to Salford City Reds in 2006. Stephen’s father and great uncle were both big names in the game, too.

Rugby Union came into Stephen’s life in 2006 when he switched codes and joined Northampton Saints. He played three seasons with Northampton, two in the Premiership bridged by another in the old National One League before he made his maiden appearance

for England Saxons in the 2009 Barclays Churchill Cup becoming the side’s top points scorer with 36.

Full international honours arrived while on tour with England in Argentina two summers ago – he came off the bench and bagged two points for a conversion in the two-nil series win.

Stephen toured with England in New Zealand this summer and came off the bench against the Crusaders in the mid week game after securing a European and domestic double with Northampton at the end of last season, winning both the European Challenge Cup and the Aviva Premiership.

Club Northampton Saints Position Fly halfBorn 21.07.84 | WidnesHeight 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 95kg (14st 13lb)Caps 1Points 2 – 1CHonours Saxons, England

Twitter @StephenMyler

International Record2013 Arg (2R)


50


Jack Nowell

Last year’s Six Nations saw Jack really put his name on the international map after starting in all five of England’s games scoring his maiden Test try against Italy and helping his country to come second over all.

Jack burst onto the scene as the LV=Breakthrough Player for 2012-13, after performing brilliantly for Exeter Chiefs. He then duly lifted the RBS Six Nations Championship title with England U20 before becoming a try-scorer when England beat Wales to take the IRB Junior World Championship crown for the first time.

He was educated at Newlyn School and Mount’s Bay School in Penzance, and played

at Penzance-Newlyn RFC from the age of six before going onto to represent England at U18 level.

Truro-born Jack studied at the college there and took a BTEC in Sport Performance and Excellence followed by an AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence) programme designed to help in all aspects of being a professional rugby player.

Injury meant he missed the tour of New Zealand but has recovered from an operation and is looking to push for more international honours.

Club Exeter Chiefs Position Full Back/Wing/CentreBorn 11.04.93 | TruroHeight 1.80m (5’11”)Weight 97kg (15st 4lb) Caps 5Points 5 – 1THonours England U18 & U20, England

Twitter @nowellsy15

International Record2014 F, S, I, W, It


51


Chris Robshaw

Chris started playing rugby as a seven year old at Wallingham RFC, Born in Redhill, he made his way to Millfield School in Somerset where he went onto represent England Schools and England U18 before England U21.

Having played all his professional life at Harlequins, Chris made his debut in 2006. He was named Premiership Player of the Year in 2008-09 and went onto captain Quins to their first ever Premiership title in 2011-12. He was named as the Premiership Player of the Year again for that season, a remarkable achievement.

After this summer’s tour of New Zealand he handed over the captaincy of Harlequins to

fellow England player Joe Marler for this campaign to concentrate of his England duties ahead of the World Cup.

Chris made his England debut in 2009 against Argentina while on the summer tour but didn’t play again until February 2012 against Scotland when he was named captain for the first time in only his second Test.

Chris has captained every game he’s played for England since then and he scored his maiden Test try against Australia in 2013 with his second coming in England’s last Six Nations game last year against Italy.

Club HarlequinsPosition FlankerBorn 04.06.86 | Redhill Height 1.88m (6’2”) Weight 108kg (17st 0lb)Caps 28Points 10 – 2THonours England U18, U21, Saxons, England

Twitter @ChrisRobshaw

International Record2009 Arg (2) 2012 S, It, W, F, I, SA (1, 2), Fj, A, SA, NZ 2013 S, I, F, It, W, A, Arg, NZ

2014 F, S, I, W, It, NZ (1, 2, 3)


52


Semesa Rokoduguni

Semesa burst onto the rugby scene in the 2012-13 season when he signed a full-time contract with Bath Rugby and has never looked back.

A Lance Corporal and reconnaissance tank soldier of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in the British Army, the Fijian-born winger was first spotted by Mike Ford when he was coaching Newcastle Falcons against the Army in Portugal in 2011. Semesa also scored a hat-trick and picked up the Man of the Match award in a game against the RAF at Twickenham in 2012.

Still attached to Army and living at his Army base in Warminster, Semesa celebrated a call

up to the Saxons last January to face Scotland A and, after a barnstorming start to the Aviva Premiership season so far, he’s been rewarded again with a place in the Senior squad for the first time in his career.

Semesa comes with a sevens background as well as playing the 15-a-side version of the game. He represented the Army Rugby Union XV, and German Rugby Bundesliga team, DRC Hannover, but also played a big part in the Army sevens team in the Middlesex Sevens and the International Defence Sevens, the latter of which was won by the Army.

Club Bath RugbyPosition WingBorn 28.08.87 | Nausori, Fiji Height 1.84m (6’0”) Weight 98kg (15st 6lb)Caps 0Points 0Honours Saxons

Twitter @rocco3225



53


Henry Slade

Having played for England U18, Henry made a name for himself as the England U20 fly half who lifted the Junior World Championship for the first time ever last year.

He attended Plymouth College and was named 2011 Plymouth Young Sports Personality of the Year. He has since been studying at Exeter University reading for a BSc in Sports & Exercise Science.

Henry’s Premiership debut for the Chiefs came in April two seasons ago after performing well

in the LV= Cup and now, with Heineken Cup experience behind him – he played against his childhood hero Jonny Wilkinson when Exeter played Toulon last season – Henry made his way into the Saxons and was named on the bench for both games last term.

This season has seen him switch from fly half to outside centre for the Chiefs and the young Devonian has been making headlines for his defence as much as his attacking flair.

Club Exeter ChiefsPosition Fly half/CentreBorn 19.03.93 | PlymouthHeight 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 92kg (14st 7lb)Caps 0Points 0Honours England U16, U18, U20, Saxons

Twitter @Sladey_10



54


Manusamoa Tuilagi

There was no real surprise that Manusamoa or Manu as he’s known, ended up playing rugby and playing it at Leicester. He was the sixth brother to pull on a Tigers shirt but the only one to play for England.

Having moved over from Samoa at the age of 13, Manu played junior rugby at Hinckley RFC from U14 to U16. He was a student at John Cleveland College and Mount Grace High School and rose through the England age group ranks, playing for the U16 and U18 teams before making his Tigers’ first team debut in 2009.

A try on debut against Wales at Twickenham in 2011 followed and a trip to New Zealand

for the RWC saw him become England’s youngest RWC player at 20 years and 115 days, just 15 days younger than a bloke called Jonny Wilkinson.

Another trip Down Under, this time to Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2013, saw Manu bag his first Lions Test cap.

Injury saw him miss the start of last year’s Six Nations but he came off the bench against Italy and managed to dot down and take his total number of tries for England to 11 so far. He started all three Tests against New Zealand in the summer – two as centre and one on the wing.

Club Leicester TigersPosition CentreBorn 18.05.91 | Fatausi-Fogapoa, Samoa Height 1.85m (6’1”)Weight 112kg (17st 9lb) Caps 25Points 55 – 11THonours England U16, U18, Saxons, England British & Irish Lions

Twitter @ManuTuilagi

International Record2011 W, I World Cup – Arg, G, R, S, F 2012 W, F, I, SA (1, 2, 3) Fj, A, SA, NZ 2013 I(R), F, It, W

2014 It(R) NZ (1, 2, 3)


55


Billy Twelvetrees

Given the captaincy at his club, Gloucester, this season, Billy’s rugby stock just keeps rising. Able to play at fly-half or in the centres, he capped off a fine couple of seasons with starts in all of last year’s Six Nations on the back of touring with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 Down Under.

He grew up in Wisborough Green, West Sussex and attended Wisborough Green Primary School before The Weald Secondary School in Billingshurst, where he played for Pulborough from U5 to U10 levels.

Billy loves most sports and has excelled in both football and cricket as well as rugby. In fact, he still holds the record for Wisborough Green

Cricket Club for the biggest six in the club’s history. He spent his youth at a succession of Sussex rugby clubs, before he was offered a place at Leicester Tigers.

Billy never played in any England age group representative rugby but was selected in the England Saxons 2010-11 squad after only 11 Aviva Premiership appearances.

In January 2012 he agreed to join Gloucester and, in February 2013, he scored a try on his first England appearance in the 38-18 Calcutta Cup win over Scotland at Twickenham. He started the second Test against the All Blacks this summer before an injury brought his tour to a premature end.

Club Gloucester RugbyPosition CentreBorn 15.11.88 | Chichester Height 1.91m (6’3”) Weight 103kg (16st 3lb) Caps 14Points 15 – 3T Honours England, Saxons, British & Irish Lions

Twitter @Billy_12trees

International Record2013 S, I, It(R), W(R), Arg (1), A, Arg, NZ 2014 F, S, I, W, It, NZ (2)


56


Billy Vunipola

Born in Australia to Tongan parents, Viliami “Billy” Vunipola moved to Wales at the age of six as his father, Fe’ao, a hooker who played 32 times for Tonga, was producing the goods for Pontypool. The family later moved to Bristol, where Castle School provided his education, before he earned a scholarship to Harrow to study Photography with aspirations of becoming as good as Robert Capa.

Luckily Billy and his brother Mako, who was capped on the winning Lions tour to Australia, decided to stick with rugby and, following a stint with Bristol in 2007-08, the younger Vunipola joined London Wasps and in 2012 he won the U20 IRB Junior World Championship.

A move to join his brother at Saracens at the end of the 2012/13 season saw Billy into

the England squad for the summer tour to Argentina and he celebrated his first cap with a try off the bench.

He made his first start, alongside his brother Mako, in the 20-13 win over Australia at Twickenham in November. With the two Youngs brothers also in the match-day squad, it was the first instance in 114 years of two pairs of brothers playing in the same England game.

He started the first three matches of last year’s Six Nations before he picked up an injury but managed to feature in two of the games against New Zealand in the summer.

Club Saracens Position Number 8 Born 03.11.92 | Sydney, AustraliaHeight 1.88m (6’2”) Weight 126kg (19st 11lb) Caps 10Points 5 – 1THonours England U18, U19, U20, England

Twitter @bvunipola

International Record2013 Arg (1R, 2R) A, Arg, NZ 2014 F, S, I, NZ (2R, 3)


57


Anthony Watson

Having been the youngest player to appear for London Irish in a first team game and with a Junior U20 World Championship to his name, Anthony made the move to the West Country to join Bath Rugby last season and has seen his stock rise.

He trained with the England senior squad throughout last year’s Six Nations and celebrated his England Saxons debut with a long-range interception try against Ireland Wolfhounds at Gloucester.

He toured New Zealand over the summer and bagged a try against the Crusaders in the midweek match.

Anthony started playing rugby at the age of five for Effingham RFC before breaking into the England U16 and U18 sides. Educated at St George’s College in Weybridge, he studied chemistry, economics and PE.

He’s a big Arsenal fan in spite of having trials for Chelsea and being a member of Wimbledon’s Football Academy. But it’s rugby, thankfully, that is his family’s game. Brother Marcus is a former member of the England U20 squad and father Duncan spent half a season with Saracens before a knee injury intervened.

Club Bath RugbyPosition Full Back/WingBorn 26.02.94 | AshfordHeight 1.85m (6’1”)Weight 92kg (14st 6lb)Caps 0Points 0Honours England U16, U18 & U20, Saxons

Twitter @ anthonywatson_



58


Rob Webber

Injuries have meant Rob has only eight caps to his name to date but after a solid showing in New Zealand over the summer, the burly hooker will be pushing for further honours in the near future.

Born and brought up in York, Rob attended Pocklington School and played for the town club before spending three seasons in the Leeds Carnegie Academy. He joined London Wasps in 2005 and, after a time on loan at Blackheath, made his first team debut at the age of 22.

He toured North America with England Saxons in the summer of 2008 but had to wait until January 2009 to actually play for the Saxons in the Churchill Cup.

His first senior England tour to Australasia followed in June 2010 and he came off the bench against both the Australian Barbarians at Gosford and New Zealand Maori in Napier.

In February 2012, Rob signed a three-year contract with Bath Rugby and his first cap followed in the Six Nations. A shoulder injury meant he missed the remaining internationals and most of his first season as a Bath player.

Rob was a Yorkshire Schools javelin champion and subsequently played rugby for England at every level from U16 to U21.

Club Bath RugbyPosition HookerBorn 01.08.86 | YorkHeight 1.82m (6’0”)Weight 113kg (17st 11lb)Caps 8Points 5 – 1THonours England U16, U18, U19 & U21, Sevens, Saxons, England

Twitter @robwebber2

International Record2012 It(R), W(R), F(R) 2013 Arg (1, 2) 2014 NZ (1, 2, 3R)


59


Richard Wigglesworth

A fast pair of hands and a great kicking game are among the attributes Richard brings to his play. It’s seen the scrum half bag 14 caps so far for his country with one try – a touch down he managed against France in Paris in only his second game.

Born in Blackpool and educated at Kirkham Grammar School, Richard joined Sale Sharks Academy in 2001. He was part of the England Schools 18 Group, the U19 side and picked up a Grand Slam with England U21 in 2004.

Selection for the Saxons followed in 2007 and he played his part in winning the Churchill Cup that year. From there he moved on to full international honours with a debut cap against Italy in 2008.

He started in the final of the 2006 Premiership final where Sale won their first and only Premiership title thus far.

‘Wiggy’, as he’s known in the game, left Sale to ply his trade at Saracens in 2010 and went on to lift the Aviva Premiership title with the London side as well.

His efforts saw him in the squad for the World Cup in June 2011 and he made three substitute appearances from the bench for England.

He toured New Zealand with England this summer making an appearance off the bench against the Crusaders in the midweek match.

Club SaracensPosition Scrum halfBorn 09.06.83 | BlackpoolHeight 1.76m (5’9”)Weight 84kg (13st 3lb)Caps 14Points 5 – 1THonours England Schools U18, England U19, U20, Saxons, England

Twitter @rwiggy9

International Record2008 It (R), F, S, I, NZ (1) 2011 W (R), W, I World Cup – Arg, R (R), S (R), F (R) 2013 Arg (1R, 2R)


60


David Wilson

At six foot two and a little more than 19 stone, David Wilson fits the mould perfectly for your modern day prop. But it’s more than just scrummaging and hitting rucks for David. After six years at Newcastle Falcons, he made the move to Bath Rugby and, with it, he developed a running game that has raised the eyebrow of many a Premiership opposition.

Educated at Harton Technology College and East Durham and Houghall Community College, David made his Falcons debut in October 2003 and went on to make 55 Premiership appearances for the club before switching to Bath.

He played for the Saxons side that defeated Ireland A in 2008 before making his full international debut in 2009 against Argentina. David made his RWC debut against Romania at Dunedin in September 2011 and has been in the England match-day squad every time he has been fit and available since.

Born in South Shields, the burly prop has had to play second fiddle to Dan Cole for most of his time with England but an injury to Cole in last year’s Six Nations coincided with a return from injury for David and he’s started in England’s last six Tests including the three against New Zealand this summer.

Club Bath RugbyPosition PropBorn 09.04.85 | South Shields Height 1.87m (6’1½”) Weight 122kg (19st 2lb)Caps 37Points 0Honours England U16, U18, U19, U21, Saxons, England

Twitter @Dave_Wilson85

International Record2009 Arg (1, 2R), A, NZ(R) 2010 W, It(R), I(R), S(R), F(R), A(1, 2), NZ(R), A(R), Sam, SA(R)

2011 W(R), It(R), W(R) World Cup – R(R) 2012 Fj(R), SA(R), NZ(R)2013 S(R), I(R), It(R), W(R), Arg (1, 2), A(R), Arg, NZ(R) 2014 I, W, It, NZ (1, 2, 3)


61


Tom Wood

Captaining England two summers ago in Argentina to a two-nil series win ranks right up there with his very best achievements for Tom, but, after a career threatening freak injury that nearly put an end to his life as a rugby player, he is more than happy just to pull on the white shirt of England.

Educated at Woodlands School in Coventry, the same school as former England internationals, Neil Back and Danny Grewcock, Tom made his way to Worcester Warriors.

Injuries have limited him over the years and after recovering from a broken leg he embarked on a spell in New Zealand with North Otago.

That trip saw him pick up many Kiwi traits and renew his confidence to really push on at Sixways. A move to Northampton Saints for the 2010-11 season saw him hit the England radar and he was picked in a Saxons squad.

A winning debut for Tom followed against Wales in February 2011 and the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year award completed a very successful rise to the top for the Coventry born flanker.

He enjoys country pursuits, stalking as well as archery, but they wouldn’t have compared to winning the European and Domestic cup double with Northampton last season.

Club Northampton SaintsPosition FlankerBorn 03.11.86 | CoventryHeight 1.95m (6’5”)Weight 107kg (16st 12lb)Caps 30Points 0Honours Saxons, England

Twitter @tomwood678

International Record2011 W, It, F, S, I, W(R), W World Cup - G, R(R) 2012 Fj(R), A(R), SA, NZ

2013 S, I, F, It, W, Arg(1,2) NZ (2,3)


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Marland Yarde

An out and out winger with pace to burn as well as strength and an eye for the try line, Marland is your typical modern-day winger. He burst onto the scene through the junior England ranks and has made his way into the full England set-up. He scored twice on debut against Argentina. However, he missed all of last year’s Six Nations Championship but scored two more tries against New Zealand on this summer’s tour where he started all three Tests.

Born in Castries, Saint Lucia, Marland moved to England as a nine year-old, taking up rugby five years later. Football was his first sport of interest and rugby nearly lost him after spending a period in the Queens Park

Rangers Academy and a stint as the Middlesex Under 16 captain.

A former pupil at Gunnersbury Boys Catholic School, Marland was awarded a scholarship to Whitgift School. After playing mini-youth rugby at Sunbury-on-Thames and London Irish Amateurs, he joined the London Irish Academy and, in December 2009, helped England U18 beat Australia 30-28 at Sale.

Marland had a brief spell at London Welsh before he ran in a try on his competitive debut for the Exiles against Sale Sharks in the LV= Cup in November 2010. He made the move over the summer to join Harlequins.

Club Harlequins Position WingBorn 20.04.92 | Castries, St LuciaHeight 1.83m (6’0”) Weight 95kg (14st 13lb) Caps 5Points 20 – 4THonours England U16A, U18, U20, England

Twitter @YardeM

International Record2013 Arg (2) 2014 NZ (1, 2, 3)


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Ben Youngs

Born in Cawston in Norfolk and the son of former England international Nick Youngs, Ben was destined for a life in rugby and that duly started at Gresham’s School before he moved to Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College and then North Walsham and eventually Leicester.

Ben played through the England junior ranks before running out for England Sevens at the Hong Kong Sevens before being named the 2008-09 Premiership Discovery of the Season.

His team-mates voted him Leicester Tigers Player of the Season for 2009-10 and he crowned the campaign by winning the Premiership final with a victory over Saracens.

A call-up to the England Saxons squad followed in January 2010 while his senior England

debut came as a substitute on the wing against Scotland in March of that year.

Ben’s first international start came in England’s 21-20 win over Australia in Sydney in June 2010, a game in which he was also named Man of the Match.

Another Premiership title with Leicester came in 2013 and, with it, selection for the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. His older brother, Tom, was also selected on the tour and, in the second Test, they became the first siblings to start a Lions Test since Gavin and Scott Hastings did so 24 years earlier.

Club Leicester TigersPosition Scrum half Born 05.09.89 | Cawston, NorfolkHeight 1.78m (5’10”)Weight 92kg (14st 7lb)Caps 38Points 30 – 6THonours England U16, U18, U20, Sevens, Saxons, England, British & Irish Lions

Twitter @benyoungs09

International Record2010 S(R), A(1R, 2), NZ, A, Sam, SA 2011 W, It, F, S, I World Cup – Arg(R), G, R, S, F

2012 S, It, W(R), F(R), I(R), SA (1, 2), Fj(R), A(R), SA, NZ 2013 S, I, F, It(R), W, A(R), NZ(R) 2014 NZ(1, 2R, 3)


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England Management

Stuart Lancaster Head Coach

Mike Catt Attacking Skills Coach

Andy Farrell Backs Coach

Graham Rowntree Forwards Coach

Coaches

Richard Bamford Physiotherapist

Dave Barton Communications Manager

Paul Frawley Massage Therapist

Mike Hughes Senior Analyst

Nigel Jones Team Doctor

Dan Lewindon Physiotherapist

Duncan Locke Analyst

Matt Parker Head of Athletic Performance

Phil Pask Physiotherapist

Ben Pollard Sports Scientist

Dave Silvester Fitness Coach

Richard Smith Legal Counsel

Tom Stokes Team Operations Manager

Dave Tennison Kit and Equipment Co-ordinator

Tom Tombleson Fitness Coach

Management


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Stuart Lancaster

There aren’t many more qualified and experienced coaches than Stuart Lancaster and a contract with the RFU until 2020 is just reward for the Yorkshireman. After playing and captaining at Leeds through 1992 to 2000 – Stuart was the first ever player to play more than 100 games for Leeds – he took over the reins of the Academy at Headingley and after four years he was in charge of the first team and took them back into the Premiership.

With his success on the pitch and a level 5 coaching qualification behind him it’s no surprise Stuart was picked up by England and given the role of RFU Head of Elite Player Development in 2007 – looking after national age group and development sides – before taking up the mantle of England Saxons Head Coach.

A former PE teacher at Kettlethorpe High School, Stuart started his rugby career playing at St. Bees School in Cumbria and actually

went on to represent Scotland at U19 and U21 level and Scotland Students. Among his other accolades you’ll find an honorary degree from Leeds Metropolitan University where he was a former undergraduate student. He was given a Doctorate in Sport for his significant contribution to the field of sport and coaching.

Since his appointment as England Rugby Head Coach in 2012, he has guided England to three successive runners-up spots in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 RBS 6 Nations, with 12 wins from 15 Championship games. In his first year, he guided England to three away victories, the first time that had been achieved by England in the RBS 6 Nations and, in 2014, he led England to their first triple crown since 2003.

Other highlights during his tenure include England beating world champions New Zealand by a record score, beating Australia as well as drawing with South Africa in South Africa.

England Management

Position England Head CoachBorn 09.10.69 | PenrithPlaying history Leeds Carnegie (1992-2000)Coaching history Leeds Carnegie: Academy Manager (2001-05), Director of Rugby (2005-07) RFU Head of Elite Player Development & England Saxons Head Coach, England Head Coach (December 2011-to date)


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Graham Rowntree

With 398 appearances for Leicester’s first team, 54 caps for England and two caps for the British and Irish Lions, Graham has a wealth of playing knowledge to draw on and that’s helped forge him into one of the top scrummaging coaches in the world.

Born in Stockton-on-Tees, Graham was educated at John Cleveland College in Leicestershire before joining Leicester Tigers from Nuneaton in 1988. Throughout the 90s he formed one part of the famous ‘ABC club’ alongside Richard Cockerill and Darren Garforth in the front row and went on to win five Premiership titles and three Heineken Cups.

His first full England cap came against Scotland in the Five Nations tournament in 1995 and

he went on to play in the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups and toured with the historic winning 1997 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa and the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Graham cut his coaching teeth at Leicester before being involved with the England National Academy. From there, Graham progressed to England Scrum Coach and then assistant coach as part of Martin Johnson’s backroom staff.

Wig, as he’s affectionately known, has also toured twice with the British and Irish Lions as a coach on both the 2009 tour to South Africa and the victorious 2013 tour to Australia and was recently rewarded with a contract at the RFU until 2020.

England Management

Position England Forwards CoachBorn 18.04.71 | Stockton-on-Tees Playing history Nuneaton (1981-88), Leicester Tigers (1988-2007), Barbarians, England (1995-2006), British & Irish Lions (1997, 2005)Coaching history Leicester Tigers Assistant Coach (2006-07), RFU National Academy and England Specialist Coach (June 2007), England Forwards Coach (August 2008-to date), British & Irish Lions Assistant Coach (2009, 2013)


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Andy Farrell

Andy made his name as a Rugby League legend, playing 370 times for Wigan between 1991 and 2004 including five Championship titles and four Challenge Cups. Such success led to him being awarded an OBE for services to Rugby League and he also won 34 Great Britain caps and 11 for England.

Andy switched codes to Rugby Union in 2005 and made his debut in 2006 for Saracens reserves. Initially starting off as a back row, Andy dropped out to the backs and from there he found his way into the England team for the 2007 World Cup squad. He won eight caps before retiring from playing in 2009 to take on a coaching role at Saracens.

Andy first joined forces with Stuart Lancaster as his assistant for the England Saxons in the

triumphant 2010 Churchill Cup. He was the skills coach for Saracens at the time but was handed the reins as first team coach for the 2011 season and duly guided them to their first Aviva Premiership title.

In 2012 Andy was given the role of England Backs Coach for the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship and in June 2012 he was appointed to rejoin the coaching team on a three-and-a-half year contract extending to January 2016. He recently signed a contract keeping him with the RFU until 2020.

He is, of course, father to current England Senior Squad member Owen, and he and his son enjoyed success Down Under as part of the triumphant British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.

England Management

Position England Backs CoachBorn 30.05.75 | WiganPlaying history RL: Orrell St James, Wigan (1991-2004), Great Britain, England (1993-2004) RU: Saracens (2005-2009), England (2007), World XV (2009)Coaching history RU: Saracens: Skills Coach (2009), First Team Coach (2010-2012), England Backs Coach (2011-to date), British & Irish Lions Assistant Coach (2013)


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Mike Catt

Rugby is a life source for Mike Catt and since he moved over from Port Elizabeth in South Africa in the 90s his sparkling rugby career has continued to gather momentum. Qualifying for England through his English mother, Mike left school in SA and joined Bath Rugby in 1992. He went on to win 75 caps for England and one for the British & Irish Lions.

After ending his playing career at London Irish he turned his hand to coaching as their Attack Coach. He was asked to tour as England Backs Coach for the 2012 summer tour of South Africa and was subsequently appointed Attacking Skills coach for England’s elite players in September 2013. He recently signed a contract with the RFU to keep him until 2020.

As rugby CV’s go, Mike’s isn’t one to be shy about. He spent 12 years at Bath, racking up 220 appearances and 64 tries, was named Premiership Player of the Year in 2005/06 while leading London Irish to a Premiership Final, toured twice with the British and Irish Lions, one on the victorious ’97 tour to South Africa and the other in 2001 to Australia, played in two World Cup finals – winning it in 2003 and coming second in 2007. He was then was given an MBE and then an OBE in the 2011 New Year’s Honours List for his services to rugby.

England Management

Position England Attacking Skills CoachBorn 17.09.71 | Port Elizabeth, South AfricaPlaying history Eastern Province U21 (1991), Bath Rugby (1992-2004), England U21 (1993), England (1994-2007), British & Irish Lions (1997), London Irish (2004-2010), Barbarians (2009)Coaching history London Irish Backs Coach (2007-2008), London Irish Attack Coach (2008-2012), England Backs Coach (SA Tour 2012), England Attacking Skills Coach (September 2012-to date)


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Head to Head

England Rugby

Played 39 Won 7 Drawn 1 Lost 31

England v New Zealand


England v South Africa


England v Samoa


England v Australia


England v Wales


England v Italy


England v Ireland


England v Scotland


England v France


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England Senior Men’s Results 2013-14QBE INTERNATIONAL – 02.11.13

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA20–13 (HT: 6–13)

Twickenham, LondonReferee: G Clancy (Ireland)

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Mike BrownIsrael FolauChris AshtonAdam Ashley-CooperJoel TomkinsTevita Kuridrani Billy TwelvetreesMatt Toomua 1TMarland YardeNick CumminsOwen Farrell 1T,2C,2PQuade Cooper 1C,2PLee DicksonWill GeniaMako VunipolaJames SlipperTom YoungsStephen MooreDan ColeBen AlexanderJoe LaunchburySitaleki TimaniCourtney LawesJames HorwillTom WoodScott Fardy Chris Robshaw (c) 1TMichael HooperBilly VunipolaBen Mowen (c)Dylan HartleySaia Fainga’aJoe MarlerBenn RobinsonDavid WilsonSekope KepuDave AttwoodKane DouglasBen MorganBen McCalmanBen YoungsNic WhiteToby FloodChristian Leali’ifanoBen FodenBernard Foley

QBE INTERNATIONAL – 16.11.13ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND

22–30 (HT: 16–20)Twickenham, London

Referee: C Joubert (South Africa)

QBE INTERNATIONAL – 09.11.13ENGLAND v ARGENTINA


Referee: P Gauzere (France)15

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Mike BrownLucas Gonzalez AmorosinoChris Ashton 1THoracio Agulla Joel TomkinsMarcelo Bosch 1PBilly Twelvetrees 1TSantiago Fernandez Ben FodenJuan Imhoff Owen Farrell 3C,5PNicolas Sanchez 3PLee DicksonTomas Cubelli Joe Marler Marcos AyerzaDylan HartleyEusebio GuinazuDavid WilsonMaximiliano Bustos Joe Launchbury 1TMariano GalarzaCourtney Lawes Patricio Albacete Tom WoodPablo MateraChris Robshaw (c)Julio Farias Cabello Billy VunipolaJuan Manuel Leguizamon (c)Tom YoungsSantiago Iglesias ValdezAlex Corbisiero Nahuel LoboDan ColeJuan Pablo Orlandi Geoff Parling Manuel Carizza Ben Morgan 1TBenjamin MacomeDanny CareMartin LandajoToby Flood 1CGonzalo TiesiAlex GoodeSantiago Cordero

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Mike BrownIsrael DaggChris AshtonCharles PiutauJoel TomkinsBen SmithBilly TwelvetreesMa’a NonuBen FodenJulian Savea 2T Owen Farrell 1C,5PGDan Carter 2C,1PGLee DicksonAaron SmithJoe MarlerTony WoodcockDylan HartleyKeven MealamuDan ColeOwen FranksJoe Launchbury 1TBrodie RetallickCourtney LawesSam WhitelockTom WoodLiam MessamChris Robshaw (c) Richie McCaw (c)Billy VunipolaKeiran Read 1TTom YoungsDane ColesMatt MullanWyatt CrockettDavid WilsonCharlie FaumuinaGeoff ParlingLuke RomanoBen MorganSteven LuatuaBen YoungsTawera Kerr-BarlowToby FloodAaron Cruden 1C,2PGAlex GoodeRyan Crotty


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England Senior Men’s Results 2013-14RBS 6 NATIONS – 01.02.14

FRANCE v ENGLAND26–24 (HT: 16–8)

Stade de France, ParisReferee: N Owens (Wales)

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Brice DulinMike Brown 1TYoann Huget 2TJack NowellMathieu BastareaudLuther Burrell 1TWesley FofanaBilly TwelvetreesMaxime MedardJonny MayJules PlissonOwen Farrell 1C,2PJean Marc Doussain 2PDanny Care 1DGThomas DomingoJoe MarlerBenjamin KayserDylan HartleyNicolas MasDan ColeAlexandre FlanquartJoe LaunchburyPascal Papé (c)Courtney LawesYannick NyangaTom WoodBernard Le RouxChris Robshaw (c)Louis PicamolesBilly VunipolaDimitri SzarzewskiTom YoungsYannick ForestierMako VunipolaRabah SlimaniHenry ThomasYoann MaestriDave AttwoodAntoine BurbanBen MorganDamien ChoulyLee DicksonMaxime Machenaud 1C,1PBrad BarrittGael Fickou 1TAlex Goode 1P

RBS 6 NATIONS – 22.02.14ENGLAND v IRELAND



RBS 6 NATIONS – 08.02.14SCOTLAND v ENGLAND

0–20 (HT: 0–13)Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Referee: J Garces (France)15

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Stuart HoggMike Brown 1TTommy SeymourJack NowellAlex DunbarLuther Burrell 1TMatthew ScottBilly TwelvetreesSean LamontJonny MayDuncan WeirOwen Farrell 2C,1PGreig LaidlawDanny Care 1DGRyan GrantJoe MarlerRoss FordDylan HartleyMoray LowDan ColeTim SwinsonJoe LaunchburyJames HamiltonCourtney LawesRyan WilsonTom WoodChris FusaroChris Robshaw (c)Dave DentonBilly VunipolaScott LawsonTom YoungsAlasdair DickinsonMako VunipolaGeoff CrossHenry ThomasJonny GrayDave AttwoodJohn BeattieBen MorganChris CusiterLee DicksonDuncan TaylorBrad BarrittMax EvansAlex Goode

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Mike BrownRob Kearney 1TJack NowellAndrew TrimbleLuther BurrellBrian O’DriscollBilly TwelvetreesGordon D’ArcyJonny MayDavid KearneyOwen Farrell 1C,2PJonathan Sexton 1C,1PDanny Care 1TConor MurrayJoe MarlerCian HealyDylan HartleyRory BestDan ColeMike RossJoe LaunchburyDevin TonerCourtney LawesPaul O’Connell (c)Tom WoodPeter O’MahonyChris Robshaw (c)Chris HenryBilly Vunipola Jamie HeaslipTom YoungsSean CroninMako VunipolaJack McGrathHenry ThomasMartin MooreDave AttwoodIain HendersonBen MorganJordi MurphyLee DicksonIsaac BossBrad BarrittPaddy JacksonAlex GoodeFergus McFadden


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England Senior Men’s Results 2013-14RBS 6 NATIONS – 09.03.14

ENGLAND v WALES29–18 (HT: 20–15)Twickenham, London

Referee: R Poite (France)15

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Mike BrownLeigh Halfpenny 6PJack NowellAlex CuthbertLuther Burrell 1TJonathan DaviesBilly TwelvetreesJamie RobertsJonny MayGeorge NorthOwen Farrell 2C,5PRhys PriestlandDanny Care 1TRhys WebbJoe MarlerGethin JenkinsDylan HartleyRichard HibbardDavid WilsonAdam JonesJoe LaunchburyJake BallCourtney LawesAlun Wyn JonesTom WoodDan LydiateChris Robshaw (c)Sam Warburton (c)Ben MorganTaulupe FaletauTom YoungsKen OwensMako VunipolaPaul JamesHenry ThomasRhodri JonesDave AttwoodAndrew CoombsTom JohnsonJustin TipuricLee DicksonMike PhillipsGeorge FordDan BiggarAlex GoodeLiam Williams

RBS 6 NATIONS – 15.03.14ITALY v ENGLAND11–52 (HT: 6–24)

Stadio Olimpico, RomeReferee: P Gauzere (France)

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Luke McLeanMike Brown 2TAngelo EspositoJack Nowell 1TMichele CampagnaroLuther BurrellGonzalo GarciaBilly TwelvetreesLeonardo Sarto 1TJonny MayLuciano Orquera 2POwen Farrell 1T,7C,1PTito TebaldiDanny CareMatias AgueroMako Vunipola 1TLeonardo GhiraldiniDylan HartleyLorenzo CittadiniDavid WilsonQuintin GeldenhuysJoe LaunchburyMarco BortolamiCourtney LawesJosh FurnoTom WoodRobert BarbieriChris Robshaw (c) 1TSergio Parisse (c)Ben MorganDavide GiazzonTom YoungsMichele RizzoMatt MullanAlberto De MarchiHenry ThomasGeorge BiagiDave AttwoodPaul DerbyshireBen MorganEdoardo GoriLee DicksonTommaso AllanGeorge FordAndrea MasiManu Tuilagi 1T


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England Senior Men’s Results 2013-14SUMMER TOUR – 14.06.14

NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND28–27 (HT: 6–10)

Forsyth Barr Stadium, DunedinReferee: J Peyper (South Africa)15

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Ben Smith 1TMike Brown 1TCorey JaneManu TuilagiConrad SmithLuther BurrellMa’a Nonu 1TBilly TwelvetreesJulian Savea 1TMarland Yarde 1TAaron Cruden 1C,2POwen Farrell 3C,2PAaron SmithDanny CareTony WoodcockJoe MarlerDane ColesRob WebberOwen FranksDavid WilsonBrodie RetallickJoe LaunchburySamuel WhitelockGeoff ParlingLiam MessamTom WoodRichie McCaw (c)Chris Robshaw (c)Jerome KainoBen MorganKeven MealamuDylan HartleyWyatt CrockettMatt MullanCharlie FaumuinaKieran BrookesPatrick TuipulotuCourtney LawesVictor VitoBilly VunipolaTJ PerenaraBen YoungsBeauden Barrett 1C,1PFreddie BurnsMalakai Fekitoa Chris Ashton 1T

SUMMER TOUR – 21.06.14NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND

36–13 (HT: 29–6)Waikato Stadium, HamiltonReferee: J Garces (France)

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Ben SmithMike BrownCorey JaneChris AshtonMalakai Fekitoa Manu TuilagiMa’a NonuKyle EastmondJulian Savea 3TMarland Yarde 1TAaron Cruden 3C,1PFreddie Burns 1C,2PAaron Smith 2TBen YoungsTony WoodcockJoe MarlerDane ColesDylan HartleyOwen FranksDavid WilsonBrodie RetallickJoe LaunchburySamuel WhitelockCourtney LawesJerome KainoTom WoodRichie McCaw (c)Chris Robshaw (c)Kieran ReadBilly VunipolaKeven MealamuRob WebberWyatt CrockettMatt MullanCharlie FaumuinaKieran Brookes Patrick TuipulotuDave AttwoodLiam MessamBen MorganTJ PerenaraLee DicksonBeauden Barrett 2CLuther BurrellRyan CrottyDanny Cipriani


20–15 (HT: 9–9)Eden Park, Auckland

Referee: N Owens (Wales)15

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Israel DaggMike BrownBen SmithMarland YardeConrad Smith 1TManu TuilagiMa’a NonuKyle EastmondCorey JaneJonny MayAaron Cruden 5PFreddie Burns 4PAaron SmithBen YoungsTony WoodcockJoe MarlerDane ColesRob WebberOwen FranksDavid WilsonBrodie RetallickJoe LaunchburySamuel WhitelockGeoff ParlingLiam MessamJames HaskellRichie McCaw (c)Chris Robshaw (c)Jerome KainoBen MorganKeven MealamuJoe GrayWyatt CrockettMatt MullanCharlie FaumuinaHenry ThomasPatrick TuipulotuDave AttwoodVictor VitoTom JohnsonTJ PerenaraLee DicksonBeauden BarrettDanny Cipriani 1PMalakai Fekitoa Chris Pennell


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England v New Zealand Head to HeadSUMMER TOUR – 14.06.14

NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND28–27 (HT: 6–10)

Forsyth Barr Stadium, DunedinReferee: J Peyper (South Africa)

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Ben Smith 1TMike Brown 1TCorey JaneManu TuilagiConrad SmithLuther BurrellMa’a Nonu 1TBilly TwelvetreesJulian Savea 1TMarland Yarde 1TAaron Cruden 1C,2POwen Farrell 3C,2PAaron SmithDanny CareTony WoodcockJoe MarlerDane ColesRob WebberOwen FranksDavid WilsonBrodie RetallickJoe LaunchburySamuel WhitelockGeoff ParlingLiam MessamTom WoodRichie McCaw (c)Chris Robshaw (c)Jerome KainoBen MorganKeven MealamuDylan HartleyWyatt CrockettMatt MullanCharlie FaumuinaKieran BrookesPatrick TuipulotuCourtney LawesVictor VitoBilly VunipolaTJ PerenaraBen YoungsBeauden Barrett 1C,1PFreddie BurnsMalakai Fekitoa Chris Ashton 1T


36–13 (HT: 29–6)Waikato Stadium, HamiltonReferee: J Garces (France)

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Ben SmithMike BrownCorey JaneChris AshtonMalakai Fekitoa Manu TuilagiMa’a NonuKyle EastmondJulian Savea 3TMarland Yarde 1TAaron Cruden 3C,1PFreddie Burns 1C,2PAaron Smith 2TBen YoungsTony WoodcockJoe MarlerDane ColesDylan HartleyOwen FranksDavid WilsonBrodie RetallickJoe LaunchburySamuel WhitelockCourtney LawesJerome KainoTom WoodRichie McCaw (c)Chris Robshaw (c)Kieran ReadBilly VunipolaKeven MealamuRob WebberWyatt CrockettMatt MullanCharlie FaumuinaKieran Brookes Patrick TuipulotuDave AttwoodLiam MessamBen MorganTJ PerenaraLee DicksonBeauden Barrett 2CLuther BurrellRyan CrottyDanny Cipriani


20–15 (HT: 9–9)Eden Park, Auckland

Referee: N Owens (Wales)15

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Israel DaggMike BrownBen SmithMarland YardeConrad Smith 1TManu TuilagiMa’a NonuKyle EastmondCorey JaneJonny MayAaron Cruden 5PFreddie Burns 4PAaron SmithBen YoungsTony WoodcockJoe MarlerDane ColesRob WebberOwen FranksDavid WilsonBrodie RetallickJoe LaunchburySamuel WhitelockGeoff ParlingLiam MessamJames HaskellRichie McCaw (c)Chris Robshaw (c)Jerome KainoBen MorganKeven MealamuJoe GrayWyatt CrockettMatt MullanCharlie FaumuinaHenry ThomasPatrick TuipulotuDave AttwoodVictor VitoTom JohnsonTJ PerenaraLee DicksonBeauden BarrettDanny Cipriani 1PMalakai Fekitoa Chris Pennell


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England v South Africa Head to HeadQBE INTERNATIONAL – 24.11.12ENGLAND v SOUTH AFRICA


Referee: N Owens (Wales)

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Alex GoodeZane KirchnerChris AshtonJP PietersenManusamoa TuilagiJuan de JonghBrad BarrittJean de Villiers (c)Mike BrownFrancois HougaardToby Flood 2PPat Lambie 1C,3PBen YoungsRuan PienaarAlex CorbisieroGurthro SteenkampTom YoungsAdriaan StraussDan ColeJannie du PlessisJoe LaunchburyEben EtzebethGeoff ParlingJuandre KrugerTom WoodFrancois LouwChris Robshaw (c)Willem Alberts 1TBen MorganDuane VermeulenDavid PaiceSchalk BritsDavid WilsonHeinke van der MerweMako VunipolaPat CilliersMouritz BothaFlip van der MerweJames HaskellMarcell CoetzeeDanny CareElton JantjiesOwen Farrell 3PJaco TauteJonathan JosephLwazi Mvovo

SUMMER TOUR – 16.06.12SOUTH AFRICA v ENGLAND

36–27 (HT: 25–10)Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Referee: A Rolland (Ireland)

SUMMER TOUR – 23.06.12SOUTH AFRICA v ENGLAND

14–14 (HT: 9–8)Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Referee: S Walsh (Australia)

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Gio AplonAlex GoodeJP Pietersen 1TChris AshtonJean de Villiers (c)Jonathan JosephWynand OlivierManusamoa TuilagiBryan HabanaBen FodenMorne Steyn 3PToby Flood 1PFrancois HougaardDanny Care 1TTendai MtawariraJoe MarlerBismarck du PlessisDylan Hartley (c)Jannie du PlessisDan ColeEben EtzebethTom PalmerJuandre KrugerGeoff ParlingMarcell CoetzeeTom JohnsonJacques PotgieterJames HaskellPierre SpiesThomas WaldromAdriaan StraussLee MearsWerner KrugerPaul Doran JonesFlip van der MerweMouritz BothaRyan KankowskiPhil DowsonRuan PienaarLee DicksonElton JantjiesOwen Farrell 2PBjorn BassonBrad Barritt

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Pat LambieBen FodenJP Pietersen 1TChris AshtonJean de Villiers (c)Jonathan JosephFrans SteynManusamoa TuilagiBryan HabanaDavid StrettleMorne Steyn 2C,3P,1DGToby Flood 1T,3C,1PFrancois Hougaard 1TBen Youngs 2TTendai MtawariraJoe MarlerBismarck du Plessis 1TDylan HartleyJannie du PlessisDan ColeEben EtzebethMouritz BothaJuandre KrugerGeoff ParlingMarcell CoetzeeTom JohnsonWillem Alberts 1TChris Robshaw (c)Pierre SpiesBen MorganAdriaan StraussLee MearsWerner KrugerAlex CorbisieroFlip van der MerweTom PalmerKeegan DanielThomas WaldromRuan PienaarLee DicksonBjorn BassonOwen FarrellWynand OlivierAlex Goode


76

England v Samoa Head to HeadINTERNATIONAL – 20.11.10

ENGLAND v SAMOA26–13 (HT: 6–13)

Twickenham, LondonReferee: P Fitzgibbon (ireland)

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Ben FodenPaul Williams 1T,1PChris AshtonDavid LemiMatt Banahan 1TGeorge PisiShontayne HapeSeilala MapusuaMark CuetoAlesana TuilagiToby Flood 2C,3PTasesa Lavea LeviBen YoungsKahn Fotuali’iAndrew SheridanZak TaulafoDylan HartleyMahonri Schwalger (c)David WilsonAnthony PereniseCourtney LawesFilipo LeviTom PalmerKane ThompsonJames HaskellOfisa TreviranusHendre FourieManu SalaveaNick Easter (c)George StowersSteve ThompsonTi’i PauloDan ColeCensus JohnstonDave AttwoodJoe TekoriTom Croft 1TAfa AionoDanny CareJunior PoluleuligagaCharlie HodgsonGavin Williams 1TDelon ArmitageTua Otto

INVESTEC INTERNATIONAL – 26.11.05ENGLAND v SAMOA


Referee: SM Lawrence (South Africa)

RWC POOL MATCH – 22.09.07ENGLAND v SAMOA44–22 (HT: 23–12)

Nantes, FranceReferee: A Lewis (Ireland)

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Josh LewseyLoki Crichton 1C,5PPaul Sackey 2TDavid LemiMathew TaitSeilala MapusuaOlly BarkleyBrian LimaMark CuetoAlesana TuilagiJonny Wilkinson 3C,4P,2DGEliota Fuimaono-SapoluAndy GomarsallJunior PoluleuigagaAndrew SheridanKas LealamanuaGeorge ChuterMahonri Schwalger 1TMatt StevensCensus JohnstonSimon ShawJoe TekoriBen KayKane ThompsonMartin Corry (c) 2TDaniel LeoJoe WorsleySemo Sititi (c)Nick EasterHenry TuilagiMark Regan Tani FugaPerry FreshwaterFosi Pala’amoSteve BorthwickJustin PurdieLewis MoodyAlfie VaeluagaPeter RichardsSteven SooialoAndy FarrellJerry MeafouDanny HipkissLolo Lui

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1

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Josh LewseySailosi TagicakibauMark CuetoLome Fa’atauJames Simpson-DanielElvis Seveali’iMike TindallEliota Fuimaono-SapoluTom VoyceAlesana TuilagiCharlie HodgsonTanner ViliHarry EllisSteve So’oialoAndrew SheridanJustin Va’aSteve ThompsonMahonri SchwalgerMatt StevensCensus JohnstonSteve BorthwickDan LeoLouis DeaconPelu Taele-PavihiPat SandersonLeo Lafaiali’iLewis MoodySemo Sititi (c)Martin Corry (c)Daniel FaraniLee MearsLoleni TafunaiPerry FreshwaterKas Lealamanu’aSimon ShawPaul TupaiJames ForresterJonny Fa’amatuainuPeter RichardsGarrick CowleyOlly BarkleyAndy TuilagiTom VarndellLolo Lui


77

England v Australia Head to HeadQBE INTERNATIONAL – 02.11.13

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA20–13 (HT: 6–13)


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9

1

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Mike BrownIsrael FolauChris AshtonAdam Ashley-CooperJoel TomkinsTevita Kuridrani Billy TwelvetreesMatt Toomua 1TMarland YardeNick CumminsOwen Farrell 1T,2C,2PQuade Cooper 1C,2PLee DicksonWill GeniaMako VunipolaJames SlipperTom YoungsStephen MooreDan ColeBen AlexanderJoe LaunchburySitaleki TimaniCourtney LawesJames HorwillTom WoodScott Fardy Chris Robshaw (c) 1TMichael HooperBilly VunipolaBen Mowen (c)Dylan HartleySaia Fainga’aJoe MarlerBenn RobinsonDavid WilsonSekope KepuDave AttwoodKane DouglasBen MorganBen McCalmanBen YoungsNic WhiteToby FloodChristian Leali’ifanoBen FodenBernard Foley

QBE INTERNATIONAL – 13.11.10ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA



QBE INTERNATIONAL – 17.11.12ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA



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Alex GoodeBerrick Barnes 4P,1DGChris AshtonNick Cummins 1TManusamoa Tuilagi 1TAdam Ashley-CooperBrad BarrittBen TapuaiCharlie SharplesDigby IoaneToby Flood 3PKurtley BealeDanny CareNick PhippsJoe MarlerBenn RobinsonTom YoungsTatafu Polota-NauDan ColeBen AlexanderTom PalmerSitaleki TimaniGeoff ParlingNathan Sharpe (c)Tom JohnsonDave DennisChris Robshaw (c)Michael HooperThomas WaldromWycliff PaluDavid PaiceStephen MooreDavid WilsonJames SlipperMako VunipolaSekope KepuJoe LaunchburyRadike SamoTom WoodLiam GillBen YoungsBrett SheehanOwen FarrellMike HarrisMike BrownDrew Mitchell

15

14

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10

9

1

2

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4

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8

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Ben FodenKurtley Beale 2TChris Ashton 2TJames O’Connor 1C,2PMike TindallAdam Ashley-CooperShontayne HapeMatt GiteauMark CuetoDrew MitchellToby Flood 2C,7PQuade CooperBen YoungsWill GeniaAndrew SheridanBenn RobinsonDylan HartleyStephen MooreDan ColeBen AlexanderCourtney LawesMark ChisholmTom PalmerNathan SharpeTom CroftRocky Elsom (c)Lewis Moody (c)David PocockNick EasterBen McCalmanSteve ThompsonSaia Fainga’aDavid WilsonJames SlipperSimon ShawDean MummHendre FourieRichard BrownDanny CareLuke BurgessCharlie HodgsonBerrick BarnesDelon ArmitageLachie Turner


78

England v Wales Head to HeadRBS 6 NATIONS – 09.03.14

ENGLAND v WALES29–18 (HT: 20–15)Twickenham, London


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9

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16

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Mike BrownLeigh Halfpenny 6PJack NowellAlex CuthbertLuther Burrell 1TJonathan DaviesBilly TwelvetreesJamie RobertsJonny MayGeorge NorthOwen Farrell 2C,5PRhys PriestlandDanny Care 1TRhys WebbJoe MarlerGethin JenkinsDylan HartleyRichard HibbardDavid WilsonAdam JonesJoe LaunchburyJake BallCourtney LawesAlun Wyn JonesTom WoodDan LydiateChris Robshaw (c)Sam Warburton (c)Ben MorganTaulupe FaletauTom YoungsKen OwensMako VunipolaPaul JamesHenry ThomasRhodri JonesDave AttwoodAndrew CoombsTom JohnsonJustin TipuricLee DicksonMike PhillipsGeorge FordDan BiggarAlex GoodeLiam Williams

RBS 6 NATIONS – 12.02.12ENGLAND v WALES


Referee: S Walsh (Australia)

RBS 6 NATIONS – 16.03.13WALES v ENGLAND

30–3 (HT: 9–3)Millennium Stadium, CardiffReferee: S Walsh (Australia)

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Leigh Halfpenny 4PAlex GoodeAlex Cuthbert 2TChris AshtonJonathan DaviesManusamoa TuilagiJamie RobertsBrad BarrittGeorge NorthMike BrownDan Biggar 1C,1P,1DGOwen Farrell 1PMike PhillipsBen YoungsGethin Jenkins (c)Joe MarlerRichard HibbardTom YoungsAdam JonesDan ColeAlun-Wyn JonesJoe LaunchburyIan EvansGeoff ParlingSam WarburtonTom CroftJustin TipuricChris Robshaw (c)Toby FaletauTom WoodKen OwensDylan HartleyPaul JamesDavid WilsonScott AndrewsMako VunipolaAndrew CoombsCourtney LawesAaron ShinglerJames HaskellLloyd WilliamsDanny CareJames HookToby FloodScott WilliamsBilly Twelvetrees

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Ben FodenLeigh Halfpenny 1C,4PChris AshtonAlex CuthbertManu TuilagiJonathan DaviesBrad BarrittJamie RobertsDavid StrettleGeorge NorthOwen Farrell 4PRhys PriestlandLee DicksonMike PhillipsAlex CorbisieroGethin JenkinsDylan HartleyKen OwensDan ColeAdam JonesMouritz BothaAlun-Wyn JonesGeoff ParlingIan EvansTom CroftDan LydiateChris Robshaw (c)Sam Warburton (c)Ben MorganToby FaletauRob WebberRichard HibbardMatt StevensPaul JamesCourtney LawesRyan JonesPhil DowsonJustin TipuricBen YoungsLloyd WilliamsToby FloodStephen JonesMike BrownScott Williams 1T


79

England v Italy Head to HeadRBS 6 NATIONS – 15.03.14

ITALY v ENGLAND11–52 (HT: 6–24)

Stadio Olimpico, RomeReferee: P Gauzere (France)

15

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9

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16

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Luke McLeanMike Brown 2TAngelo EspositoJack Nowell 1TMichele CampagnaroLuther BurrellGonzalo GarciaBilly TwelvetreesLeonardo Sarto 1TJonny MayLuciano Orquera 2POwen Farrell 1T,7C,1PTito TebaldiDanny CareMatias AgueroMako Vunipola 1TLeonardo GhiraldiniDylan HartleyLorenzo CittadiniDavid WilsonQuintin GeldenhuysJoe LaunchburyMarco BortolamiCourtney LawesJosh FurnoTom WoodRobert BarbieriChris Robshaw (c) 1TSergio Parisse (c)Ben MorganDavide GiazzonTom YoungsMichele RizzoMatt MullanAlberto De MarchiHenry ThomasGeorge BiagiDave AttwoodPaul DerbyshireBen MorganEdoardo GoriLee DicksonTommaso AllanGeorge FordAndrea MasiManu Tuilagi 1T

RBS 6 NATIONS – 11.02.12ITALY v ENGLAND15–19 (HT: 12–6)

Stadio Olimpico, RomeReferee: J Garces (France)

RBS 6 NATIONS – 10.03.13ENGLAND v ITALY18–11 (HT: 12–3)


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9

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Alex GoodeAndrea MasiChris AshtonGiovanbattista VendittiManusamoa TuilagiGonzalo CanaleBrad BarrittGonzalo GarciaMike BrownLuke McLean 1TToby Flood 6PLuciano Orquera 2PDanny CareEdoardo GoriMako VunipolaAlberto de MarchiTom YoungsLeonardo GhiraldiniDan ColeMartin CastrogiovanniJoe LaunchburyQuintin GeldenhuysGeoff ParlingJoshua FurnoJames HaskellAlessandro ZanniChris Robshaw (c)Robert BarbieriTom WoodSergio Parisse (c)Dylan HartleyDavide GiazzonDavid WilsonAndrea Lo Cicero VainaJoe MarlerLorenzo CittadiniCourtney LawesAntonio PavanelloTom CroftFrancesco MintoBen YoungsSimone FavaroFreddie BurnsTobias BotesBilly TwelvetreesTommaso Benvenuti

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Andrea MasiBen FodenGiovanbattista Venditti 1TChris AshtonTommaso Benvenuti 1TBrad BarrittGonzalo CanaleOwen Farrell 1C,4PLuke McLeanDavid StrettleKris Burton 1C,1PCharlie Hodgson 1TEdoardo GoriBen YoungsAndrea Lo Cicero VainaAlex CorbisieroLeonardo GhiraldiniDylan HartleyMartin CastrogiovanniDan ColeQuintin GeldenhuysMouritz BothaMarco BortolamiTom PalmerAlessandro ZanniTom CroftRobert BarbieriChris Robshaw (c)Sergio Parisse (c)Phil DowsonTommaso d’ApiceRob WebberLorenzo CittadiniMatt StevensAntonio PavanelloGeoff ParlingMauro BergamascoBen MorganFabio SemenzatoLee DicksonTobias BotesJordan Turner-HallLuca Morisi Mike Brown


80

England v Ireland Head to HeadRBS 6 NATIONS – 22.02.14

ENGLAND v IRELAND13–0 (HT: 3–0)

Twickenham, LondonReferee: C Joubert (South Africa)15

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9

1

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Mike BrownRob Kearney 1TJack NowellAndrew TrimbleLuther BurrellBrian O’DriscollBilly TwelvetreesGordon D’ArcyJonny MayDavid KearneyOwen Farrell 1C,2PJonathan Sexton 1C,1PDanny Care 1TConor MurrayJoe MarlerCian HealyDylan HartleyRory BestDan ColeMike RossJoe LaunchburyDevin TonerCourtney LawesPaul O’Connell (c)Tom WoodPeter O’MahonyChris Robshaw (c)Chris HenryBilly Vunipola Jamie HeaslipTom YoungsSean CroninMako VunipolaJack McGrathHenry ThomasMartin MooreDave AttwoodIain HendersonBen MorganJordi MurphyLee DicksonIsaac BossBrad BarrittPaddy JacksonAlex GoodeFergus McFadden

RBS 6 NATIONS – 17.03.12ENGLAND v IRELAND


Referee: N Owens (Wales)

RBS 6 NATIONS – 10.02.13IRELAND v ENGLAND

6–12 (HT: 0–6)Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Referee: J Garces (France)15

14

13

12

11

10

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

16

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Rob KearneyAlex GoodeCraig GilroyChris AshtonBrian O’Driscoll Brad BarrittGordon D’ArcyBilly TwelvetreesSimon ZeboMike Brown Jonathan SextonOwen Farrell 4PConor MurrayBen YoungsCian HealyJoe MarlerRory BestTom YoungsMike RossDan ColeMike McCarthyJoe LaunchburyDonnacha RyanGeoff ParlingPeter O’MahonyJames HaskellSean O’BrienChris Robshaw (c)Jamie Heaslip (c)Tom WoodSean CroninDylan HartleyDave KilcoyneDavid WilsonDeclan FitzpatrickMako VunipolaDonncha O’CallaghanCourtney LawesChris HenryThomas WaldromEoin ReddanDanny CareRonan O’Gara 2PToby FloodKeith EarlsManusamoa Tuilagi

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14

13

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11

10

9

1

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8

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Ben FodenRob KearneyChris AshtonTommy BoweManu TuilagiKeith EarlsBrad BarrittGordon D’ArcyDavid StrettleAndrew TrimbleOwen Farrell 1C,6PJonathan Sexton 3PLee DicksonEoin ReddanAlex CorbisieroCian HealyDylan HartleyRory Best (c)Dan ColeMike RossMouritz BothaDonncha O’CallaghanGeoff ParlingDonnacha RyanTom CroftSteve FerrisChris Robshaw (c)Sean O’BrienBen MorganJamie Heaslip Lee MearsSean CroninMatt StevensTom CourtTom PalmerMike McCarthyPhil DowsonPeter O’MahonyBen Youngs 1TTomas O’LearyCharlie HodgsonRonan O’GaraMike Brown Fergus McFadden*England awarded penalty try


81

England v Scotland Head to HeadRBS 6 NATIONS – 08.02.14

SCOTLAND v ENGLAND0–20 (HT: 0–13)

Murrayfield, EdinburghReferee: J Garces (France)

15

14

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11

10

9

1

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8

16

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Stuart HoggMike Brown 1TTommy SeymourJack NowellAlex DunbarLuther Burrell 1TMatthew ScottBilly TwelvetreesSean LamontJonny MayDuncan WeirOwen Farrell 2C,1PGreig LaidlawDanny Care 1DGRyan GrantJoe MarlerRoss FordDylan HartleyMoray LowDan ColeTim SwinsonJoe LaunchburyJames HamiltonCourtney LawesRyan WilsonTom WoodChris FusaroChris Robshaw (c)David DentonBilly VunipolaScott LawsonTom YoungsAlasdair DickinsonMako VunipolaGeoff CrossHenry ThomasJonny GrayDave AttwoodJohn BeattieBen MorganChris CusiterLee DicksonDuncan TaylorBrad BarrittMax EvansAlex Goode

RBS 6 NATIONS – 04.02.12SCOTLAND v ENGLAND

6–13 (HT: 6–3)Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Referee: G Clancy (Ireland)

RBS 6 NATIONS – 02.02.13ENGLAND v SCOTLAND


Referee: A Rolland (Ireland)15

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13

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11

10

9

1

2

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8

16

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Alex GoodeStuart Hogg 1TChris Ashton 1TSean Maitland 1TBrad BarrittSean LamontBilly Twelvetrees 1TMatt ScottMike BrownTim VisserOwen Farrell 3C,4PRuaridh JacksonBen YoungsGreig Laidlaw 1C,2PJoe MarlerRyan GrantTom YoungsDougie HallDan ColeEuan MurrayJoe LaunchburyRichie GrayGeoff Parling 1TJim HamiltonTom WoodAlasdair StrokoschChris Robshaw (c)Kelly Brown (c)Ben MorganJohnnie BeattieDylan HartleyRoss FordDavid WilsonMoray LowMako VunipolaGeoff CrossCourtney LawesAlastair KellockJames HaskellDavid DentonDanny Care 1THenry PyrgosToby FloodDuncan WeirDavid Strettle Max Evans

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9

1

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8

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Rory LamontBen FodenLee JonesChris AshtonNick De LucaBrad BarrittSean LamontOwen Farrell 1C,2PMax EvansDavid StrettleDan Parks 2PCharlie Hodgson 1TChris CusiterBen YoungsAllan JacobsenAlex CorbisieroRoss Ford (c)Dylan HartleyEuan MurrayDan ColeRichie GrayMouritz BothaJim HamiltonTom PalmerAlasdair StrokoschTom CroftRoss RennieChris Robshaw (c)David DentonPhil DowsonScott LawsonRob WebberGeoff CrossMatt StevensAlastair KellockGeoff ParlingJohn BarclayBen Morgan Mike BlairLee DicksonGreig LaidlawJordan Turner-HallGraeme MorrisonMike Brown


82

England v France Head to HeadRBS 6 NATIONS – 01.02.14

FRANCE v ENGLAND26–24 (HT: 16–8)

Stade de France, ParisReferee: N Owens (Wales)

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

16

17

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23

Brice DulinMike Brown 1TYoann Huget 2TJack NowellMathieu BastareaudLuther Burrell 1TWesley FofanaBilly TwelvetreesMaxime MedardJonny MayJules PlissonOwen Farrell 1C,2PJean Marc Doussain 2PDanny Care 1DGThomas DomingoJoe MarlerBenjamin KayserDylan HartleyNicolas MasDan ColeAlexandre FlanquartJoe LaunchburyPascal Papé (c)Courtney LawesYannick NyangaTom WoodBernard Le RouxChris Robshaw (c)Louis PicamolesBilly VunipolaDimitri SzarzewskiTom YoungsYannick ForestierMako VunipolaRabah SlimaniHenry ThomasYoann MaestriDave AttwoodAntoine BurbanBen MorganDamien ChoulyLee DicksonMaxime Machenaud 1C,1PBrad BarrittGael Fickou 1TAlex Goode 1P

RBS 6 NATIONS – 11.03.12FRANCE v ENGLAND

22–24 (HT: 9–14)Stade de France, Paris

Referee: A Rolland (Ireland)

RBS 6 NATIONS – 23.02.13ENGLAND v FRANCE


Referee: C Joubert (South Africa)15

14

13

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11

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9

1

2

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4

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8

16

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Alex GoodeYoann HugetChris AshtonVincent ClercManu Tuilagi 1TMathieu BastareaudBrad BarrittWesley Fofana 1TMike BrownBenjamin FallOwen Farrell 4PFrancois Trinh-DucBen YoungsMorgan Parra 1C,1PJoe MarlerThomas DomingoDylan HartleyBenjamin KayserDan Cole (y)Nicolas MasJoe LaunchburyChristophe SamsonGeoff ParlingYoann MaestriCourtney LawesYannick NyangaChris Robshaw (c)Thierry Dusautoir (c)Tom WoodLouis PicamolesTom YoungsDimitri SzarzewskiDavid WilsonVincent DebatyMako VunipolaLuc DucalconJames HaskellJocelino SutaThomas WaldromAntonie ClaassenDanny CareMaxime MachenaudToby Flood 2PFrederic Michalak 1PBilly Twelvetrees Florian Fritz

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

16

17

18

19

20

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22

Clement PoitrenaudBen FodenVincent ClercChris AshtonAurelien RougerieManu TuilagiWesley FofanaBrad BarrittJulien MalzieuCharlie Sharples (y)Lionel BeauxisOwen FarrellJulien DupuyLee DicksonJean-Baptiste PouxAlex CorbisieroDimitri SzarzewskiDylan HartleyNicolas MasDan ColePascal PapéMouritz BothaYoann MaestriGeoff ParlingThierry Dusautoir (c)Tom CroftJulien BonnaireChris Robshaw (c)Imanol HarinordoquyBen MorganWilliam ServatRob WebberVincent DebatyMatt StevensLionel NalletTom PalmerLouis PicamolesPhil DowsonMorgan ParraBen YoungsFrancois Trinh-DucCharlie HodgsonMaxime MermozMike Brown


83

Match Points ScorersEngland’s Leading Test

PlayersMost Capped

J P Wilkinson 91 6 162 239 36 1179

P J Grayson 32 2 78 72 6 400

C R Andrew 71 2 33 86 21 396

T G A L Flood 60 4 39 66 1 299

J M Webb 33 4 41 66 0 296

O A Farrell 25 2 33 64 1 271

C C Hodgson 38 8 44 44 3 269

W H Hare 25 2 14 67 1 240

R Underwood 85 49 0 0 0 210

S D Hodgkinson 14 1 35 43 0 203

B C Cohen 57 31 0 0 0 155

W J H Greenwood 55 31 0 0 0 155

J C Guscott 65 30 0 0 2 143

M J Catt 75 7 16 22 3 142

J T Robinson 51 28 0 0 0 140

R Hiller 19 3 12 33 2 138

D D Luger 38 24 0 0 0 120

O J Lewsey 55 22 0 0 0 110

A J Goode 17 1 15 20 4 107

M J S Dawson 77 16 6 3 0 101

M J Cueto 55 20 0 0 0 100

1 J Leonard 114

2 J P Wilkinson 91

3= L B N Dallaglio 85

3= R Underwood 85

5 M O Johnson 84

6 J P R Worsley 78

7 M J S Dawson 77

8= M J Catt 75

8= M J Tindall 75

10= S G Thompson 73

10= P J Vickery 73

12 W D C Carling 72

13= C R Andrew 71

13= R A Hill 71

13= L W Moody 71

13= S D Shaw 71

17 D J Grewcock 69

18 N A Back 66

19 J C Guscott 65

20= M E Corry 64

20= B C Moore 64

Rank Player CapsPlayer Caps Tries Cons PG DG Total


84

England’s All Time Match Records

134-0 v Romania Twickenham 17.11.2001111-13 v Uruguay Brisbane 02.11.2003110-0 v Netherlands Huddersfield 14.11.1998106-8 v USA Twickenham 21.08.1999

Highest Score

134 v Romania (134-0)Twickenham 17.11.2001110 v Netherlands (110-0) Huddersfield 14.11.199898 v USA (106-8) Twickenham 21.08.199998 v v Uruguay (111-13) Brisbane 02.11.2003

Biggest Winning Margin

20 v Romania Twickenham 17.11.200117 v Uruguay Brisbane 02.11.200316 v Netherlands Huddersfield 14.11.199816 v USA Twickenham 21.08.1999

Most Tries

76 v Australia (0-76) Brisbane 06.06.199864 v New Zealand (22-64) Dunedin 20.06.199858 v South Africa (10-58) Bloemfontein 26.05.200755 v South Africa (22-55) Pretoria 02.06.2007

Most Points Conceded

76 v Australia (0-76) Brisbane 6.6.199848 v South Africa (10-58) Bloemfontein 26.05.200742 v New Zealand (22-64) Dunedin 20.06.199836 v Australia (15-51) Brisbane 26.06.200436 v South Africa (0-36) Stade de France 14.09.200736 v South Africa (6-42) Twickenham 22.11.2008

Biggest Losing Margin

14 March 2002 to August 200311 June 2000 to June 200110 December 1882 to February 188610 November 1994 to June 199510 September 2003 to February 2004

Most Consecutive Wins

7 March 1904 to February 19067 March 1971 to March 19727 February 2006 to November 2006

Most Consecutive Defeats10 February 1875 to March 1879 6 March 1957 to March 19585 July 1990 to February 1991

Most Matches Without Conceding a Try

Most Matches Without Scoring a Try5 March 1958 to March 1959 5 March 1993 to March 19944 February 1977 to February 19784 March 1984 to November 19844 June 1987 to March 1988

England Women



86

England Women

2014 will be remembered fondly by England rugby fans with England’s Women matching the efforts of their male counterparts in 2003 by winning the Rugby World Cup. It was a momentous occasion, last achieved by England Women two decades ago, and one that will live long in the memories of captain Katy Mclean and her charges.

Second place in the Six Nations Championship preceded the tournament but with the squad Gary Street, the head coach, had assembled, England went into the World Cup as one of the favourites.

A 65-3 win over Samoa in the opening pool

match, with nine tries, saw England get off to a flying start. They followed that up with a 45-5 win over Spain with a further six tries. A 13-13 draw with Canada in the final pool match meant they won their group and would face Ireland in the semi-finals. Ireland’s win over New Zealand in their group, a first ever victory over the Black Ferns, not only meant Ireland were going well but also that England’s biggest rivals were out of the tournament.

An almost perfect performance from Street’s team then saw them cruise past the dangerous Irish with a 40-7 win, with England running in another five tries. It meant they would meet

Canada again, this time on the biggest stage of them all, the World Cup final in front of a sell-out 20,000 crowd. Danielle Waterman and Emily Scarratt both crossed the line and with Scarratt adding three penalties and a conversion – to become the top scorer of the tournament with 70 points – the title was secured with England running out 21-9 winners.

As is inevitable after World Cups, we had to say farewell to some legends of the game who have served England so well over the years. Maggie Alphonsi, Sophie Hemming, Katherine Merchant, Joanna McGilchrist, Claire Purdy and Rebecca Essex all made huge impressions on the sport over the years and we thank them for their services and dedication to what’s become one of the fastest growing games in the world.

As we say goodbye to them, 16 new faces have appeared in the EPS squad and there’s plenty more to look forward to. 19 players have been offered full time central contracts and that squad will compete on the IRB Sevens World Series circuit this season as they seek qualification for Great Britain ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games while England will also be looking to get back to winning ways in the Six Nations. •


87

IRB Women’s Sevens World Series 2014-15

Round 1 04-05 December 2014 Dubai

Round 2 07-08 February 2015 Brazil

Round 3 14-15 March 2015 USA

Round 4 18-19 April 2015 Canada

Round 5 15-16 May 2015 England

Round 6 22-23 May 2015 Netherlands

Round Date Venue

Rugby Europe Grand Prix Sevens Series

Round 1 13-14 June 2015 Brive

Round 2 20-21 June 2015 Moscow

Round Date Venue

2015 Six Nations Championship

08.02.15 14:30 Wales Women v England Women Swansea RFC

15.02.15 14:00 England Women v Italy Women The Twickenham Stoop

27.02.15 19:30 Ireland Women v England Women Ashbourne RFC

13.03.15 19:35 England Women v Scotland Women The Northern Echo Arena Darlington Mowden Park

21.03.15 19:20 England Women v France Women Twickenham Stadium



88

Sasha Acheson

Sasha has won many honours in rugby but her first senior England caps rank highest on her list of achievements. “I got called into the England senior Squad for the Autumn Internationals in 2013,” she told us. “My first cap was an amazing experience, as it was against France at Twickenham. My fourth cap was against Ireland, and for me, getting that cap was my biggest achievement. It was at Twickenham Stadium and was an unreal experience.” All this after she was called in to the U20 team when only 17. Sasha also represented West Suffolk Viking in skiing in her early teens and was a talented runner at 200m and 400m distances. Injury has seen her managing Bristol Ladies as the Squad Manager for both of their teams.

England Women

Club Bristol Position Prop Born 28.08.91 | LondonHeight 1.76m (5’9”) Weight 96kg (15st 0lb) Caps 5

International Record2013 F(R), C(R) 2014 S(R), I(R), W(R)

Claire Allan

As lives go, Claire has lived a pretty interesting one to date. Having just won the World Cup in France – she came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of the final – the centre/full back was rewarded with a full time sevens contract. That’s in stark contrast to her previous job as a Police Officer with the Met in the Acton Proactive Robbery Squad. Claire began her life in rugby with Richmond at the age of 14 and, before returning there in 2009, she represented Clifton, Wasps, Worcester and Saracens. Initially educated at St Stephen’s Junior School and Orleans Park Secondry School, both in Twickenham, Claire gained a BTEC in Sport and Exercise at Loughborough University.

Club Richmond Position Centre Born 07.05.85 | London Height 1.70m (5’7”) Weight 65kg (10st 3lb) Caps 31

International Record2007 S, It, I, F, W, USA 2008 W, It, F, S(R), I 2009 F, SA, C(R), NZ(1,2) 2010 W, It, I, F(R)

2011 USA(R), SA, C, C 2012 F(1,2), 2014 S, RWC Sp, C, I(R), C(R)

Centrally ContractedTwitter @claireallan13

Twitter @sashabambam


89

Bianca Blackburn

Bianca has captained the England U20 team and was part of the Great Britain squad for the Sevens University World Championships in 2014. This after she began her love of the sport in a school tag festival when she was seven. Her granddad used to play Rugby League for Hull and Hull KR. “I saw the enjoyment he always got from playing and that influenced me to keep with it and to enjoy the sport as much as he did,” she said. Bianca was the Players’ Player of the Year at Worcester in 2013/14 and is currently the skipper of the University of Gloucestershire team. She is there to also earn a degree in sports coaching. Rugby coaching is her preferred career for the future.

England Women

Club Worcester Position Scrum half Born 04.03.94 | HullHeight 1.56m (5’1”) Weight 64kg (10st 1lb) Caps 0


Emily Braund

Emily has rugby running through her veins. Her dad, Stephen, played the sport for Exeter and Imperial College in the ’70s while her sister Charlotte has been a member of the De Montfort University squad at Leicester. So, you should not be surprised to find the lock has made such an impression for Lichfield and England. Cambridge-born Emily started her first Test match against Spain in the opening game of the European Cup in 2012. She was also part of England’s Grand Slam team that same year and she recently had the honour of being named Staffordshire Sports Performer of the Year. It’s not just on the field though that Emily excels. She has a BA Honours in Accounting and Financial Management and used that to become a costing and pricing officer at BAE Systems. Emily first started playing rugby at Sheffield University.

Club Lichfield Position Second row Born 12.07.85 | CambridgeHeight 1.82m (6’0”) Weight 84kg (13st 3lb) Caps 18

International Record2012 S(R), It(R), Sp, It(R), F(R), F, NZ(1R,2,3R) 2013 S, It, W, NZ(1R,2,3R), F 2014 F, S(R)


90

Natasha Brennan

It was all about hockey for Natasha before she found rugby at the age of 22. Natasha’s skills with a stick saw her represent England at senior indoor and outdoor levels. She was also named the 2010 Kent Sportswoman of the Year and can add winning a hockey gold medal in the GB Youth Olympics three years earlier to her rather impressive sporting CV. It doesn’t stop there though. Having missed out on a place in the World Cup squad, injury to Lydia Thompson meant Natasha was called into the tournament and she went on to pick up a World Cup winners medal. A BA Honours in English and American Literature at university helped Natasha become a recruitment consultant for Resource Solutions in London before taking up a full time Sevens contract with England in September 2014.

England Women

Club Richmond Position Wing Born 11.10.86 | GravesendHeight 1.66m (5’5”) Weight 69kg (10st 12lb) Caps 2

International Record2014 W(R), It

Abbie Brown

Abbie has already represented England in Sevens for the U18s team in Sweden and for the seniors in Moscow. She has also been part of the U20 XVs squad. She followed her brother into the sport, picking up the ball when only six at Cullompton Rugby Club. Since then, she has played for Exeter Saracens, Worcester, Hartpury College and her current team Bristol. Abbie also played basketball and netball at South West level. She won a strength and conditioning award while at Hartpury and is currently studying a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and hopes to go to University. She would like to have dinner with the Queen and Joey Essex.

Club Bristol Position Centre Born 10.04.96 | ExeterHeight 1.75m (5’8”) Weight 69kg (10st 12lb) Caps 0


Centrally Contracted

Twitter @brennan_86


91

Rachael Burford

Rachael comes from a rugby family background. From the age of just six she started playing and has been in the same team as her mother, Renata (who’s Polish), and her sister, Louise, for a season at Medway RFC, a club where Rachael spent the first 10 years of her career. A very talented sevens player (she has skippered the England sevens team), Rachael took part in the 2009 and 2013 Sevens World Cups. She also played in the 2006 15-a-side World Cup, making her senior debut against Canada and also the 2010 tournament in England. She also started in the final of last summer’s victorious campaign in France. She studied Counselling Studies at Medway College having been educated at Thomas Aveling in Rochester, Kent but is now a full time member of the England Sevens squad.

England Women

Club Thurrock Position Centre Born 19.08.86 | ChathamHeight 1.65m (5’5”) Weight 73kg (11st 6lb) Caps 56

International Record2006 RWC SA, C 2007 S, It, I, F, W, USA 2008 W, It, F, S, I, I, W 2009 SA, C(R), NZ(1R, 2)

2010 W, It, I(R), S(R), F RWC I, Kaz, USA, A(R), NZ 2011 W(R), It(R), F(R), S, I, NZ(1R, 2, 3) 2012 S, It, W, F, I 2013 NZ (1,2,3), F, C 2014 F, S, I, W RWC Sam, Sp(R), C, I, C

Rowena Burnfield

If you have ever had the fortune to watch Peter Symonds College in Winchester play rugby then you may have been confused. And rightly so. For, unusually, the team have had three triplet sisters playing for them, one being the current Richmond lock, Rowena who was educated both there and at Test Valley School. She marries her rugby playing endeavours with her job as a farm worker in the family business at Longstock in Hampshire. Rowena’s most memorable game was when she won her first cap against Ireland in 2008/09, having represented England U19, U20 and A team. Rowena’s mentors have been Giselle Mather and Karen Findlay since she first played the game at Wherwell County Primary School in Andover. She had a brief spell at No 8 before settling in the second row and her favourite place to play is the Richmond Athletic Ground. Away from rugby, Rowena enjoys watching Arsenal FC.

Club Richmond Position Second row Born 27.09.88 | MedwayHeight 1.79m (5’10”) Weight 80kg (12st 8lb) Caps 34

International Record2008 I(R), W(R) 2011 W(R), It, F(R), S(R), I(R), USA(R), SA, C, C, F, NZ(1, 2(R), 3(R)

2012 S, It, W, F, I, Sp(R), It, F(1,2), NZ(1,2(R),3) 2013 I, F(R), It(R), C, USA, C, C


Twitter @RachaelBurf12


92

Abigail Chamberlain

Abi only took up rugby at the age of 21 when at Loughborough University and has since made a real name for herself in both the 15-a-side version of the game and on the sevens circuit. She is currently the captain of the sevens squad. Born in Kingston-upon-Thames, the centre was a lecturer in sport and public services at West Thames College in Isleworth, this coming after she earned a degree from Worcester University in Sports Coaching Science and Physical Education. She is now one of the 19 players who were awarded a professional rugby contract with the RFU in September 2014.

England Women

Club Richmond Position Centre Born 27.09.84 | Kingston-Upon-ThamesHeight 1.71m (5’7”) Weight 71kg (11st 2lb) Caps 9

International Record2013 S, I, F, It, W, C, USA, F, C

Rochelle Clark

Rochelle or ‘Rocky’ as she is known to most, is what you’d call, delicately, the elder statesman in the England squad. With 95 caps to her name to date and vast amounts of coaching behind her, she’s often compared to the great Jason Leonard. And like Jason, she is now a World Cup winner. The loose head started in the final and scored a try against Ireland in the semi. Rocky has a BA (Hons) in Sports Science & Coaching to her name and is a Level 3 Coach to boot. She mixes her rugby playing with her role as Head Coach of the Chesham Stags and Bucks University and, in what time she has left, is also a personal trainer. She found rugby when she was 15 with Beaconsfield and, after working her way through the England ranks at U19 and Academy level, she thanks Geoff Richards for awarding her with her first cap.

Club Worcester Position Prop Born 29.05.81 | High Wycombe Height 1.70m (5’7”) Weight 86kg (13st 7lb) Caps 95

International Record2003 C(R), USA, C(R) 2004 C(1,2) 2005 W, F, I(R), Sp, S, SA, Sam, NZ 2006 W, Sp(R), S, F, I(R), RWC USA, SA, F, NZ 2007 F, W, USA 2008 W, It, F, S, I, Sw(R), I, W, USA, C, C , I 2009 It, W, I, F, S, USA, F(R), SA(R), C 2010 W(R), It, I,

S(R), F, RWC F, USA, A, NZ 2011 W, It, F, S, I, USA, C, C(R), F, NZ 2012 It, W(R), F(R), I(R), Sp, It(R), F, F(R), NZ (1, 2(R),3(R) 2013 S(R), I, F, W(R), NZ(1,2(R),3), C, SA(R), USA, C, F, C(R) 2014 F, I, W, It, RWC Sam, C, I, C


Twitter @RockyClark1

Twitter @abi_chamb


93

Amy Cokayne

Amy began her rugby life as a tackle bag. She recalls: “My brother used to practice on me so I thought I would have to fight back by giving the game a go.” Giving it a go has seen Amy play for Cleve, Lichfield, Bulls, Feilding, Feilding High School, Feilding Old Boys and back to her current club, Lichfield. She won the European Championship with England U18 sevens and also has also turned out for the XVs U20s. If you are wondering where Feilding is, I can tell you that it is in the Manawatu District of the North Island of New Zealand. Amy’s dad was a coach there while Amy played NPC rugby. She is currently studying for a BSc in Sports Science at Loughborough University.

England Women

Club Lichfield Position Hooker Born 11.07.96 | IpswichHeight 1.67m (5’5”) Weight 82kg (12st 7lb) Caps 0


Victoria Cornborough

Vicki took up rugby aged just six at Portsmouth RFC following in her older siblings’ footsteps. She said: “I was always the stand-out player in boys rugby which I did until 13. I was always underestimated by the boys just for being a girl so I moved to the girls game thereafter before joining Richmond Women when I was 18.” Vicki has since represented her country at U19 and U20 level and was part of the U20 Nations Cup championship winning team in both 2008 and 2009. Her sister, Samantha, also played for England U19. Vicki studied at the University of Reading where she earned a BSc in Psychology.

Club Richmond Position Prop Born 03.03.90 | PortsmouthHeight 1.68m (5’6”) Weight 78kg (12st 3lb) Caps 0


Twitter @amycokayne


94

Emma Croker

Richmond hooker Emma has more reason than most to enjoy every game of rugby that she plays. The birth of her child was a complicated one and that led to her being banned from any kind of training for three months after the delivery of her baby girl, Lucy. Incredibly, after only four months, she was back playing club rugby and after five she was in the England side selected for the European Championships. She can now call herself a World Cup winner having lifted the trophy this summer in France. She started against Samoa and Canada in the pool stages and came off the bench in the other games including the last few minutes in the final. Having taken up rugby late as a 20 year-old at University College in Chichester, Emma embarked on an additional career as a weightlifter in 2009, winning the national title the following year. She was also in the National Gymnastics squad when she was younger. Outside of rugby she teaches in her role as Head of PE at Swakeleys School for Girls in Hillingdon in West London.

England Women

Club Richmond Position Hooker Born 29.09.82 | Chelmsford Height 1.62m (5’4”) Weight 69kg (10st 12lb) Caps 55

International Record2007 S(R), It(R), I(R), F(R), W(R), USA(R) 2008 W(R), F(R), S, I(R), USA(R), USA, C(R), I(R)

2010 S, F(R) RWC I(R), Kaz, USA(R), A(R), NZ(R) 2011 W(R), It, F, S(R), I 2012 Sp, It(R), F(R), F, NZ (1(R),2,3(R) 2013 S, I(R), F, It(R), W(R), NZ(1,2(R),3(R), C, SA(R), USA, C, F, C(R) 2014 F, I, W, RWC Sam, Sp(R), C, I(R), C(R)

Megan Ellery

When Megan was in year seven (age 11) at Ullswater Community College in Penrith, she played for the boys school team. Her dad, Nick, is a coach there. She then played girls rugby until she was 13 when injury side-lined her. Representing Cumbria at netball and athletics filled her time before she got to Durham University, where she is doing a course in MSc Management. There, things began to change in her life. She took up rugby again and represented Great Britain in sevens at the World University Games in Russia in the summer of 2013. She went on to play for England Sevens in Dubai, where, in a rugby first, her brother Mike was also representing England in the men’s competition.

Club Darlington Mowden Park Sharks Position Centre Born 31.08.92 | PenrithHeight 1.73m (5’8”) Weight 70kg (11st 0lb) Caps o


Twitter @megellers

Twitter @ECroker2


95

Hannah Field

Hannah represented England U20 from 2008 to 2010 before becoming part of the EPS in 2010/11 as well as being with the sevens in 2013. Both of her brothers played rugby at county level and so it’s a sport she has always been interested in although she didn’t take up the game until she was 13 after playing tag rugby at school. By the time she was 15, she was doing well with Reading RFC. She is now with Richmond and mixes her rugby life with that of a personal trainer.

England Women

Club Richmond Position Flanker Born 03.02.91 | ReadingHeight 1.76m (5’9”) Weight 75kg (11st 3lb) Caps o


Heather Fisher

Heather is one of life’s achievers. She may suffer from severe alopecia but not only is she one of 19 players to secure a full time playing contract but she’s also represented Great Britain in bobsleigh – competing in Junior Championships, the British Championship and on the European circuit. She played a big part in the 2010 World Cup in England but missed out on the final because of fracture to her hand. She made up for it with a winners’ medal four years later in France. Outside of rugby, Heather has worked on behalf of the Youth Sport Trust as a Sky Sports Athlete Mentor and has been involved with Cheadle Hulme School as their Athlete mentor looking after the scholarship programme.

Club Thurrock Position Flanker Born 13.06.84 | BirminghamHeight 1.68m (5’6”) Weight 74kg (11st 9lb) Caps 25

International Record2009 USA, F(R), SA, C, NZ(1,2) 2010 W, It, I, S, F, RWC I, Kaz, A 2011 W(R), It, F, S, I

2012 F, NZ, NZ 2014 RWC Sam, Sp(R), C

Centrally ContractedTwitter @Hfisher2012


96

Victoria Fleetwood

As well as being an elite athlete and established member of the England Women’s team, a personal trainer, a diet and nutrition advisor, a coach and apparently pretty good with a pair of scissors, Vicky is now a World Cup winner having lifted the trophy in France last summer. Born in Nuneaton, she began playing rugby at the age of 14 after tiring of watching her brother play it. This took her away from athletics where she was once the UK’s number one junior hurdler. In her same year at school was England’s Manu Tuilagi. In 2008, she switched from centre to hooker and started the World Cup final in that position having played a part in every game of the tournament. Further educated at Leeds Metropolitan University she earned a degree in Sport and Exercise Science.

England Women

Club Saracens Position Hooker Born 13.04.90 | Nuneaton Height 1.62m (5’4”) Weight 73kg (11st 6lb) Caps 44

International Record2011 USA, SA(R), C, C(R), F, NZ(1,2(R),3(R) 2012 S, It(R), W, F, I, Sp(R), It, F, F(R), NZ(1,2(R),3)

2013 S(R), I, F(R), It, W,NZ(1(R),2,3) C(R), SA, USA, C, F(R), C 2014 F(R), S, I(R), W(R), It, RWC Sam(R), Sp, C(R), I, C

Hannah Gallagher

One of the highlights of Hannah’s career was when she was called into the England side to replace one of her heroes, Maggie Alphonsi. Her Saracens team mate ‘has helped me with tips and encouraged me. Maggie and I are good friends.’ Harlow-born Hannah began playing the game when she was just seven, representing Bishop Stortford RFC and after five years there, she moved to the Welwyn club. She went on to make ten appearances for England U20. Hannah has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Hertfordshire and has used that to work as a fitness consultant at Fitness First. Originally a centre, Hannah switched to the back row and she has since fulfilled her promise in that role, a role which should see her maintain her position in the international set up for some time as she is a player with years on her side.

Club Saracens Position Flanker Born 23.11.91 | HarlowHeight 1.70m (5’7”) Weight 74kg (11st 9lb) Caps 20

International Record2011 F(R), NZ 2012 S, It(R), W, I(R), NZ(1,2(R) 2013 S, I, F, It, W, F(R), C 2014 F(R), S, I, W(R), It(R)

Twitter @vickyfleetwood


97

Sydney Gregson

Sydney made her England Sevens debut in Moscow in 2014, played for England U18s in Sweden that season, winning the European Championships, and has been in the England U20s squad for the last two years. She won her first U20 cap in France. Sydney began at centre/wing after a former Scotland women’s full back came to teach at her school and started a girls’ rugby team.

England Women

Club Bristol Position Wing Born 20.01.96 | HertfordshireHeight 1.65m (5’5”) Weight 68kg (10st 9lb) Caps 0


Natasha Hunt

Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt capped a fine year with a start in the World Cup Final against Canada last summer and, of course, a winners medal. A qualified PE teacher at Sir Graham Balfour School in Stafford before being rewarded with a full time contract with the RFU, Natasha followed up her good showing in the 2013 Sevens World Cup in Moscow with two tries against Samoa in the pool stages of the recent 15-a-side World Cup. Initially a full back, the move from Bristol to Lichfield saw her switch positions and on to represent England. Her initial Test appearances came against the United States, South Africa and twice against Canada in the Nations Cup in Ontario in August 2011.

Club Lichfield Position Scrum half Born 21.03.89 | Gloucester Height 1.65m (5’5”) Weight 63kg (9st 12lb) Caps 29

International Record2011 USA(R), SA, C(R), C(R), F, NZ(1(R),2, 3(R) 2012 S, W, F, I, F, NZ(1,2,3) 2013 NZ(1R,2), F, C

2014 F, I, W(R), It RWC Sam, Sp(R), C, I(R), C

Centrally ContractedTwitter @NHunt09


98

Sarah Hunter

Lichfield Number 8 Sarah actually began her life in rugby playing the league code as a nine year-old at Goathland Primary school in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Thankfully, as far as we are concerned, she switched to union five years later when she was at Longbenton Community College in the same city. Sarah has never looked back since then. She decided at a very young age that she wanted to play rugby for England. By the age of 23 she had realised her ambitions. She played a full role in the 2010 World Cup in England but went one better four years later when she lifted the World Cup having started every match, captaining two of the pool games along the way. On top of studying Sport Science and Mathematics at Loughborough University, Sarah won the British Universities Championship, skippered Lichfield from 2005 to 2009, played for the North East U18 after reprsenting Northumberland at U16 level. Sarah now works as the RFU University Rugby Development Officer for the South West.

England Women

Club Lichfield Position Nunber 8 Born 19.09.85 | North Shields Height 1.77m (5’10”) Weight 80kg (12st 8lb) Caps 68

International Record2007 S(R), It(R), I(R), F(R), USA 2008 W, F, S, I, Sw, I, W, USA, C 2009 F(R), S(R), F, C

2010 RWC I(R), Kaz, USA, A, NZ 2011 W, It, F, S, I, USA, SA(R), C, C, F, NZ(1,2) 2012 S, It, W(R), F, I, Sp, It, F, F, NZ (1,2,3) 2013 S, I, F, It, W, NZ(1,2,3) C, SA(R), USA, C 2014 F, S, I, W, It, RWC Sam, Sp, C, I, C

Megan Jones

Born in Cardiff, Megan began her rugby career with Glamorgan Wanderers aged six. She remembers: “My brother inspired me to play as I copied everything he did as younger siblings do. In fact, my father didn’t want me to take up the sport so my mum had to persuade him. Since then, I’ve wanted to achieve greater things within the sport and my dad comes to watch every game I play. I moved to girls rugby at the age of 13 and those at Cardiff Quins have had a huge impact on my development. Playing at the Millennium Stadium at 13 was mind-blowing.” Megan was a scrum half up until that age but moved to fly half once playing in the women’s game. If she wasn’t playing rugby, Megan would like to be a zookeeper.

Club Hartpury College Position Fly half Born 23.10.96 | CardiffHeight 1.60m (5’4”) Weight 65kg (10st 2lb) Caps 0


Twitter @sarah_hunter8


99

Laura Keates

Rugby didn’t find Laura that early – she first got involved with the Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat U15 team – but since then she’s steamrolled ahead at quite a pace. She missed out on the 2010 World Cup but picked up her first cap against USA the year after in the Nations Cup. She is now a World Cup winner having lifted the trophy in France over the summer. She played her part coming on from the bench against Spain and Canada in the pool stages then Ireland and Canada once again in the final. When she’s not shoving in a scrum or hitting rucks, she’s saving lives. Laura is a qualified lifeguard at the University of Birmingham Munrow Sports Centre. She also has a Bsc in Zoology. So, it’s fair to say, Laura likes variation in her life. When it comes to rugby, though, it’s quite simple. She’s a prop, always has been, always will be. Born in Tupsley, Herefordshire, she supports Worcester and her favourite ground is Sixways.

England Women

Club Worcester Position Prop Born 05.08.88 | Awali, Bahrain Height 1.66m (5’5”) Weight 85kg (13st 5lb) Caps 41

International Record2011 USA, SA(R), C, F, NZ(1(R), 2, 3(R) 2012 S(R), I, W, F, I, Sp(R), It, F, F(R), NZ(1, 2(R), 3)

2013 S(R), I(R), F(R), It, W, NZ (1(R), 2, 3(R), C, SA(R), USA, C 2014 F(R), S, I(R), W(R), It RWC Sam, Sp(R), C(R), I(R), C(R)

Heather Kerr

Heather is new to the sport of rugby as she explains. “I started playing rugby at the age of 21 at Durham University. Having played in goal for my university hockey team throughout my undergrad degree, I thought I’d try something new over the summer. I played my first 15-a-side game for charity and then competed in BUCS 7s for my university team. After a year playing for my university, who I now captain, I also joined Darlington Mowden Park Sharks and entered the RFU pathway with the North Academy.” Heather has three A Levels, a degree in Geography and she is currently completing a Phd in Engineering in Durham.

Club Darlington Mowden Park Sharks Position Prop Born 09.09.91 | EalingHeight 1.75m (5’8”) Weight 84kg (13st 3lb) Caps 0


Twitter @KeatesyL


100

Ceri Large

Ceri’s rise to the pinnacle of rugby has been a swift one. She picked up the oval-shaped ball and started to play at the age of only six at Drybrook Rugby Club with her brothers and her dad, Philip, who used to play for Rotherham. Now aged 23, Ceri is a World Cup winner having played a part in all five games in France last summer. She started against Spain and Canada in the pool stages and went on to make appearances off the bench in all the other games including the final. Having joined Worcester in 2010, winning the Most Improved Player of the Year in her debut season and the Players’ Player of the Year in 2012, she went on to captain the side. In 2011 she made her England debut against France. She and fellow debutant Alexandra Matthews became the first Hartpury College students to win senior women’s international rugby caps. At that college, Ceri earned a BTEC National Diploma is Sport.

England Women

Club Worcester Position Fly half Born 11.11.90 | Gloucester Height 1.73m (5’8”) Weight 74kg (11st 9lb) Caps 31

International Record2011 F(R) 2012 S(R), It, W(R), I(R), Sp, It, F, F(R), NZ(R)

2013 S, I, F, It, W, NZ(1(R),3(R), C, SA(R), USA, C, F(R), C(R) 2014 S(R), I(R), W(R), I RWC Sam(R), Sp, C, I(R), C(R)

Ruth Laybourn

Ruth came to the world of rugby rather late, largely because she is a talented all-round sportswoman. She has represented Yorkshire and the North of England in the long jump and the 300m hurdles at U15, U17 and U20 level. She has also captained the City of York women’s hockey first team. Ruth scored a hat-trick on her rugby debut against Spain in the European Cup in 2012 and, soon afterwards, she became the second highest try scorer in the IRB Women’s World Sevens Series in Dubai. Off the pitch, Ruth is an Agricultural Ecologist for the Food and Environment Research Agency in York, this the ideal position for someone who has a BSc (Hons) in Ecology, Conservation and Environment at the University of York. She subsequently obtained a MRes in Ecology and Environment Management. Ruth plays Premiership club rugby for Darlington Mowden Park Sharks and combines her work with an extensive training schedule that includes a combination of sessions before and after work.

Club Darlington Mowden Park Sharks Position Wing Born 05.10.84 | PontefractHeight 1.72m (5’8”) Weight 65kg (10st 3lb) Caps 5

International Record2012 Sp, It, F, F, C(R)

Twitter @ruthlaybourn

Twitter @CeriLarge10


101

Justine Lucas

Justo, as she is known, spends her days as a National Careers Advisor, working in Solihull and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands while mixing rugby with a QCF Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice. She also has a degree in Sports Science and Maths from Loughborough University. It was there that she first took up rugby at the age of 20 in her final year. And what a decision that turned out to be. She was named the university’s Players Player of the Year in 2011 before heading to Lichfield where she was named the best newcomer in 2012 and the most improved player of 2013. Rugby’s gain is seemingly hockey and football’s loss. Justine played hockey for her county and for Loughborough University while she also represented her college in football where she won the League Cup in 2010. She may have also thought about following in her uncle James’ footsteps. He was a junior world champion in slalom canoeing.

England Women

Club Lichfield Position Prop Born 03.05.90 | StevenageHeight 1.76m (5’8”) Weight 85kg (13st 5lb) Caps 3

International Record2013 C(R), SA, C(R)

La Toya Mason

La Toya was brought up in Auckland in New Zealand but was proud to represent England courtesy of her four grandparents who were all born on English soil. She moved to England in 2009 and in a twist of fate, she made her England debut against the Kiwis later that year. She played in every game in the 2010 World Cup in England and went on to lift the trophy four years later in France when England beat Canada in the final. La Toya came off the bench in the final but started against Spain and Ireland earlier on in the competition. La Toya works as an RFU Community Coach, working across the Surrey Met (Richmond/Barnes area to Wimbledon). She delivers coaching sessions at schools and clubs as well as attending junior matches at weekends when time allows.

Club Wasps Position Scrum half Born 21.07.84 | Auckland, New Zealand Height 1.63m (5’4”) Weight 66kg (10st 5lb) Caps 46

International Record2009 NZ(R) 2010 W, It, I, S(R), RWC I(R), Kaz, USA, A(R), NZ(R)

2011 W, It, F, S, I, USA, SA(R), C, C, F, NZ (1,3) 2012 It, W, F, I(R), NZ (1(R),2(R) 2013 S(R), I, F, It(R), W, NZ(1,2(R), 3), F 2014 F(R), S, I(R), W RWC Sam(R), Sp, C(R), I, C(R)

Twitter @09LaToyaMason

Twitter @justo3590


102

Katie Mason

Katie tells her own story: “When I was 16 I started playing Sevens at Colston’s School with my now England teammates Amber Reed and Laura Keates. As a school, we entered Rosslyn Park Sevens. We trained at lunch time and after school and in my four years of playing at the Rosslyn Park Sevens we won twice and finished second twice.” Katie has since spent the last five years at Bristol Ladies but has also represented England U20, the South West Divisional Academy, the GB Students in the World Championships in Brive and at the GB Students in the World Games in Kazan. She is also handy at hockey, netball, rounders and tennis and is currently doing a PGCE to become a PE teacher.

England Women

Club Bristol Position Full back Born 21.11.90 | BristolHeight 1.68m (5’6”) Weight 62kg (9st 10lb) Caps 0


Alexandra Matthews

Alex burst on to the international rugby scene in 2011 and was one of the youngest squad members to lift the World Cup trophy last summer in France having come off the bench to play in the last 15 minutes of the final. Alex, who’s sister Francesca also plays for England, studied Sports Psychology at Roehampton University and worked as a PA for children with disabilities but now the Richmond back row is a full time professional rugby player having been awarded a sevens contract with the RFU. She was educated at Watchetts Junior School and Kings International College, both in Camberley, and began life as a rugby player with Camberley RFC from 1997 aged only four.

Club Richmond Position Flanker Born 03.08.93 | CamberleyHeight 1.72m (5’8”) Weight 81kg (12st 10lb) Caps 13

International Record2011 F, NZ(1(R),2,3) 2012 NZ(1(R), 2) 2013 NZ(1,2(R),3) 2014 RWC Sp, C(R), I, C(R)

Centrally ContractedTwitter @AlexMatthews03

Twitter @katiemason90


103

Francesca Matthews

One thing that Fran wouldn’t mind surely as a rugby player is when she has to play in the wet. That’s because she is a former lifeguard at DC Leisure Arena in Camberley and names the sport of surfing as one of her favourite things to do outside of rugby. She is now a full time sevens player with England where she’s joined in the squad by younger sister, Alex. Educated at Watchetts Junior and Kings International College in Camberley, Fran went on to East Durham and Houghall Community College in Durham where she took a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Fitness.

England Women

Club Richmond Position Centre Born 16.06.89 | FrimleyHeight 1.65m (5’5”) Weight 64kg (10st 1lb) Caps 26

International Record2008 Sw, USA(R), C(R), C, I 2009 It, W,I, F(R), S(R) 2010 It(R), I(R), S(R), W 2011 It(R), F, S, I, USA, C

2012 F, NZ(1(R), 2, 3(R) 2013 I, NZ(1, 2(R)

Sarah McKenna

A product of Roundwood Park School and Grove Junior School, both in Harpenden, Sarah began playing rugby when she was six at the town club and she has not looked back since. She has represented Scorpions, Old Albanians, Wasps and her current team, Saracens, and is now a professional rugby player having been given a contract with England Sevens. She was a county netball player and likes to mix it up with some DJing, music being one of her real interests as is playing squash. Welwyn-born, Sarah helped England U20 win the Nations Cup and, at the end of the 2009 season, played her part in the Old Albanians’ squad that beat Camp Hill to win promotion to the Premiership. They won 13 of their 14 games, scoring 75 tries, with Sarah bagging 122 points by herself.

Club Saracens Position Fly half Born 23.03.89 | WelwynHeight 1.65m (5’5”) Weight 66kg (10st 5lb) Caps 4

International Record2011 USA(R), SA, C, C(R)


Centrally ContractedTwitter @MC_KennaS

Twitter @FranMatthews11


104

Katy Mclean

Katy took over the reins from Catherine Spencer after the 2010 World Cup and led England to their first World Cup success in 20 years last summer. A triumph she no doubt puts up there with receiving an MBE in last year’s New Years Honours List for Services to Rugby. The Darlington Mowden Park Sharks No 10 mixed her rugby playing with her job as a Primary School teacher at the Bexhill Academy in Sunderland, before taking on her new full time contract with England Sevens. She won the Pride of South Tyneside Award and is a vital cog in the England machine.

England Women

Club Darlington Mowden Park Sharks Position Fly half Born 19.12.85 | South Shields Height 1.67m (5’6”) Weight 70kg (11st 0lb) Caps 73

International Record2007 S(R), It(R),I, F(R), USA 2008 W, It(R), F, S(R), I, Sw, I, W, USA, USA, C, C,I 2009 It, W, I, F, S, USA, F, C, NZ(1,2)

2010 W, It(R), I, S, F RWC I, Kaz, USA, A, NZ 2011 W, It, F, S, I, USA, SA(R), C(R), C, NZ(1,2,3) 2012 S, It(R), W, F, I, NZ(1,2(R),3), F 2013 NZ(1,2,3), F, C 2014 F, S, I, W, It(R) RWC Sam, C(R), I, C

Harriet Millar-Mills

Harriet made the headlines in the Six Nations tournament of 2013 when she lined up against her sister, Bridget, who was representing Scotland. Stockport-born Harriet began playing her rugby in Manchester at full back and wing, before she switched to centre and then in to the back row. She has represented Chester, Sandbach and Lichfield, the club she joined in 2009 before linking up with Waterloo. Harriet has to mix her rugby playing with a full-time career. She works at Decathlon as a department manager on the graduate scheme in Wednesbury in the West Midlands. Harriet’s favourite players past and present are back row forwards Lawrence Dallaglio, Imanol Harinordoquy and Kieran Read, while her favourite grounds are Twickenham and Old Trafford, home of the football team she has supported since she was a child. She told us: “I love Paul Scholes. He seemed so unaware of the importance he had to his team.” A fellow red head, Harriet could be England’s future silent assassin.

Club Waterloo Position Number 8 Born 16.04.91 | StockportHeight 1.78m (5’10”) Weight 84kg (13st 3lb) Caps 19

International Record2011 F(R) 2012 S, W, Sp, It, F 2013 S(R), I(R), F(R), It, W, NZ(1, 2(R), C, SA, USA(R), C(R), F(R), C


Twitter @millarmills

Twitter @katymc10


105

Marlie Packer

Marlie left her West Country roots in 2013 and moved to play for Wasps and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The flanker played in the 2013 Sevens World Cup in Moscow and crowned a remarkable rise to the top with a start in the final of last year’s World Cup Final in France on the back of scoring two tries against Spain in the pool stages. Marlie began her rugby career as a five year-old with Ivel Barbaraians, a club she spent 13 years with. She then moved to Bath before joining Bristol in 2009. She was the England Players’ Player in the 2012 Six Nations Championship. Schooled at Birchfield, Buckler’s Mead and Yeovil College, she has done her time as a Plumbing & Heating Engineer for Homeserve in South West London but now has a full time contract with England Sevens.

England Women

Club Wasps Position Flanker Born 02.10.89 | Yeovil Height 1.65m (5’5”) Weight 73kg (11st 6lb) Caps 32

International Record2008 Sw 2011 SA, C, C(R), F, NZ(1(R),2,3(R) 2012 S, It, W, F, I, Sp, F, NZ(1, 2(R), 3)

2013 NZ(1,2,3), F, C 2014 F, S, I(R), W, It(R) RWC Sam(R), Sp, I(R), C

Amber Reed

Amber can add a World Cup winners medal to the list of rugby achievements her family have picked up over the years. Her uncle, Andy Reed, was a British Lion and Scotland international. Amber, herself, was an integral squad member in France last summer and played her part with a start against Spain in the pool matches. Such are the sporting talents of Amber that she also played youth cricket for Gloucestershire and hockey for Bristol. Having secured a 2:1 in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Exeter where, in the 2012/2013 season she won the BUCS Championship and was named University of Exeter Sports Woman of the Year, Amber now plays her rugby for Bristol – a team she captains, too. Outside of rugby, Amber works as a Graduate Sports Coach at Bloxham School in Oxfordshire and is currently learning to play the guitar and loves golf and surfing.

Club Bristol Position Centre Born 03.04.91 | Bristol Height 1.78m (5’10”) Weight 82kg (1st 0lb) Caps 18

International Record2012 F, NZ(1,2(R) 2013 S, I, F, It, W, NZ(1, 2, 3), C 2014 F(R), S, I, W, It RWC Sp


Twitter @AmberReedo12

Twitter @MarliePacker


106

Alice Richardson

Worcester-born, Alice, got into her rugby aged 14 with her local club. She has since played for her country in both sevens and 15s. She has also played tennis as senior county level and swam for the Midland District. At sevens she played at the Euros and at the World Series in Houston. She was educated as Alcester High in Warwickshire, Alcester Grammar and St Mary’s University in Twickenham where she earned a BSc in Sport Science and Nutrition. She is also a trained crossFit coach and a massage therapist.

England Women

Club Richmond Position Centre Born 14.05.87 | WorcesterHeight 1.71m (5’7”) Weight 70kg (11st 0lb) Caps 36

International Record2005 NZ(1R, 2R) 2007 USA(R) 2008 W(R), It, F(R), S, I(R), C(R), C(R) 2009 WV, I(R), F, S, USA, F(R), SA, C, NZ(1,2R)

2010 W(R), It, I, F(R) RWC I(R), A, NZ(R) 2011 USA, SA, C, C, NZ, F, NZ(1,2,3)

Leanne Riley

Leanne was part of the successful England team that lifted the IRB Challenge Cup Sevens crown in Hong Kong and she has since continued her strong showing in the sevens arena which has led to a full time contract with the RFU. Leanne spent her young life being schooled in the Coventry area at Allesley Primary and Coundon Court Secondary after her time at Park Hill. She then did a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Performance and Excellence and has picked up a Sports Massage Certificate Level 3 at Southam College. She was also a student on the AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence) rugby academy at Moulton College. A talented netball player who represented Warwickshire, Leanne has played rugby for Lichfield and Worcester at U18 level.

Club Saracens Position Centre/Full back Born 18.07.93 | CoventryHeight 1.72m (5’8”) Weight 65kg (10st 3lb) Caps 0


Centrally ContractedTwitter @RileyLeanne


107

Zoe Saynor

Zoe didn’t even pick up the oval ball until she had just about finished her time at Bangor University with a BSc in Sports Science and a MSc in Exercise Rehabilitation (Distinction). There, she largely played hockey but was told continually to try rugby because of her height. A move to Exeter University to do a PhD in Paediatric Clinical Exercise Physiology saw her develop her rugby and she has never looked back although how she fits it in only Zoe knows as she is also a lecturer at the University of Portsmouth as well as conducting research with patients at the local hospitals. Back to rugby and she has three caps for the Nomads as well as three for England so far, two against Canada and one against South Africa.

England Women

Club Richmond Position Second row Born 02.12.87 | High WycombeHeight 1.88m (6’2”) Weight 92kg (14st 5lb) Caps 3

International Record2013 C(R), SA, C(R)

Emily Scarratt

We could have seen Emily playing for England at hockey, rounders and even basketball – she was offered a US Basketball Scholarship aged 16 but turned it down, much to the delight of England rugby fans. She burst on to the international scene in 2008 with 12 tries in 12 games and has kept on racking up points for her country ever since. She was the top points scorer, with 70 points, at the last World Cup including 16 points in the final – a try, three penalties and a conversion – to help England lift the trophy. Emily has a Sports and Exercise Science degree from Leeds Metropolitan behind her and was PE Assistant at King Edward’s School in Birmingham before taking up a full time sevens contract with the RFU. She was awarded the Sky Sportswomen of the Month in March 2014 and has won the RPA England Women’s Players’ Player in 2013 while being short-listed for the same award this year. She was also nominated for the IRB Sevens Player of the Year.

Club Lichfield Position Centre Born 08.02.90 | LeicesterHeight 1.81m (5’11”) Weight 78kg (12st 3lb) Caps 55

International Record2008 USA(R), C, C, I 2009 It, W, I, F, S, USA, F(R), C, NZ 2010 W, It, I, S, F RWC I, USA, A, NZ

2011 W, It, F, S, I, USA, C, C, F, NZ(1,2(R),3) 2012 S, It, W, F, I, F, NZ(1, 2, 3) 2013 NZ(1,2) 2014 F, S, I, W, It RWC Sam, Sp, C, I, C

Centrally ContractedTwitter @EmilyScarratt

Twitter @Zoe_Saynor


108

Abbie Scott

Abbie first played touch rugby when she was 10. Touch then progressed to contact then sevens and 10s before finally 15s when she was 16. She was a winner of the Nations Cup in 2011 as part of the U20 team and spent the summer of 2014 playing in Canada for the Strathcona Druids. She is a fan of 4G pitches. “They lead to a fast and hard game of rugby,” she told us, “and for that reason I like playing at Ellerslie in Edmonton in Canada where the sun always shines.” Abbie has a BA Honours in history and politics and is currently studying a MSc in Sports Coaching at Northumbria University.

England Women

Club Darlington Mowden Park Sharks Position Second row Born 27.03.93 | DumfriesHeight 1.81m (5’11”) Weight 78kg (12st 3lb) Caps 0


Emily Scott

Emily graduated from Brunel University where she earned a BSc in Sport Sciences and she now finds herself on a full time contract with England Sevens. Schooled in Essex, Emily began playing her rugby in 1999 at the age of only seven when she joined Stanford RFC to play in the boys U8 team. From there it was a move to Basildon/Rochford before, in 2010. she joined her present club, Thurrock RFC, where she proved to be pivotal in two successive promotions. The fly half is a former pupil of Gable Hall School where she was also part of the girls’ football team which lifted the U16 Essex Cup title in 2008.

Club Thurrock Position Fly half Born 30.06.92 | LondonHeight 1.65m (5’5”) Weight 60kg (9st 6lb) Caps 7

International Record2013 F(R), It(R), W(R), C(R), SA, USA, C(R)

Centrally ContractedTwitter @scottie9269

Twitter @AbbieScott93


109

Michaela Staniford

Michaela was named IRB Player of the Year in 2012 and is the current leading try scorer in the England Sevens squad – a squad she is now a full time employee off. She also holds the record as the youngest player to repesent England when she made her debut as a 17 year-old in 2005. She played in the 2009 and 2013 Sevens World Cups – donning the captain’s arm band for the 2013 tournament and was involved in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups in the 15 a-side version of the game. But it’s not all about rugby for Michaela. Having completed a Sports Science degree, she got her Qualified Teaching Status and picked up a partial Masters in Education.

England Women

Club Wasps Position Wing Born 11.01.87 | High WycombeHeight 1.74m (5’9”) Weight 72kg (11st 4lb) Caps 60

International Record2005 W, F, I, Sp, S(R), SA, Sam, NZ 2006 W, Sp, S, F, I RWC I(R), SA, F(R), C 2007 S(R), It(R), I(R), F(R), W(R), USA(R)

2008 W, It, F, S, I, I, W, USA, USA, C, C(R), I(R) 2010 W(R), It RWC I, Kaz, A(R) 2011 SA, C(R), C(R), F, NZ(1,2,) 2012 S, It(R), W, F, I(R), NZ(1,2,3) 2013 NZ(1(R),2,3), F(R), C 2014 F

Tamara Taylor

With her mother, Teresa, captaining the Namibian Golf Team and representing England Ladies, and her brother being a British U16 Real Tennis champion, life in sport was always on the cards for Tamara. If she isn’t playing sport, she’ll be talking about it and coaching it in her role as one of the RFU’s community rugby coaches. She played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups but her greatest success is winning the 2014 World Cup in France where she played a part in every game – starting four and coming off the bench against Spain in the pool stages. Born in the West Country, Tamara made her way up to Reading where she first started playing rugby at the age of 11 at Oratory Prep School. While at university in Newcastle, where she gained a Bsc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences, she was selected to play for Great Britain’s Students at Rugby League.

Club Darlington Mowden Park Sharks Position Second row Born 08.10.81 | Exeter Height 1.80m (5’11”) Weight 83kg (13st 0lb) Caps 78

International Record2005 NZ(R) 2006 W(R), Sp, S, F(R), I RWC USA, SA, F, C(R), NZ(R) 2007 S, It, I, F, W, USA

2008 W, It, F, S, I, Sw(R), I, W, USA, USA(R), C, C 2009 NZ(1R,2R) 2010 W(R), It, I, S, F RWC I(R), Kaz, USA, A, NZ 2011 USA, SA(R), C, C, F, NZ(1,2,3) 2012 It, W, F, I, Sp, It, F, F(R), NZ(1,2,3) 2013 S, I, F, W(R), NZ(1,2R,3), F, C

2014 F, I(R), W, It RWC Sam, Sp(R), C, I, C


Twitter @Timmytammy8

Twitter @mic_staniford


110

Lydia Thompson

A hat-trick of tries on your England debut is one way to announce yourself on the international stage and that’s just what Lydia managed to do when she was called into the national team for a game against Spain in the 2012 European Cup. She followed that up with two blistering tries in the opening pool game against Samoa of last summer’s World Cup in France before she was dealt a cruel blow and was ruled out of the rest of the tournament through injury.Lydia’s first rugby experience was at the age of 11 in the South Staffordshire Tag tournament for Blakeley Heath Primary School. She later attended Ounsdale High in Wombourne and King Edward VI College in her home town of Stourbridge. Outside of rugby, Lydia works as an occupational therapist after getting a degree in that very discipline at the University of Derby and she is employed as a Social Inclusion Development Worker in Gloucestershire for 2gether NHSFT (the NHS foundation trust).

England Women

Club Worcester Position Wing Born 10.02.92 | Stourbridge Height 1.70m (5’7”) Weight 69kg (10st 12lb) Caps 14

International Record2012 Sp, It, F 2013 S, It, W, C, USA, C, C 2014 S, I(R), It(R) RWC Sam

Katie Turnbull

Katie’s dad is a rugby coach and referee, contracted to the WRU, and her mum played the sport and so there was always a love of the oval ball in the family home even more so after a friend dragged the 14 year-old Katie to a training session after netball. Katie won the Gloucestershire Youth Sports Personality of the Year in 2012 and the Premier Women’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2014 while in New Zealand where she played for Eketahuna and Manawatu. That country has obviously had an impact on her, as Katie would love to manage a sheep station one day. She spent part of her time Down Under in farming. She says that she loves working outside. She also lived in France for 18 months and can speak the language fairly competently.

Club Lichfield Position Number 8 Born 23.08.94 | CheltenhamHeight 1.78m (5’10”) Weight 86kg (13st 7lb) Caps 0


Twitter @Lbthom1


111

Sally Tuson

You will struggle to find a sport Sally Tuson hasn’t played and more than likely is pretty good at. Put her on a horse, give her a gun or let her kick a ball and she’s more than happy. Thankfully for us, she chose rugby over football, netball, hockey, athletics, horse riding and game shooting. But she’ll still get involved with all those when she has a spare minute. Sally studied at Cardiff University, gaining a BSc in Criminology and Education and it is where she first found her love for rugby as a 20 year-old. She was a late starter but hasn’t looked back since she made her debut. Four tries in three Test matches, over a nine day period in the European Cup, saw Sally arrive with a bang.

England Women

Club Saracens Position Wing Born 03.10.89 | PrestburyHeight 1.67m (5’6”) Weight 72kg (11st 4lb) Caps 10

International Record2012 Sp,It, F(R), S(R), I, F, It, W, NZ(1R, 2R)

Danielle Waterman

Rugby was always going to play a part in Danielle ‘Nolli’ Waterman’s life. Her father, Jim, played in more than 400 games for Bath Rugby, both her brothers play and now she’s a World Cup winner, having scored a try in the final against Canada last summer. In fact, Nolli has played in three World Cups and three finals. She made her Test debut in 2003 and became the youngest girl then to represent her country at the age of 18. She returned to the West Country moving from Worcester to Bristol. She was Head of AASE Academy at Hartpury College but is now one of the 19 players on full time sevens contracts with the RFU.

Club Bristol Position Full back Born 20.01.85 | TauntonHeight 1.65m (5’5”) Weight 65kg (10st 3lb) Caps 60

International Record2003 I(R) 2004 C(R), C(R) 2005 SA(R), Sam(R), NZ(1R,2) 2006 W(R), Sp(R), S, F, I RWC SA(R), F, NZ

2007 S, It, I, F, W, USA 2008 W, It, F, S(R), I, USA, USA(R), C, C, I 2009 USA(R), F, SA(R), C RWC I, Kaz(R), USA, A, NZ 2011 W, It, F, S(R), I(R), USA, SA(R), C, NZ 2012 Sp, It, F, F, NZ 2014 It RWC Sam, Sp, C, I, C

Centrally ContractedTwitter @nolli15

Twitter @sallytuson


112

Joanne Watmore

Born in Chester, it was Rugby League which took hold of Jo to begin with. As a six year-old, she took up the sport but, aged nine, she started to play Union for Widnes RUFC. That has been followed by spells with Waterloo, Thursk, Mowden Park, Worcester and now Richmond. She has also represented England at U18 and U19 levels as well as playing in the Rugby World Cup in 2013 in sevens. Indeed, it was in sevens that Jo has her fondest memory as she won the Hong Kong event in 2012, scoring two tries. She said, “It was probably the hardest but most enjoyable game I have ever played in.” That’s in spite of her playing in the Rugby League World Cup in 2008 in Australia.

England Women

Club Richmond Position Centre Born 25.09.86 | ChesterHeight 1.79m (5’10”) Weight 72kg (11st 4lb) Caps 4

International Record2012 F(R), NZ(1R,2,3)

Kay Wilson

Kay started her career with a 10 on her back but you’ll find her playing anywhere in the back three these days. Having bagged 31 caps so far in the 15’s version of the game and a sack full of sevens games under her belt, Kay is one of the ‘gas women’. She lifted the World Cup last summer, scoring two tries against Samoa and one against both Spain and Ireland in the semi-final. On top of the winners medal, she secured a full time contract in the England Sevens squad off the back of it. After two seasons with Richmond and Bristol she now plays her rugby at Thurrock.

Club Thurrock Position Wing Born 19.09.91 | Caterham Height 1.67m (5’6”) Weight 68kg (10st 9lb) Caps 31

International Record2011 USA, SA, C, F, NZ(1R,2,3) 2012 S, W, F, I 2013 S, I, F, NV(1,2,3), C, SA(R), USA, C, F

2014 F, S(R), I, W RWC Sam(R), Sp, C(R), I, C


Centrally ContractedTwitter @KayWilson151


113

Amy Wilson-Hardy

Amy started rugby at Worthing RFC U15 where she played her first ever game at prop before quickly finding her way into the centres. The Bristol centre, who was born in Poole in Dorset, was educated at Our Lady of Sion Junior and Senior School in Worthing before reading Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Bath. She is now one of 19 women on a full time sevens contract with the RFU. Amy, a keen violinist, joined Bristol in 2010 and was named the club’s Most Improved and the Players’ Player of the Year after the 2012/13 season. Indeed, it was quite a year for Amy who bagged her first England cap in the USA in the summer of 2013.

England Women

Club Bristol Position Centre Born 13.09.91 | PooleHeight 1.68m (5’8”) Weight 70kg (11st 0lb) Caps 3

International Record2013 SA, USA(R), C

Lucie Wood

Lucie counts judo, the discus and horse riding as her favourite pursuits outside of rugby, a sport she took up as a nine year-old at Eton Manor Rugby Club. “My dad, Gary, took me down there to try the game out at the club he played for for 32 years and that was that,” she told us. She was educated at Nightingale Primary, Wanstead High School, Moulton College and the University of Gloucester and admires strong women. Amongst her heroines are Jessica Ennis, Jessie J, Emma Watson and Judy Dench although, in terms of rugby, she has been influenced by Australian James Hooper and Ireland’s Stephen Ferris.

Club Bristol Position Flanker Born 28.02.94 | LondonHeight 1.73m (5’8”) Weight 76kg (11st 5lb) Caps 0



Twitter @LucieWood6

Twitter @amywilsonhardy


114

England Women Management Team

Gary Street Head Coach XVs

Graham Smith Assistant Coach XVs

Simon Middleton Head Coach Sevens

Susie Appleby Assistant Coach Sevens

Janette Shaw Team Manager XVs

Kelly van den Berg Team Manager Sevens

Rick Porter Team Physiotherapist XVs

Louise Prottey Team Physiotherapist XVs

Celia Gillbe Team Physiotherapist Sevens

Dave Gardner Team Analyst

Aaron Crossman Team Analyst

Lee Douglas Strength & Conditioning Coach Sevens

Julia Hutton Communications Manager

Harriet Collins Team Doctor

Management


115

Gary Street

Gary Street became a national hero in the summer after leading the England Women to World Cup success. Way before then, he was a very handy player himself as a highly regarded scrum half. He started his rugby career at Aston Old Edwardians in 1986, a club he played for until 2004. During that 18-year period he also ran out for Greater Birmingham and the North Midlands.

He was still playing when he discovered his passion for coaching and got involved with the women’s international ranks. Since 1992 he has coached England Students, U18, Academy and Sevens.

In 2006, following England’s second place finish in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Gary became England’s Assistant Coach working alongside Geoff Richards. One season later he was promoted to Head Coach and he has never looked back from that point.

Gary led England to five consecutive Six Nations championship victories, including four Grand Slams, and also the final of the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup where England narrowly missed out on the top honours with a 13-10 defeat to New Zealand. That was all put to one side when his charges came out on top in the 2014 World Cup in France with a 21-9 victory over Canada in the final. “We were on a long journey,” he proudly remembers, “but to have that trophy made it all worthwhile. It was an amazing feeling.”

Sport has always been a part of Gary’s life. His sister captained England Students at football and his wife played rugby for England. He’s also very proud of his two sons. Although both are still very young, Ben is an accomplished gymnast and a yellow belt at karate while Peter is also a gymnast and a karate wannabe.

Gary is a RFU Level 4 qualified Coach, an IRB Course Director and a FIRA Stage Expert.

England Women Management

Position XVs Head CoachBorn 14.11.67 | BirminghamPlaying history Aston Old Edwardians (86-04)Coaching history England Women’s Head Coach – 2007-presentEngland Women’s Assistant Coach – 2006-2007Head Coach England Sevens – 2003-2008Head Coach – England Academy 2002-2006Coach – England U18s 2001Coach – England Students 1998Head Coach – Midlands 1996Head Coach – Midlands West 1995Head Coach – North Students 1993


116

Graham Smith

Graham has been involved with England’s Women for three World Cups, twice taking them into finals before finally lifting the trophy in France in the summer of 2014. He initially joined the set-up as Assistant and Forwards Coach in 2003.

Graham got into coaching on the back of a well-respected playing career. He was capped for England at U23 level and was part of both the England and Scotland squads. Graham was a powerhouse prop who also played club rugby for Wolverhampton – along with his brother – and for Moseley and Stourbridge. He also captained the Staffordshire County Championship team in 1997.

Graham first started coaching in 1984 but really concentrated his attentions on that as a career in the 1990s working with Moseley and Stourbridge prior to joining the Worcester Academy in 2001. In 2003 he then moved to the former Rugby Football Union for Women to work alongside Geoff Richards, England Women’s Head Coach at the time.

Since joining the England Women’s set-up, Graham has been an instrumental figure in their success. On top of those World Cup finals, Graham played a huge role in winning seven consecutive Six Nations crowns. He also led England to success in the European Cup in Italy in May 2012 before the crowning achievement of his career in France against Canada in the summer of 2014.

He puts a lot of his success down to a number of great rugby names. He told us, “I was very fortunate to be coached briefly by Jim Telfer and Sir Ian McGeechan. When I was coaching at Stourbridge RFC I worked with Glen Ella of the famous Australian Ella brothers and he certainly helped me build on my playing philosophy.”

Graham is a RFU Level 5 qualified Coach, an RFU Coach Educator and an IRB Coach Educator.


Position XVs Assistant CoachBorn 05.03.60 | WolverhamptonPlaying history England U23, Wolverhampton, Moseley, StourbridgeCoaching history England Women’s Assistant Coach – 2003-presentWorcester Warriors Academy – 2001-2003 Assistant coach (forwards) England clubs 1998-2002Assistant coach (forwards) Midlands U18 clubs – 1995-1999


117

Simon Middleton

Simon took on the role of Sevens Head Coach at the start of 2013- 2014 season, leading England’s charges on the Sevens World Series and the FIRA Grand Prix circuit. With a young and developing squad, England finished a credible fourth overall in the World Series and finished third in the FIRA standings. England are now charged with representing GB at this season’s World Series where they must finish in the top four to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Simon has also played a key role in the XVs game, most recently as Assistant Coach to Gary Street at the 2014 Rugby World Cup where England were triumphant.

The 48 year-old has an impressive coaching pedigree. He looked after Leeds Carnegie from 2000-2011 working alongside the likes of Stuart Lancaster, Neil Back and John Callard. During his tenure he helped Leeds reach

the Premiership in 2001 and 2006 as well as securing Heineken Cup qualification in the 2002/03 season.

Simon was also the assistant coach of the England Women’s set-up in the 2013 Nations Cup and the 2012 European Cup where England took the title as well as Defence Advisor during the 2010 Rugby World Cup. All that before the glory in France in 2014.

Born in Pontefract, the winger played Rugby Union for Knottingley near Wakefield before playing for Leeds Carnegie. Simon is a dual code convert having played 170 games, scoring 83 tries, for Rugby League side Castleford Tigers between 1991 and 1997.

Before taking on his current role, Simon was also Bishop Burton’s Director of Rugby. The college has strong links with Hull RUFC and Leicester Tigers.


Position Sevens Head CoachBorn 02.02.66 | PontefractPlaying history Rugby Union: Knottingley RUFC, Leeds Carnegie (1997-99), Rugby League: Castleford Tigers (1991-97)Coaching history Leeds Carnegie Assistant Coach (1999-2011), Yorkshire backs coach (2012), Pontefract RUFC coach (2010-12), Director of Rugby at Bishop Burton College (2011-t2014), England Women Defensive advisor RWC 2010, England Women Assistant Coach for Nations Cup (2013) and European Cup (2012), England Women’s sevens Head Coach (2014-present)


118

England Women Results 2013-14WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS –

01.02.14FRANCE v ENGLAND

18–6Stade des Alpes

15

14

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10

9

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8

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Jessy Tremouliere 1CKay WilsonMarion LievreKatherine MerchantShanon IzarEmily ScarrattMarjorie MayansRachael BurfordCamille GrassineauMichaela StanifordSandrine Agricole 1P,1DGKaty Mclean (c) 2PJennifer TroncyNatasha HuntHelene EzannoRochelle ClarkGaelle Mignot (c) 2TEmma CrokerElodie PortariesSophie HemmingMarine DenadaiTamara TaylorAssa KoitaEmily BraundKoumiba DjossouviMarlie PackerCoumba Tombe DialloMargaret AlphonsiSafi N’DiayeSarah HunterLaetitia SallesVictoria FleetwoodJulie DuvalClaire PurdyLise ArricastreLaura KeatesSandra RabierHannah GallagherLaetitia GrandRebecca EssexElodie PoublanLa Toya MasonChristelle LeduffCeri LargeYanna RivoalenAmber Reed

WOMEN’S AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL – 09.11.13

ENGLAND v FRANCE40–20

Twickenham Stadium15

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9

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Kay Wilson 2TJessy TremouliereClaire Allan 1TLaurelin FourcadeAmber Reed 1CMarion Lievre 2TRachael BurfordLucille Godiveau Ruth Laybourn 1TElodie GuiglionKaty Mclean (c) 1T,4CSandrine Agricole 1C,2PLa Toya Mason Alice Marie Yahe (c) Rochelle Clark Helene EzannoEmma CrokerGaelle MignotSophie HemmingChristelle Chobet Tamara TaylorSandra RabierEmily Braund Assa Koita Marlie PackerCoumba Tombe DialloMargaret Alphonsi 1TManon Andre Rebecca EssexSafi N’diayeVictoria Fleetwood Laetitia Salles Claire Purdy Lise ArricastreSasha AchesonLenaïg CorsonHannah GallagherElodie PortariesHarriet Millar-MillsSophie Pin Natasha HuntAudrey Parra Ceri LargeYanna RivoalenMichaela Staniford Sandra Metier

WOMEN’S AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL – 13.11.13

ENGLAND v CANADA32–3

Twickenham Stoop15

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Amber Reed Julianne ZussmanLydia Thompson 1TBianca FarellaAbigail ChamberlainBrittany WatersRachael BurfordAndrea BurkMichaela StanifordMagali HarveyKaty Mclean (c) 1C,5PJackie Tittley 1PNatasha HuntStephanie BernierClaire PurdyLaura RussellVictoria FleetwoodKim DonaldsonSophie Hemming 2THilary LeithTamara TaylorKayla MackRowena BurnfieldLatoya BlackwoodHannah GallagherKaren PaquinMarlie PackerKelly Russell (c)Harriet Millar-MillsJacey MurphyEmma Croker Marie-Pier Pinault-ReidRochelle ClarkOlivia DemerchantSasha AchesonMary-Jane KirbyRebecca EssexMaria SamsonMargaret AlphonsiTyson BeukeboomLa Toya MasonKayla MoleschiCeri LargeAmanda ThirnboroughRuth Laybourn Elissa Alarie


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England Women Results 2013-14WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS – 09.02.14

SCOTLAND v ENGLAND0–63

Rubislaw

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9

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Stephanie JohnstonEmily Scarratt 1TAnnabel SergeantLydia Thompson 1TGillian InglisAmber Reed 1TLaura StevenRachael BurfordMegan GaffneyClaire Allan 1TLisa MartinKaty Mclean (c) 1T,4CLouise DalglieshLa Toya MasonHeather LockhartClaire Purdy 1TSarah QuickVictoria FleetwoodTracy Balmer (c)Laura KeatesJade KonkelRebecca EssexDeborah McCormackJoanna McGilchrist 1TRuth SlavenHannah Gallagher 1TTess ForsbergMarlie PackerLindsay WheelerSarah Hunter 1TNikki McLeodMercedes FoyLindsey SmithSophie Hemming 1TLisa RobertsonSasha AchesonEmma WasselEmily BraundAnna StodterMargaret Alphonsi 1TSarah LawGeorgina GulliverTanya GriffithCeri LargeKaty GreenKay Wilson

WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS – 22.02.14ENGLAND v IRELAND

17–10Twickenham Stadium

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Emily ScarrattNiamh Briggs 1C,1PKatherine MerchantAshleigh BaxterAmber ReedLynne CantwellRachael BurfordJenny MurphyKay Wilson 1TAlison MillerKaty Mclean (c) 1CNora StapletonNatasha HuntLarissa Muldoon 1TRochelle ClarkFiona Coghlan (c)Emma CrokerGillian BourkeSophie HemmingAilis EganRebecca EssexSophie SpenceJoanna McGilchristMarie-Louise ReillyHannah GallagherSiobhan FlemingMargaret AlphonsiClaire MolloySarah Hunter 1THeather O’ BrienVictoria FleetwoodStacey-Lea KennedyLaura KeatesFiona HayesSasha AchesonKerrie-Ann CraddockTamara TaylorLaura GuestMarlie Packer 1TAmy DavisLa Toya MasonHannah CaseyCeri LargeGrace DavittLydia ThompsonJackie Shiels

WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS – 07.03.14ENGLAND v WALES

35–3Twickenham Stoop

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Emily Scarratt 2T,2P,2CElen EvansKatherine MerchantFfion BowenAmber ReedRobyn Wilkins 1PRachael BurfordRebecca de FilippoKay Wilson 1TPhilippa TuttiettKaty Mclean (c)Elinor SnowsillLa Toya MasonAmy DayRochelle ClarkJenny DaviesEmma CrokerLowri HarriesSophie HemmingCatrin EdwardsRebecca EssexRachel Taylor (c)Tamara TaylorShona Powell Hughes HarriesMarlie PackerCatrina NicholasMargaret Alphonsi 1TNia DaviesSarah HunterSioned HarriesVictoria FleetwoodCarys PhillipsSasha AchesonMegan YorkLaura KeatesCaryl ThomasJoanna McGilchristJenny HawkinsHannah GallagherSian WilliamsNatasha HuntSian MooreCeri LargeLaurie HarriesNatasha Brennan 1TElli Norkett


120

England Women Results 2013-14WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP

1 AUGUST 2014ENGLAND v SAMOA

65–3

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Danielle WatermanSoteria PulumuKatherine Merchant 2TBrenda CollinsEmily Scarratt 1T,6C,1PMerenaite Faitala-MarinerRachael BurfordMac CollinsLydia Thompson 2TJustine LuatuaKaty Mclean (c)Bella Milo 1PNatasha Hunt 2TTulua LeuluaialiiRochelle ClarkTessa WrightEmma CrokerSharlene FagaliloLaura KeatesAla Leavasa-BakulichJoanna McGilchristItalia TipeluTamara TaylorCynthia Taala (c)Heather FisherSally KaokaoMargaret AlphonsiRita LiliiSarah HunterHelen CollinsVictoria FleetwoodGinia MuavaeClaire PurdyLaura LeviRebecca EssexCynthia ApineruMarlie PackerJuliana SuaLa Toya Mason 1TRoxy LeaupepeCeri Large 1TTaliilagi MefiKay Wilson 1TMele Leuluaialii

WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP5 AUGUST 2014

ENGLAND v SPAIN45–5

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Danielle Waterman 1TMarta CabaneKay Wilson 1TVanesa RialEmily Scarratt 6C,1PIrene SchiavonAmber ReedBarbara PlaClaire Allan 1TEli MartinezCeri LargeMarina Bravo 1TLa Toya MasonPatricia GarciaClaire PurdyIsabel RicoVictoria FleetwoodAroa GarciaSophie HemmingRocio GarciaJoanna McGilchristDiana GassoRebecca EssexMaria RiberaSarah Hunter (c)Paula MedinMarlie Packer 2TAngela Del PanAlexandra MatthewsAna Maria Aigneren (c)Emma CrokerMaria SequedoLaura Keates 1TElena RedondoTamara TaylorLourdes AlamedaHeather FisherMaria CasadoNatasha HuntIera EtxebarriaRachael BurfordHelen RocaMaggie Alphonsi Berta Garcia

WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS – 16.03.14ITALY v ENGLAND

0–24Giulio e Silvio Pagani

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Manuela FurlanDanielle Waterman 1TDiletta VeroneseKatherine MerchantMaria GraziaEmily Scarratt 1T,2CSofia StefanAmber Reed 1TMichela SillariNatasha BrennanBeatrice RigoniCeri LargeSara BarattinNatasha HuntAwa CoulibalyRochelle ClarkMelissa BettoniVictoria FleetwoodMarta FerrariLaura Keates 1TCristina MolicJoanna McGilchristAlice TrevisanTamara TaylorMichela EsteSarah Hunter (c)Ilaria ArrighettiMargaret AlphonsiSilvia GaudinoRebecca EssexDebora BallariniMercedes FoyLucia CammaranoClaire PurdyIrene CampaniniSophie HemmingAlessia PantarottoHannah GallagherValentina RuzzaMarlie PackerMaria MagattiGeorgina GulliverMonica BrunoKaty McleanChiara BuongiornoLydia Thompson


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England Women Results 2013-14WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP

13 AUGUST 2014ENGLAND v IRELAND

40–7

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Danielle WatermanNiamh Briggs 1CKatherine Merchant 1TAshleigh BaxterEmily Scarratt 1C,3PLynne CantwellRachael BurfordGrace DavittKay Wilson 1TAlison MillerKaty Mclean (c)Nora StapletonLa Toya MasonTania RosserRochelle Clark 1TFiona Coghlan (c)Victoria FleetwoodGillian Bourke 1TSophie HemmingAilis EganTamara TaylorSophie SpenceJoanna McGilchristMarie Louise ReillyAlexandra MatthewsPaula FitzpatrickMargaret AlphonsiClaire MolloySarah HunterHeather O’BrienEmma CrokerSharon LynchLaura KeatesFiona HayesRebecca EssexSiobhan FlemingMarlie Packer 2TLaura Guest Natasha HuntLarissa MuldoonCeri Large 2CJenny MurphyClaire AllanHannah Casey



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Danielle Waterman 1TJulianne ZussmanKatherine MerchantMagali Harvey 3PEmily Scarratt 1T,1C,3PMandy MarchakRachael BurfordAndrea BurkKay WilsonJessica DovanneKaty Mclean (c)Emily BelchoNatasha HuntElissa AlarieRochelle ClarkMarie-Pier Pinault-ReidVictoria FleetwoodKim DonaldsonSophie HemmingHilary LeithTamara TaylorLatoya BlackwoodJoanna McGilchristMaria SamsonMarlie PackerJacey MurphyMargaret AlphonsiKaren PaquinSarah HunterKelly Russell (c)Emma CrokerLaura RussellLaura KeatesOlivia DeMerchantRebecca EssexMary-Jane KirbyAlexandra MatthewsTyson BeukeboomLa Toya MasonKayla MackCeri LargeJulia SugawaraClaire AllanBrittany Waters



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Danielle WatermanElissa AlarieKatherine MerchantMagali Harvey 1PEmily Scarratt 1C,2PMandy MarchakRachael BurfordAndrea BurkClaire AllanJessica DovanneCeri LargeEmily BelchosNatasha HuntStephanie BernierRochelle ClarkMarie-Pier Pinault-ReidEmma CrokerKim DonaldsonSophie HemmingHilary LeithRebecca EssexLatoya BlackwoodTamara TaylorMaria SamsonHeather FisherJacey MurphyMargaret AlphonsiKaren Paquin 1TSarah Hunter (c) 1TKelly Russell (c)Victoria FleetwoodLaura Russell Laura KeatesOlivia DeMerchantJoanna McGilchristMary Jane KirbyAlexandra MatthewsTyson BeukeboomLa Toya MasonKayla Mack 1TKaty McleanJulianne ZussmanKay WilsonBrittany Waters


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IRB Sevens World Series Results

Finish Plate winnersPool Eng 36-5 Tunisia, Eng 14-14 Spain, Eng 0-12 RussiaQF Eng 12-19 AustraliaSF Plate Eng 12-10 USAFinal Plate Eng 17-10 Spain

Dubai – 28-29 November 2013

Finish 7thPool Eng 32-0 Ireland, Eng 19-12 Netherlands, Eng 5-14 New ZealandQF Eng 12-17 AustraliaSF Eng 5-19 USA7th/8th Eng 19-5 Japan

Atlanta, USA – 15-16 Febraury 2014

Finish 4th placePool Eng 19-5 USA, Eng 29-7 Ireland, Eng 14-21 New ZealandQF Eng 10-0 RussiaSF Eng 0-31 Australia3rd/4th Eng 0-26 Canada

Brazil – 21-22 February 2014

Finish Plate winnersPool Eng 12-15 Fiji, Eng 21-19 Ireland, Eng 15-12 AustraliaQF Eng 10-19 CanadaSF Plate Eng 26-0 SpainFinal Plate Eng 19-0 France

China – 5-6 April 2014

Finish 4th placePool Eng 36-5 Netherlands, Eng 19-5 Brazil, Eng 10-5 CanadaQF Eng 7-0 FranceSF Eng 10-26 New Zealand3rd/4th Eng 0-10 Canada

Netherlands – 16-17 May 2014

Finish WinnersPool Eng 41-0 Belgium, Eng 24-7 Portugal, Eng 34-5 IrelandQF Eng 29-0 IrelandSF Eng 24-0 NetherlandsFinal Eng 24-20 Russia

Round One: Moscow – 7-8 June 2014Finish Plate winnersPool Eng 33-7 Germany, Eng 33-7 Wales, Eng 7-17 FranceQF Eng 14-19 SpainSF Plate Eng 40-0 GermanyFinal Plate Eng 14-0 Portugal

Round Two: France – 14-15 June 2014

FIRA Grand Prix Sevens Series Results

England finished 4th overall in the series

England finished 3rd overall in the series


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Test Match Points ScorersEngland Women’s Leading

PlayersMost Capped

Katy Mclean 73 9 112 34 2 377

Emily Scarratt 55 31 40 22 0 301

Shelley Rae 44 2 74 33 1 260

Sue Day 59 46 0 0 0 230

Katherine Merchant 58 44 0 0 0 220

Karen Andrew 41 7 62 18 0 213

Nicky Crawford 66 41 0 1 0 208

Danielle Waterman 60 36 0 0 0 180

Charlotte Barras 48 33 6 0 0 177

Margaret Alphonsi 74 28 0 0 0 140

Emily Cooke (nee Feltham) 33 22 0 0 0 110

Michaela Staniford 60 22 0 0 0 110

Rochelle Clark 95 20 0 0 0 100

Chris Diver 37 18 4 0 0 98

Fiona Pocock 24 18 0 0 0 90

Catherine Spencer 63 18 0 0 0 90

Paula George 77 17 0 0 0 85

Sarah Hunter 68 17 0 0 0 85

Nicki Jupp 27 16 0 1 0 83

Kim Shaylor 20 16 0 0 0 80

Helen Clayton 87 14 0 0 0 70

Amy Turner 59 14 0 0 0 70

Claire Allan 31 14 0 0 0 70

1 Amy Garnett 100

2 Rochelle Clark 95

3 Helen Clayton 87

4 Tamara Taylor 78

5 Paula George 77

6 Margaret Alphonsi 74

7 Gill Burns 73

7= Katy Mclean 73

9= Georgia Stevens 71

9= Sophie Hemming 71

11 Jo Yapp 69

12 Sarah Hunter 68

13 Vanessa Huxford 67

14 Nicky Crawford 66

15 Susie Appleby 65

16= Catherine Spencer 63

16= Joanna McGilchrist 63

18= Michaela Staniford 60

18= Danielle Waterman 60

20= Sue Day 59

20= Amy Turner 59

22 Jenny Sutton 58

23 Katherine Merchant 58

24 Rebecca Essex 57

25 Rachael Burford 56

Player Caps Tries Cons PG DG Total Rank Player Caps


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England Women’s All Time Match Records

19/04/99 Holland v England (European Championships) 3-91 Italy13/03/11 England v Scotland (Six Nations) 89-0 Twickenham10/04/99 Wales v England (Five Nations) 11-83 Swansea RFC24/08/10 England v Kazakhstan (Rugby World Cup) 82-0 Surrey Sports Park04/02/05 Wales v England (Six Nations) 0-81 Cardiff Arms Park

Highest Score

89 v Scotland (89-0) Six Nations, Twickenham, 13/03/1188 v Holland (91-3) European Championships, Italy, 19/04/9981 v Wales (81-0) Six Nations, Cardiff Arms Park, 04/02/0579 v Ireland (79-0) Six Nations, Worcester RFC, 17/02/0277 v Sweden (80-3) European Championships, Holland, 17/05/08

Biggest Winning Margin

15 v Scotland (89-0) Six Nations Twickenham 13/03/1114 v Sweden (80-3) Rugby World Cup Holland 17/05/0813 v Ireland (79-0) Six Nations Worcester RFC 17/02/0212 v Spain (74-0) Six Nations The Stoop 09/03/03* v Holland (91-3) European Championships Italy 19/04/99

Most Tries

44 v New Zealand (11-44) Rugby World Cup, Amsterdam, 12/05/9838 v New Zealand (38-0) Churchill Cup, Edmonton, 19/06/0433 v New Zealand (33-8) Summer Tour, Hamilton, 26/10/0532 v New Zealand (13-32) Canada Cup, Winnipeg, 30/09/0029 v New Zealand (29-10) Summer Tour, Eden Park, 17/07/13

Most Points Conceded

20 February 2007 to February 200913 February 2012 to February 201312 February 2003 to March 200410 November 2009 to September 20109 February 2006 to September 2006

Most Consecutive Wins4 July 2013 to July 20132 April 1999 to April 19992 October 2005 to October 2005

Most Consecutive Defeats

* Record for number of tries scored in game are not held in RFU archive

England U20



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U20s

2014 was another hugely successful year for the England Under 20 squad. They started the year finishing second in the Six Nations after losing to France, the eventual Grand Slam winners, in their first game, only to go on to record convincing victories against all the other competing nations.

With the Junior World Championships a few months away, it set the squad up for what was always going to be a tough defence of the title in New Zealand. Coached by Nick Walshe and Ian Peel, England took on Italy in their first pool match and knocked up 63 points to start the campaign in an excellent fashion. Nathan Earle bagged three of the nine tries they racked up.

Australia followed and win number two was notched up as England ran out 38-24 winners. The pool was completed with a slightly tighter win against Argentina – 17-16 in England’s favour – to set up a semi-final with Ireland.

Rather like the England Women’s World Cup side, the Under 20 team swept aside the Irish beating them 42-15 to reach their second consecutive final.

The South Africans lay in wait and what a final it was. Played at Eden Park, Earle and Joel

Conlon both crossed the white line for England but it was Billy Burns whose boot made the difference. Watched on by his older brother Freddie, who was in the stands while also touring with the England senior squad, the fly-half kicked one conversion and three penalties to leave England 21-20 to the good at the final whistle.

Callum Braley was the squad captain but Saracens lock, Maro Itoje was the captain on the day and they both shared lifting the trophy to secure a first back-to-back World Championship for an England’s U20 side.

Earle’s performances saw him nominated for the IRB Young Player of the Year award but the winger missed out to South Africa’s Handre Pollard who established himself in the senior side at fly-half in the 2014 Rugby Championship.

Nick Walshe has now left the U20 set-up to join Gloucester as their backs and attack coach and Jon Callard has assumed the role of Head Coach, with Ian Peel and Simon Hardy backing him up.

Such has been the success of the England U20 side over the past few years we have, to date, seen 22 of their players make their full international debuts for England since 2008. •


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U20 Six Nations

07.02.15 TBC Wales U20 v England U20 Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay

13.02.15 19:45 England U20 v Italy U20 The Brickfields, Plymouth

27.02.15 TBC Ireland U20 v England U20 Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin

13.03.15 17:30 England U20 v Scotland U20 Darlington Mowden Park, Darlington

20.03.15 19:55 England U20 v France U20 American Express Community

Stadium, Brighton


IRB Junior World Championship

28.05.15 – 21.06.16 ItalyDate Venue


128

Seb Adeniran-Olule

Sebastian started out as a football player aged six but he was asked to play with the oval ball at Sutton and Epsom RFC when he was 12 ‘because one of my classmate’s dad was one of the coaches there. I then took up the game at school as well.’That school was Whitgift School in Surrey where Sebastian attended until moving to Wellington College for the sixth form. Starting out playing as a tighthead prop, he has recently moved to loosehead and hooker as he moved through the England ranks at U16, U17 and U18 levels. He is one of a large number of youngsters who names Muhammad Ali as a sportsman he greatly admires.

England U20

Club Harlequins Position Prop/Hooker Born 16.02.95 | Acton Height 1.84m (6’0”)Weight 110kg (17st 3lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U16, U17, U18

International RecordUncapped at U20 level

Joe Batley

Winning the FIRA/AER European Championship with England U18 in Poland before helping the age grade side to three wins from three in South Africa in August 2014 has put the six foot seven Gloucester lock on the rugby map.Portsmouth-born Joe is a Gloucester Academy member and was previously educated in Gosport in Hampshire at Leesland Junior School and Bay House School.He began playing at the age of six at Gosport & Fareham RFC and his rugby mentors past and present are his father Rob and Simon Burns, his initial coaches, together with Alan Martinovic and Pete Buxton at Kingsholm.

Club Gloucester Rugby Position Flanker/Lock Born 27.06.96 | Portsmouth Height 2.00m (6’7”)Weight 115kg (18st 1lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U16, U18


Twitter @SebOlule1

Twitter @BanterWithBats


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Charlie Beckett

Like Martin Johnson and Tom Wood before him, Charlie tapped into the rugby way of life in New Zealand when he spent three months in Dunedin last summer playing for John McGlashen College in the New Zealand Schools Highlanders competition. His England U18 debut came against Wales in March 2014 and he followed that up with his maiden try against France before captaining England U18 in their 30-22 win against South Africa in August.Charlie, schooled at Merchant Taylors’ in Crosby, Liverpool, started at Firwood Waterloo at the age of five, before he joined the Leicester Academy last season and is now in his second and final year of studying for A-levels in history, English language and classical civilisation at Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College in Leicester.

England U20

Club Leicester Tigers Position Flanker/No. 8 Born 03.11.95 | Liverpool Height 1.94mWeight 115kg (18st 1lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U16, U17, U18


Lewis Boyce

‘Boycey’ (as he is known) took up the game at the age of 12 with Acklam, a club based in his home town of Middlesbrough, and he’s gone on to represent North Yorkshire and Yorkshire at U14 and U15 level, together with the North of England and England U16 and U17.His full U18 debut came at the 2013 FIRA/AER European Championship and in March 2014 he contributed to three wins over Scotland, Wales and France before figuring in his second triumphant FIRA/AER tournament in Poland in April. He appeared for Middlesbrough through U13 to U16 and is a member of the Junior Academy at Leeds Carnegie where he has a four-year contract. He attended Archibald Primary School and Macmillan Academy in Middlesbrough.

Club Yorkshire Carnegie Position Prop Born 03.11.95 | Middlesbrough Height 1.87m (6’2”)Weight 110kg (17st 4lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U16, U17, U18


Twitter @Charlie_Beckett

Twitter @LewisBoyce96

Club Bath Rugby Position Centre Born 03.10.95 | Bridgend, Wales Height 1.91m (6’3”)Weight 101kg (15st 8lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours U16, U17, U18, U19


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James Chisholm

With his brother Ross in the senior squad at Harlequins and his father a former Everton footballer and England U18 coach, James has his own sporting accolade to bring to the Chisholm family table – he’s a World Cup winner. James was involved in last year’s victorious U20 World Championship winning side, starting in the final at No.8.He started playing the sport later than most at the age of 15 in the centres for Hayward Heath RFC before moving to No. 8 and captaining England U18s in 2013 while also representing Harlequins in the A league. He attended London Meed Primary in Burgess Hill and Warden Park Academy and studied biology, physical education and a BTEC in Sport at Brighton College.

England U20

Club Harlequins Position No.8 Born 11.08.95 | Haywards Heath Height 1.90m (6’3”)Weight 100kg (15st 10lb) U20 Caps 9 Points 15 – 3T Honours England U16, U17, U18, U20

International Record2014 F, S, I, It World Championship – It, A(R), Arg, I, SA

Max Clark

Max, who hails from Bridgend in Wales, has represented England at U16, U17, U18 (where he was part of the team that went unbeaten throughout a whole season) and U19 levels. He began playing when with Roselyn Park when he lived in London as a six year-old before joining Port Regis School and then Bryanston School, both in Dorset. He has always loved sport but admits that ‘rugby became my number one sport and I can’t look much further than my parents for that. They have always supported me and were willing to take me everywhere to play.’A fine hockey and cricket player, Max began his life in rugby at fly-half but his size saw him moved out to the centre.


Twitter @JamesR_Chisholm

Twitter @max_clark95

Club Bath Rugby Position Lock Born 29.06.95 | Bournemouth Height 1.93m (6’4”)Weight 106kg (16st 10lb) U20 Caps 8 Points 0 Honours England U18, U20


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Lloyd Evans

Gloucester-born Lloyd is a former England U18 player. He started playing the game at the age of eight at Dean Close school before also representing Cheltenham Tigers and then arriving at his home town club. He loves playing at Kingsholm ‘because of the amazing atmosphere and supporters, notably from the Shed.’A talented cricketer who played for the Gloucestershire from U12 to U17 as well as their 2nd team and England U17s, Lloyd names Andrew Flintoff as one of the people he admires outside of rugby. Lloyd’s dad, Huw, played for Swansea and was chairman of the Llanelli Scarlets for 13 years. That has meant that he is a supporter of Llanelli – and Gloucester, of course.

England U20

Club Gloucester Position Fly half Born 14.12.95 | Cheltenham Height 1.83m (6’0”)Weight 84kg (13st 2lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U18


Charlie Ewels

Charlie rejoins the U20 squad having lifted the World Junior Championship last summer in New Zealand. The Bath lock started in the final against South Africa and has eight U20 caps to his name already. A number of injuries to Bath’s back row meant he was named on the bench for his club this season against Northampton but he didn’t make an appearance.Charlie, who studied maths, economics, geography and chemistry at Bryanston School in Dorset, began playing when he was seven at his home town club Bournemouth and has since represented Dorset & Wilts U14-U16 and South West U16 as well as England. His previous education was at Moordown St John’s and Bournemouth School for Boys.

International Record2014 F, S, I World Championship – It(R), A, Arg, I, SA

Twitter @CharlieEwels

Club London Irish Position Centre Born 23.04.95 | Ascot Height 1.85m (6’0”)Weight 100kg (15st 10lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U18


132

Jake Farnworth

Jake’s dad, Phil, used to play rugby for Stafford and so a very young man was soon introduced to the sport which would take over his life. Jake was taken down to every training session from aged five and he stayed with the club until he was 16 when he moved to Lichfield. For most of his life, Jake played in the back row but recently became a hooker. He is also inspired by Indiana Jones and says he would have like to have been an archaeologist or treasure hunter had he not been playing sport for a living. Now with Leicester, he names Welford Road as his favourite ground but he also loves the Rec ‘because of its location and because I had my first experience of playing in front of a large crowd there in the JP Morgan Sevens.’

England U20

Club Leicester Tigers Position Hooker Born 31.01.95 | Stafford Height 1.84m (6’0”)Weight 100kg (15st 7lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours N/A


Tom Fowlie

In late March last year, as an 18 year-old, Tom made his first Premiership start for London Irish and immediately caught the eye of Stuart Lancaster. The physical prowess of the Ascot-born player, the latest to come out of Irish’s vaunted academy, suggests a big future ahead for the inside centre.Tom had previously played on the wing in the Challenge Cup, and for England U18, but his future after his debut is now at centre. He was on the end of a scintillating team move to score for England U18s against Scotland in 2013, and the video of that try has had over 85,000 views on YouTube.He was selected in the Under 20 Junior World Championship squad to play in New Zealand last year but was forced to pull out the month before due to injury.


Twitter @TomFowlie


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Ellis Genge

“My dad, Richard, always loved a beer on a Sunday so taking me to Old Redcliffians Rugby Club in Bristol always fitted in well for him,” recalls Ellis when he thinks about where his love of the sport began. “It was left to first ever coach, Matt Clark, to keep me on the straight and narrow.”He, like all of the current Bristol crop, loves playing at the club’s new ground, Ashton Gate after Bristol became part of Bristol Sport Ltd which also owns Bristol City FC. Ellis’ cousin, Gregory Streete played basketball for Great Britain while his own rugby career has seen him represent England at U17, U18 and U19 levels. He also captained Hartpury College where he won the Player of the Year.

England U20

Club Bristol Position Prop Born 16.02.95 | Bristol Height 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 113kg (17st 10lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U17, U18, U19


Tom Griffiths

Tom grew up in the rugby-loving city of Gloucester and he used to attend every game at Kingsholm, his favourite sporting ground. He first started playing as a six year-old when he joined his local club, Longlevens, for whom he won a junior vase and two county cups before going on to represent his county at U16. He’s now with Saracens. His father, Rob, was a big influence on him. He both coached and played and so rugby was always around. Tom started out as a fly half but was moved to centre by a school teacher. If he wasn’t playing rugby he would like to be an astronaut.

Club Saracens Position Centre Born 17.11.95 | Gloucester Height 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 95kg (14st 13lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours N/A


Twitter @EllisGenge

Twitter @TomGriffiths_

Club Yorkshire Carnegie Position Prop Born 02.03.95 | Aschaffenburg, Germany Height 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 115kg (18st 1lb) U20 Caps 9 Points 0 Honours England U16, U17, U18, U20


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Paul Hill

Born in Aschaffenburg in Bavaria, Germany, Paul started his rugby career with the Doncaster Knights U7s team. Initially educated at Misterton Primary School and the Hayfield School, Doncaster, he has been studying English language, history and business and economics on top of his AASE programme at Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley.A member of the Yorkshire Carnegie Academy, he has represented England at U16A, U17 and U20 level and he started in the final against South Africa in last year’s victorious Junior World Championship. Paul has British citizenship through his father and enjoys squash, table tennis and shooting. If rugby doesn’t work out then he’d like to be an English teacher or a speech therapist.

England U20

International Record2014 F, S, I(R), W(R), It(R) World Championship – It, A, I, SA

Jack Innard

Jack started out as a good footballer but when his local club folded, his parents wanted him to keep fit and so suggested rugby as a replacement. It has thus far worked out pretty well for him as he went on to represent Falmouth and Truro before joining the Exeter Chiefs.Beginning his rugby life as a flanker and sometimes in the centre, Jack moved to hooker three years ago and has never looked back. He took up the game at the age of 13 at Falmouth while also playing for Penair School in Truro, a city which has been a major part of Jack’s life so far although he told us that his favourite ground is actually the Rec in Bath.

Club Exeter Chiefs Position Hooker Born 03.07.95 | Truro Height 1.79m (5’11”)Weight 99kg (15st 7lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U19


Twitter @paulhill101

Twitter @J_Innard2



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Rory Jennings

Since being introduced to the game at Salisbury RFC aged five, Rory has made great strides. He is now a member of the Bath Academy and studying history, economics, English and biology at Bryanston School in Dorset, having previously been educated at Farleigh School in Andover, Hampshire.Oxford-born Rory first wore an England jersey for the U16 side in 2012 and became the squad’s Player of the Year. Those are his most memorable experiences so far, along with the final of the 2012 Rosslyn Park Schools Sevens against Wellington College and helping England to win the FIRA/AER European Championship last year.Rory represented South-West U16 in 2012 and his inspiring player is Australia’s James O’Connor.

England U20

Club Bath Rugby Position Fly half/Scrum half Born 24.12.95 | Oxford Height 1.81m (5’11”)Weight 87kg (13st 9lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U16, U18


Lewis Ludlam

Being dropped from Northampton Saints at a young age and gaining a place back through hard work from both himself and his school and club coaches is what Lewis attributes to his success to date.Ipswich-born Lewis is in his final year at St Joseph’s College. He is studying sociology, business, and English literature and captains the first XV, having attended Gorseland Primary School, Martlesham and Kesgrave High School also in Suffolk.He has toured France, Ireland and South Africa and, as a sideline, was a member of a 24-hour world record rowing team. His pastimes include writing and he is interested in boxing, football and literature.

Club Northampton Saints Position Back row Born 08.12.95 | Ipswich Height 1.90m (6’3”)Weight 94kg (14st 11lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U18

Twitter @RoryJennings

Twitter @LewisLudlum


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Harry Mallinder

Sale-born Harry was a member of the Northants CCC Academy until he was 16 before concentrating on rugby to earn honours with England U18 and the Northampton Saints Warriors. He’s now with the Saints where his dad, Jim, is the Director of Rugby.Wales won’t enjoy the sight of Harry if he plays against them this season – he has scored the match winning kick the last two times he has played them. First in the FIRA/AER European Championship in Poland, and then in South Africa on England U18’s summer tour.Having also attended Rugby School where he captained the first XV, Harry was perhaps born to play the sport although when asked what his favourite job in the world would be he stated, ‘President of the United States’.

England U20

Club Northampton Saints Position Fly half/Centre Born 13.06.96 | Sale Height 1.98m (6’5”)Weight 109kg (17st 1lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U18


James Mitchell

Like so many young players, it was James’ father who first added rugby to his son’s interests. “He took me to his training sessions,” James recalls. “He has been a coach around Kent for some time so I just followed him, kicking a ball by the side of rugby pitches with my two brothers for hours.” It was Lymm Rugby Club where it really started for James. He began playing with them aged seven and stayed with them right through to the first team. James played in England’s U16, U17 and toured South Africa with the U18 side. Away from rugby, James loves his golf and would love to be able to take up the game professionally one day. He admires Rory McIlroy for doing that so successfully.

Club Sale Sharks Position Scrum half Born 16.02.95 | Maidstone Height 1.76m (5’7”)Weight 80kg (12st 5lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U16, U17, U18, U19


Twitter @HarryMal10

Twitter @JamesMiitchell


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Aaron Morris

Aaron had a year to remember when he became a Junior World Champion as England beat South Africa to record back-to-back titles in the U20 age group. He started at full back in the final and kicked a penalty from inside his own half to help England beat the Baby Boks 21-20 in New Zealand.Aaron first picked up a rugby ball aged five at Bedford, and has been with the club throughout his career before joining up with the Saracens Academy.Educated at Biddenham Upper School, Aaron represented Bedfordshire in the 200m and was also a fast bowler for the county’s U16 side before deciding to stick with rugby.

England U20

Club Saracens Position Wing/ Full back Born 10.01.95 | Bedford Height 1.90m (6’3”)Weight 83kg (13st 0lb) U20 Caps 7 Points 10 – 1T, 1C, 1PG Honours England U20

International Record2014 W(R), It World Championship – It, A(R), Arg, I, SA

Piers O’Conor

Piers was born in Sydney in Australia to an Aussie mother and British father but was soon back in the UK – in Sussex – to take up rugby at the age of seven. He was eligible to play for Australia, New Zealand and Ireland as well as England and he did play for the Irish U19 team against the country of his birth in the autumn of 2013. He has also recently represented the England sevens team in Bucharest. Piers, who took up rugby at the age of seven while at Cumnor House School is comfortable in a number of positions, applying his trade at outside centre or in the back three.

Club Wasps Position Back three Born 16.02.95 | Sydney, Australia Height 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 93kg (14st 6lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours Ireland U19, England Sevens


Twitter @AaronMorris15

Twitter @OConorPiers


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Will Owen

A keen shooter, Ipswich-born Will owes much of his early development as a rugby player to Diss RFC who he started playing with as early as a four year-old. He has gone on to represent his country at England U17, U18, U19 and U20 levels, the latter being his greatest achievement thus far in a career which is developing rather nicely. His sporting heroes cannot really be compared to one another as they are Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, the master darts player and the fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt. If he wasn’t playing rugby as a career he would like to be an exotic marine biologist.

England U20

Club Leicester Tigers Position Back row Born 30.03.95 | Ipswich Height 1.86m (6’1”)Weight 96kg (15st 1lb) U20 Caps 2 Points 0 Honours England U17, U18, U19, U20

International Record2014 F(R), S

Howard Packman

After taking up the game aged five at Wellingborough RFC, Howard moved seven years later to Old Northamptonians and is now a member of the Northampton Saints squad. He scored his first senior try for the club in the LV Cup last season, a season he added the Junior World Championship to his CV having started in the final against South Africa.He represented England Sevens in Scotland and London before jetting off to New Zealand for the JWC in June, and he comes from rugby pedigree, too. His father, Frank, played 376 games from 1982-96 for Northampton as a centre and wing and scored 178 tries.Educated at Parklands Primary School and Northampton School for Boys, Howard studied for a National Diploma Level 3 in Sports Science at Moulton College. His specialist subject was sports development.

Club Northampton Saints Position Full back/Wing Born 08.06.95 | Northampton Height 1.86m (6’1”)Weight 82kg (12st 12lb) U20 Caps 8 Points 13 – 2T, 1DG Honours England U16A, U17, U18, U20, Sevens

International Record2014 F(R), S(R), I, W, It World Championship – A, I, SA

Twitter @WOwen46

Twitter @HowardPackman


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Ciaran Parker

Ciaran played eight games for England U18 and was part of last season’s undefeated side. He was captain of the team against France on the summer tour to South Africa. He attended St Winifred’s Primary School in Stockport, the school which once produced a number one Christmas single, There’s No One Quite Like Grandma before heading to St Ambrose College in Hale Barns near Altrincham. He is currently reading law at Manchester Metropolitan University. Ciaran’s dad was a youth reserve goalkeeper at Manchester United before a serious injury brought a premature end to his career. Ciaran’s ideal job would be to be a sampler at Cadbury’s World.

England U20

Club Sale Sharks Position Prop Born 16.02.95 | Stockport Height 1.88m (6’2”)Weight 110kg (17st 3lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U18


George Perkins

George’s mum represented Wales as a sprinter in the late 70s and his father was a National Schools U18 basketball champion so it’s no wonder George is making strides in the back three. A member of the Saracens Academy, George studied for a BTEC in Sports Coaching and Fitness at Oaklands College in St Albans.He played for Saracens in the JP Morgan Sevens finals at Bath last summer, having made a try-scoring England U18 debut against Portugal at the FIRA/AER European Championship the previous March. George went on to score a first half hat-trick of tries against Wales and played in his second FIRA/AER Championship when England lifted the title in Poland the following month.Romford-born, he competed in the England Schools Athletic Championships twice, winning the junior boys 100m in 2010.

Club Saracens Position Wing/full back Born 03.11.95 | Romford Height 1.85m (6’1”)Weight 95kg (14st 13lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U17, U18


Twitter @Ciaran_Parker01

Twitter @PrincePerkinsIV


Club Yorkshire Carnegie Position Full back/Wing Born 03.07.96 | Keighley Height 1.81m (5’11”)Weight 83kg (13st 0lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U18


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Taylor Prell

Taylor’s mum sent her young son off to play rugby because he needed some discipline. It turned out to be a very good move for the Keighley-born youngster who was playing with the oval ball by the time he was six.He started at Wharfedale RUFC where he stayed until moving recently to Yorkshire Carnegie where he was named as the Academy Player of the Season in 2014. He was part of the England U18 team which won the FIRA Rugby Championships and was awarded ‘Man of the Tour’ by Head Coach John Fletcher.Not short of pace, Taylor started at centre but gradually moved to full back and he loves the idea of building and renovating houses.

England U20


Sam Skinner

Another new boy at Exeter Chiefs, Sam began playing the game as a five year-old at nearby Topsham RFC who he played for from 2005 through to 2013 before joining Taunton Titans for a season before being picked up by his home town club, Exeter. Sam also likes his cricket whether taking in some fine commentary from David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd or playing for Ide CC. Rugby is in his blood. His father played and coached, his uncle played for Ampthill and his cousins, Tom and Ali, also play the game. He loves playing in almost every position so he ‘can see the game from all angles.’He is currently studying Business Economics at Exeter University.

Club Exeter Chiefs Position No. 8 Born 31.01.95 | Exeter Height 1.98m (6’5”)Weight 105kg (16st 5lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours N/A

Twitter @TaylorPrell

Twitter @SamSk95

Club Worcester Warriors Position Back Row/Lock Born 05.06.96 | Shropshire Height 1.95m (6’5”)Weight 105kg (16st 7lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U17, U18


141

Huw Taylor

Huw was born into a rugby-loving family. He remembers: “I was wearing a rugby shirt and throwing and catching the oval shaped ball from the moment I could walk.” He started playing properly at the age of six with Bridgnorth in Shropshire, a team he represented for nine years before Worcester Warriors came calling. His brother, Ed, has, like Huw, been contracted to Worcester Warriors although he now plays for Loughborough University.Having said that, Huw is also a big admirer of cricket and has travelled all over the world to watch his hero, James Anderson.

England U20


Nick Tompkins

Starting in every Under 20’s game last season and winning the Junior World Championship with England has put Nick Tompkins’ name on the rugby map. Born in Sidcup, Nick captained England at U16 and U17 levels and is now a member of the Saracens Academy. His first team debut came against Leicester Tigers in the LV=Cup in October 2012 and two months later he played in the Aviva A League final against Harlequins.Educated at St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Chislehurst, Bishop Justus C of E Secondary School and Oaklands College, Nick has a BTEC in Sports and Exercise Science.He started at Old Elthamians from the age of four and played as a flanker until he was 16 before switching positions to centre.

Club Saracens Position Centre Born 16.02.95 | Sidcup Height 1.83m (6’0”)Weight 86kg (13st 7lb) U20 Caps 10 Points 10 – 2T Honours England U16, U17, U18, U20

International Record2014 F, S, I, W, It World Championship – It, A, Arg, I, SA

Twitter @HTayls5

Twitter @NickTompkins1

Club Exeter Chiefs Position Scrum half Born 11.10.95 | Torbay Height 1.76m (5’9”)Weight 87kg (13st 9lb) U20 Caps 2 Points 0 Honours England U16, U18, U20


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Stuart Townsend

Stuart started his rugby career when six at Kingsbridge in Devon where he stayed for ten years, skippering the club through all the age grades, before moving into Somerset with Taunton for a season. He is now with the Cornish Pirates as he moves around the West Country. He has already played for England at three levels – U16, U18 and U20 – while, in his younger days, he won the Devon Cup with Kingsbridge in year seven. Naturally, Sandy Park is his favourite venue to play at and if he was not playing rugby as a profession he would have like to have been a racing driver.

England U20

International Record2014 S(R), W(R)

Kieran Treadwell

Kieran has represented both England and Ireland at U18 level and was part of the England side at that age group which went through an unbeaten season. He also represented Sutton Borough at hurdles for the U15s. He began playing the sport aged 12 at The John Fisher School in Croydon. He has now made his home at Harlequins for whom his uncle, Michael Corcoran used to play along with time spent at London Irish. Michael is the biggest influence on his career.Kieran started life as a winger before moving to the back row and second row.

Club Harlequins Position Back row/Lock Born 06.11.95 | Carshalton Height 1.99m (6’6”)Weight 113kg (17st 11lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U18, Ireland U18


Twitter @StuartTownsend9

Twitter @Treadz5


143

Jack Walker

Hooker Jack is from Settle in North Yorkshire and comes from a family steeped in rugby. His brother, Chris, plays in the Leeds Carnegie first team and his father John played rugby union and league for Otley, Batley, Keighley Cougars and Hunslet Hawks.Jack was captain of the England U16 and added a Junior World Championship medal to his rugby CV having played a part in every game of the tournament down in New Zealand.Jack became the youngest forward to start a game for Leeds when he played an hour against Gala in the British & Irish Cup, sharing the pitch with his brother. He was named Jaguar Academy of Sport Rising Star of 2012.

England U20

Club Leeds Position Hooker Born 06.05.96 | Settle Height 1.85m (6’1”)Weight 96kg (15st 1lb) U20 Caps 7 Points 0 Honours England U16, U17, U18, U20

International Record2014 S, I(R) World Championship – It(R), A(R), Arg, I(R), SA(R)

Will Witty

Will began his rugby life playing touch but it was a game which he never enjoyed. His coach at Malton & Norton in North Yorkshire, Pat Stephenson, allowed him to play full contact with the age above and so, at the age of seven, Will was on his way. A spell with Leeds Carnegie U18 and Newcastle Falcons followed as well as being picked for England U18 against Australia. Will attended Rillington Primary and Norton College and is now aiming for a BTEC National Diploma in Sport at Newcastle University for whom he won the BUCS Vase.If he wasn’t playing rugby he tells us that he would like to be a bin man.

Club Newcastle Falcons Position Lock Born 24.02.95 | Malton Height 1.96m (6’5”)Weight 117kg (18st 5lb) U20 Caps 0 Points 0 Honours England U18, Students


Twitter @Wacker96

Twitter @WillWwitty


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England Under 20 Management

Jon Callard Head Coach

Ian Peel Assistant Coach

Simon Hardy Specialist Coach

Coaches

Katie Daniel Team Manager

Stefan Curtis Media Manager

Gary Lester Kit Manager

Neil Taylor Strength & Conditioning

Phil Riley Doctor

Barney Kenny Lead Physio

Lesley McBride Assistant Physio

Kate Davis Assistant Physio

Gary Edwards Masseur

Austin Fuller Analyst

Management


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Jon Callard

A former PE and Science teacher at Downside School, Jon Callard made a name for himself scoring 2,087 points in 210 matches for Bath Rugby whilst picking up Twickenham Cup final triumphs in 1990, 1994, 1995 and 1996, alongside five Courage League titles and a Heineken Cup.

A fullback by trade he also made five appearances for England with his debut coming in the win against New Zealand in November 1993. Jon’s coaching career started in 1998 when he was assistant to Andy Robinson at Bath before taking on the head coach role two years later. He moved on to Leeds Carnegie as first team coach in 2002 from where he joined the RFU.

He worked with the England World Cup squad in 2007 in France as the kicking coach and has since gone on to coach the Saxons alongside Simon Hardy and Paul Gustard before taking on the role of Under 20 Head Coach and National Performance Academy Manager & International Performance Coach in 2014.

Sport runs in the family and his brother captained England Colts before his rugby career was cut short due to a knee injury. Jon played county cricket as a youngster for Monmouthshire and enjoys the odd round of golf.

England U20 Management

Position Under 20 Head CoachBorn 01.01.66 | Leicester Playing history Bath Rugby (1989-1999), England (1993-1995) 5 capsCoaching history Bath Assistant Coach (1998-2000), Bath Head Coach (2000-02), Leeds Carnegie first team coach (2002), England U21 Head Coach (2002-05), RFU National Academy Coach (2005-to date), England Assistant Coach (SA Tour 2012), England Under 20 Head Coach (2014-present), National Performance Academy Manager & International Performance Coach (2014-present)


146

Ian Peel

Ian was given the U20 assistant coach role in 2013 and went on to win the IRB Junior World Championships that summer – a first for England – with head coach Nick Walshe. He followed that up with a second place finish in the Six Nations Championship a year later, narrowly missing out on a Grand Slam to France, and a second, back-to-back, World Championship beating South Africa in New Zealand.

Having started his playing days as a junior at Wharfdale RUFC Ian went on to sign for Newcastle Falcons in 1998. He made his 100th premiership appearance against Leicester in April 2004 before retiring in 2006.

He started his life as a coach with Newcastle’s academy before combining his role at the

Falcons with being the forwards coach at National One side Tynedale. He had stints as forwards coach at both Sedburgh School and Barnard Castle – both renowned rugby schools having produced a number of England internationals between them.

He forged a partnership with John Fletcher and Pete Walton at Newcastle coaching the scrum before he joined the RFU as a National Academy Coach scrum specialist looking after the Sevens, U18s and U20s.

Rugby is in the genes – both his brothers played for Wharfdale – and as a youngster he looked up to two of England’s finest props in Jeff Probyn and Jason Leonard.


Position U20 Assistant CoachBorn 24.01.76 | OtleyPlaying history Newcastle Falcons (1998-2006), England StudentsCoaching history Newcastle Academy, Tynedale – forwards coach, Sedbergh School/Barnard Castle School – forwards coach, Scrum coach at Newcastle, England U20 Assistant Coach


147

Simon Hardy

Simon Hardy has been with England in a coaching capacity for well over a decade. His first coaching session dates back to 1998 before he became a full time coach in 2000 and he can add being involved in over 100 tests with England to his substantial rugby coaching CV.

He played his part in the 1999 Rugby World Cup when England reached the quarter-finals before lifting the trophy in 2003 in Australia. He also helped the Under 20’s in their successful retaining of the Junior World Championship last year in New Zealand.

He had initially been the South West Divisional Technical Administrator before joining the

RFU to take on the role of National Coaching Development Manager in 1997.

Educated at Hedley Walter School in Brentwood and Leek High School, he played schools cricket for Essex and represented Staffordshire at football. His rugby career involved captaining Eastern Counties and playing for Saracens and London Wasps. He started as a centre before moving to Number 8, prop and finally hooker. He represented England U23s along the way and won the UAU Championship three times while at Loughborough University.


Position U20 Assistant CoachBorn 16.10.56 | OxfordPlaying history Eastern Counties, London Division, Loughborough University, England U23, Saracens, London WaspsCoaching history RFU South West Technical Administrator (1994-97), National Coaching Development Manager (1997-2000), England Specialist Coach (2000-to date), England Assistant Coach (SA Tour 2012), Saxons Forwards Coach, England Under 20 Assistant Coach


148

England U20 Results 2013-14U20 6 NATIONS – 31.01.14

FRANCE v ENGLAND21–15

Stade Leo Lagrange

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Robinson CaireNathan EarleKylan HamdaouiZach KibirigeXavier MignotNick TompkinsFrançois BouvierTom Stephenson 1TStephen ParezHenry PurdyBrandon FajardoBilly Burns 1C,1PBaptiste Serin 1C,3PCallum Braley (c)Oleg IshchenkoDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiRomain RuffenachHarry ThackerTommy RaynaudPaul HillArthur IturriaMaro Itoje 1TJean-Baptiste Singer 1TCharlie EwelsJean-Blaise LespinasseRoss MoriartyYacouba CamaraJoel ConlonFrançois Cros (c) 1TJames ChisholmFlorian ArdiacaTom WoolstencroftYoussef AmrouniAlex LundbergAnthony RochetAdam JamiesonFelix LambeyTom EllisAnthony MericWill OwenFrancois FontaineHenry TaylorPierre JustesSam OlverLucas BachelierHoward Packman

U20 6 NATIONS – 07.02.14SCOTLAND v ENGLAND

15–48Netherdale

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Ruairidh YoungNathan EarleJamie FarndaleZach Kibirige 2TBlair HutchisonNick Tompkins 1TNeil HerronTom Stephenson 1TDamian HoylandHenry Purdy 1TBen Chalmers 1PBilly Burns 3C,1PBen VellacottCallum Braley (c)Jack CosgroveDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiSam James 1TJack WalkerD’arcy RaePaul HillAndrew CramondMaro Itoje 1TGlen YoungCharlie EwelsBuchan RichardsonRoss MoriartyTommy Spinks (c)Will OwenMagnus BradburyJames Chisholm 1TJames MalcolmTom WoolstencroftPhilip CringleAlex LundbergChris BarnesHarry RudkinLewis CarmichaelTom EllisGabriel CarrollJoel ConlonMurdo McAndrewStuart TownsendBen Cooper 1CSam Olver 2CChris Dean 1THoward Packman

U20 6 NATIONS – 22.02.14ENGLAND v IRELAND

33–9Franklin’s Gardens

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Nathan EarleDavid BusbyZach KibirigeCian KelleherNick Tompkins 1TDan GogginHarry SloanPeter RobbHoward Packman 1TAdam ByrneBilly Burns 2C,3PRoss Byrne 3PCallum Braley (c)Nick McCarthy Alex LundbergPeter DooleyHarry ThackerMax AbbottScott WilsonRory BurkeMaro Itoje 1TPeadar TimminsCharlie EwelsRoss MolonyRoss MoriartyMichael TriggJoel Conlon 1TDan Leavy (c)James ChisholmFrank TaggartJack WalkerSean McNultyDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiDenis CoulsonPaul HillOisin HeffernanTom EllisJoe JoyceGus JonesStephen GardinerHenry TaylorJack CullenSam OlverConor McKeonHenry PurdyHarrison Brewer


149

England U20 Results 2013-14U20 6 NATIONS – 07.03.14

ENGLAND v WALES*67–7

Kingston Park *Wales awarded penalty try

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Howard PackmanAfon BagshawZach Kibirige 1TTyler MorganNick TompkinsSteffan Hughes (c)Harry SloanJack DixonHenry PurdyAshley EvansBilly Burns 6C,1PAngus O’BrienHenry Taylor 1TTom WilliamsDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiNicky SmithHarry Thacker 2TEthan LewisScott WilsonNicky ThomasMaro Itoje (c) 1TScott AndrewsTom EllisJoe DaviesRoss MoriartyBen RoachGus Jones 4TOllie GriffithsJoel ConlonJames BenjaminTom WoolstencroftElliot DeeAlex Lundberg 1TLuke GarrettPaul HillBenjamin LeungJonny HillRob Dudley-JonesHayden StringerWill BoydeHenry TaylorLuc JonesSam Olver 1CLuke Price 1CAaron MorrisJoshua Adams

U20 6 NATIONS – 14.03.14ITALY v ENGLAND

5–52Stadio Peroni

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Giacomo De SantisAaron Morris 1T,1CYannick AgbasseHoward PackmanMattia BelliniNick TompkinsGabriele ManganielloHarry Sloan 1TLorenzo BrunoNathan Earle 1TFilippo Buscema (c)Sam Olver 5CSimone ParisottoHenry Taylor Derrick AppiahDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiMarco SilvaHarry ThackerSimone FerrariScott WilsonFederico RuzzaTom EllisRicardo MichilettoJonny HillMarco LazzaroniMaro Itoje (c) 1TSebastian NegriJoel Conlon 1TMatteo ArchettiJames ChisholmAdriano Daniele 1TTom Woolstencroft 1TPaulo BuonfiglioAlex LundbergCherif TraorePaul HillDavide ZanettiRoss MoriartyFilippo ScalviHayden Thompson-StringerMaicol AzzoliniCallum Braley 1TSamuel SenoBilly BurnsMatteo GabbianelliHenry Purdy 1T


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England U20 Results 2013-14U20 JUNIOR WORLD CUP – 06.06.14

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA38–24

QBE Stadium, Auckland

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Howard PackmanJonah PlacidHenry PurdyBrad LaceyNick TompkinsLalakai FoketiHarry SloanJimmy StewartNathan Earle 2TAndrew Kellaway 2TBilly Burns 5C,1PJake McIntyre 1T,2C,1PHenry Taylor 2TJoe PowellDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiRory O’ConnorTom WoolstencroftHarry ScoblePaul HillAllan AlaalatoaMaro Itoje (c)Matt PhilipCharlie EwelsTom StaniforthRoss MoriartySean McMahon (c)Gus Jones 1TRowan PerryJoel ConlonRoss Haylett-PettyJack Walker Feleti Kaitu’uAlex LundbergCameron OrrHarry RudkinTom RobertsonHayden Thompson-StringerJack PayneJames ChisholmJack DempseyCallum BraleyAngus PulverSam Olver David Horwitz 1CAaron MorrisLuke Burton

U20 JUNIOR WORLD CUP – 10.06.14ENGLAND v ARGENTINA

17–16QBE Stadium, Auckland

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Aaron MorrisPatricio Fernandez (c) 1C,3PGeorge Catchpole 1TGerman SchulzNick TompkinsEmiliano Boffelli 1TTom StephensonTomas GranellaHenry PurdyFederico GimenezSam Olver 4PDomingo MiottiCallum Braley (c)Juan BernardiniAlex LundbergFacundo GigenaJack WalkerJuan Ignacio SanchezBiyi AloTomas RamirezJordon OnojaifeIgnacio LarragueCharlie EwelsGuido PettiHayden Thompson-StringerTomas LezanaCameron NeildLautaro BavaroJames ChisholmSantiago PortilloTom WoolstencroftIgnacio David CallesDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiFelipe ArreguiHarry RudkinEnrique Pieretto HeilandMaro ItojeVittorio Tomas RostiGus JonesJose DehezaHenry TaylorLautaro Bazan VelezBilly BurnsBautista EzcurraNathan EarleSantiago Alvarez

U20 JUNIOR WORLD CUP – 02.06.14ENGLAND v ITALY

63–3ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe

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Aaron MorrisMatteo GaspariniGeorge Catchpole 1TDaniele Di GiulioNick TompkinsGabriele ManganielloHarry SloanSamuel SenoNathan Earle 3TFilippo LombardoSam Olver 5C,2PFilippo Buscema (c) 1PCallum Braley (c)Simone ParisottoDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiDerrick AppiahTom WoolstencroftAdriano DanielePaul HillPaolo BuonfiglioMaro ItojeRiccardo MichielettoTom EllisFilippo ScalviRoss MoriartyMatteo ArchettiGus Jones 2TRenato GiammarioliJames Chisholm 2TAndrea TrottaJack WalkerCherif TraoreAlex LundbergMarco SilvaBiyi AloSimone FerrariCharlie EwelsMarco LazzaroniJoel ConlonMatteo CornelliHenry TaylorMaicol AzzoliniBilly Burns 1T,1CGiacomo De Santis Henry PurdyGabriele Di Giulio


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England U20 Results 2013-14U20 JUNIOR WORLD CUP – 15.06.14

ENGLAND v IRELAND42–15

QBE Stadium, North Harbour

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Aaron MorrisCian KelleherHoward Packman 1T,1DGCiaran GaffneyNick TompkinsGarry Ringrose 1THarry Sloan 1TDan GogginNathan EarleAlex Wootton 1TBilly Burns 4C,2PRoss Byrne 1C,1PHenry TaylorNick McCarthyDanny Hobbs-Awoyemi 1TPeter DooleyTom Woolstencroft 1TMax AbbottPaul HillRory BurkeMaro Itoje (c)Stephen GardinerCharlie EwelsRoss MolonyRoss MoriartyPeadar TimminsGus Jones 1TFrank TaggartJames ChisholmJack O’Donoghue (c)Jack WalkerDylan DonnellanAlex LundbergDenis CoulsonHarry Rudkin Oisin HeffernanHayden Thompson-StringerDarragh MoloneyJoel Conlon Rory MoloneyCallum BraleyRyan FoleySam OlverConor McKeon Henry PurdyHarrison Brewer

U20 JUNIOR WORLD CUP – 20.06.14ENGLAND v SOUTH AFRICA

21–20Eden Park, Auckland

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Aaron MorrisWarrick GelantHoward PackmanDan KrielNick TompkinsJesse Kriel 2THarry SloanAndre EsterhuizenNathan Earle 1TSergeal PetersenBilly Burns 1C,3PHandre Pollard (c) 1C,1PHenry TaylorJP SmithDanny Hobbs-AwoyemiThomas Du ToitTom WoolstencroftCorniel ElsPaul HillDayan Van Der WesthuizenMaro Itoje (C)JD SchickerlingCharlie EwelsNico Janse Van RensburgRoss MoriartyJacques VermeulenGus JonesCyle BrinkJames ChisholmAidon DavisJack WalkerJoseph DwebaAlex LundbergPierre SchoemanAlex LundbergWilco LouwHayden Thompson-StringerVictor SekeketeJoel Conlon 1TJean Luc Du PreezCallum BraleyZee MkhabelaSam OlverJean Luc Du PlessisHenry PurdyDuhan van der Merwe

England Sevens



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England Men’s SevensLast season saw England Sevens legend Simon Amor take the helm as the man in charge of the men’s side and swiftly took his team to a fourth place finish overall in the HSBC World Sevens Series.

The Hong Kong leg of the series was the highlight of the season with England ending second overall just being pipped to the post by New Zealand in the final. There were three third place finishes for Amor’s men at the Australia, Japan and London legs of the series.

Tom Mitchell was England’s, and the series’, star points scorer, finishing with the total of 358 – two short of being one hundred points ahead of his nearest rival. In those 358, Tom managed to score 32 tries.

Glasgow hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games and England reached the quarter-final stage where they were knocked out by Samoa after losing by a single point. They went on to beat Wales 17-15 in the Plate final.

With rugby sevens set to make its Olympic Games debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, England have been nominated as the lead nation to try to qualify on behalf of Team GB. Qualification will begin with the 2014-15 IRB Sevens World Series, where the four teams at the top of the standings will qualify for the Games.

The three British Unions agreed in advance of the 2013-14 IRB Sevens World Series that the highest-finishing team in that season would represent all three unions in the first stage of qualification in the 2014-15 series. •

Tom Mitchell


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HSBC Sevens World Series 2014-15

11–12 October 2014 Australia

05-06 December 2014 Dubai

13-14 December 2014 South Africa

06-07 February 2015 New Zealand

13-15 March 2015 USA

27-29 March 2015 Hong Kong

04-05 April 2015 Japan

09-10 May 2015 Scotland

16-17 May 2015 England

Date Venue


155

Dan Bibby

Although born and brought up in Wigan it was Union which attracted Daniel. As a five year-old, he was taken to his local club, Aspull, by his dad who then coached him until he was 16. Daniel has been involved with the England sevens since 2012. His highlight thus far was playing in Hong Kong against New Zealand. “It’s something I will remember forever. The atmosphere was incredible and the fans were all behind England,” he recalls. Daniel, a one-time clay pigeon shooting champion, won the Wellington Sevens in 2013 and was the Player of the Tournament in the JP Morgan Sevens a couple of years prior to that.

England Sevens

Position Full Back/Wing Born 03.10.92 | Gloucestershire Height 1.86m (6’1”)Weight 92kg (14st 4lb) Honours England U16, U19, Sevens, GB Sevens

Sam Blanchet

Born in Montreal in Canada, Samuel initially thought that ice hockey might be his future. Moving to England aged 11, he fought so much with his brother that his parents decided a contact sport would be a good idea so ‘we could take our energy out on someone else, somewhere else.’ A trip to Lincoln RFC was the start of a love of rugby. Samuel was part of the Exeter Chiefs team that won the Aviva A League in 2011/12 and part of the Great Britain student team which won the 2014 World University Championships in Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil. He moved from the backrow at Exeter to the wing due to a lack of numbers in a training session. His brother, Justin, plays for Bedford Blues.

Position Wing/Prop Born 05.08.92 | Montreal, Canada Height 1.90m (6’3”)Weight 102kg (16st 0lb) Honours Canada U17, England Sevens

Twitter @dbibby15

Twitter @SamBlanch7


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Tom Bowen

Thomas fell in love with rugby at the age of six when playing for Lewes in the centres. As he aged, he moved to the wing and later was Plymouth Albion’s Young Player of the Year two seasons running. This after he was part of the Leicester Tigers’ Academy. Shane Williams is the player he most admires. He told, “He was a small bloke who managed to change outcomes of games by himself on a regular basis.”His most memorable game thus far was the first game of the 2013/14 season playing for Plymouth against Jersey. “I really enjoyed that game and we won as well,” he remembers.

England Sevens

Position Wing Born 31.01.93 | Brighton Height 1.74m (5’7”)Weight 85kg (13st 3lb) Honours England Sevens

John Brake

John is a talented hockey and basketball player as well as a rugby one. He captained the South West in hockey at U15 level and, at the same age, he played for Somerset in basketball. He was schooled in the county at Millfield where first team coaches, Jon Mallet and Jon Brimacombe were the biggest influences on his career. He has captained England sevens in a European Series which he described a ‘huge honour’. This after he represented England at both U18 and U20 levels. John is a big supporter of Chelsea. “I have loved them for a long time and before the Abramovich revolution,” he told us.

Position Scrum half Born 22.04.88 | London Height 1.77m (5’10”)Weight 89kg (14st 0lb) Honours England U18, U20, Sevens, GB Sevens

Twitter @Tombowen31

Twitter @JCWBrake


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Phil Burgess

Once named as the Sportsman of the Year at Cornish Pirates, Philip played his rugby in the centre until he was 17 before moving to No. 8 and then to 7. He began his time in the sport at the age of only four at Camberley RFC ‘because my older brother and sister were playing there and I wanted to do what they were doing.’ Time with Harlequins, Loughborough Students, Cornish Pirates and with the England Sevens followed. Philip is a fan of the NFL and supports the Chicago Bears and also likes belting out Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 if a Karaoke machine is nearby.

England Sevens

Position Back row/Hooker Born 01.07.88 | Frimley Height 1.82m (6’0”)Weight 92kg (14st 5lb) Honours England Sevens, GB Sevens

Alex Davis

Alex came up through the ranks of Clifton RFC who he started playing for when he was six. His stock has been on the rise ever since. He represented England at U16 and U19 level and has won several sevens tournaments. 2011 saw him first named a Rugby World Schools Player of the Month before he was named in the Rugby World All Stars team. He has now been offered a contract to play sevens for England. Alex is also a talented cricketer, having represented Gloucestershire, the county of his birth.Tall as a youngster, Alex started out in the second row but has since played in every position save scrum half.

Position Full Back/Wing Born 03.10.92 | Gloucestershire Height 1.86m (6’1”)Weight 92kg (14st 4lb) Honours England U16, U19, Sevens, Student GB Sevens

Twitter @Philip__Burgess

Twitter @ajldavis03


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Alex Gray

Alex has played through the England ranks at U16, U18 and U20 levels skippering each of the teams as well as being awarded the Player of the Year at each age group. On top of that, of course, he has also represented the sevens at international level. A fan of super hero films, Alex is something of a super hero himself. He began playing rugby at the age of six and has impressed many on his journey through the system which saw him represent both Newcastle Falcons and London Irish. Born in Bishop Auckland in County Durham, Alex attended Barnard Castle School where his game was developed.

England Sevens

Position Prop Born 01.05.91 | Bishop Auckland Height 1.98m (6’5”)Weight 107kg (16st 8lb) Honours England U16, U18, U20, Sevens

Charlie Hayter

Charlie won his first sevens cap in the Commonwealth Games in the summer after representing Nottingham, Worcester, Moseley and London Wasps. His older brothers – including the former England U21 hooker, James, both played the sport and so Charlie says he didn’t really have any other options but to take up the game although he does also enjoy cricket, golf, real tennis and skiing. Charlie started out as a fly half but moved to centre after he ‘grew up a bit’ first at The Croft in Stratford-upon-Avon and then at Warwick School. He then earned a geography degree at the University of Nottingham. If he wasn’t playing rugby he would like to use that degree by travelling the world as a food critic, testing out the best roast beef and horseradish he could find.

Position Centre/Prop Born 10.12.88 | Bath Height 1.87m (6’2”)Weight 97kg (15st 2lb) Honours England Sevens, GB Sevens

Twitter @AlexShaggyGray

Twitter @hayter88


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Christian Lewis-Pratt

Christian was a schoolboy sevens star at Wellington College before turning professional with Northampton Saints and spending the 2010/11 season with Leeds Carnegie, where he appeared in 11 first team games. He scored 16 points on his Aviva Premiership debut at Gloucester.The Richmond-born player has a very impressive CV and has scored more than 300 points overall in the IRB World Series. In 2012/13, he played in seven of the nine tournaments for England and scored 15 tries as well as landing 70 conversions and two penalty goals. In June 2013, he appeared in the RWC Sevens in Moscow, contributed a try with the first play of the quarter-final against Australia and kicked three conversions to guide England to a 21-17 win.

England Sevens

Position Fly Half Born 12.12.90 | Richmond Height 1.84m (6’0”) Weight 88kg (13st 12lb) Honours Wales U16 & U18, England Sevens, GB Sevens

Tom Mitchell

Tom has captained the England Students and the Great Britain student sevens team as well as representing England at sevens since 2012. And it’s his dad who should take much of the credit for that. Tom remembers: “Dad taught and coached me at school after initially taking me to play one weekend at my local club even though I was much more keen on football at the time.”He still loves football, too, and supports Tottenham although with a degree in English and Philosophy and a PGC in Historical Studies, Tom’s interests are far reaching and so it comes as no surprise that he would like to invite Oscar Wilde, Bob Marley and Leonardo Da Vinci over for dinner.

Position Halfback Born 22.07.89 | Chuckfield Height 1.78m (5’10”) Weight 85kg (13st 5lb) Honours England Students, England Sevens, GB Sevens

Twitter @CLewisPratt

Twitter @TBobbyMitchell


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Daniel Norton

So many fathers play a key role in their sons rugby development and Dan’s tale is no different. His dad was a coach of one of the youth teams at Gloucester Spartans and so Dan was soon introduced into the game at the age of nine. Dan has since gone on to become a Grand Slam winner with England U20 and has been with the national sevens team since 2008. He became the Players’ Player of the Year and the IRB top try scorer in 2012-13. He went to Kingsholm Primary and Brockworth Enterprise, two schools in Gloucester before heading to Hartpury College for a course in sports and exercise management.

England Sevens

Position Wing Born 22.03.88 | Gloucester Height 1.80m (5’11”) Weight 82kg (12st 12lb) Honours England U20, England Sevens, GB Sevens

James Rodwell

James has played in 52 consecutive tournaments and was the player of one in Dubai in 2010. His favourite is in Hong Kong. “It’s the most famous sevens competition in the world,” he told us, “and the atmosphere there is amazing. It’s also where I achieved my 50th tournament.” Amongst his trophies are the London sevens in 2009, the Dubai sevens in 2010 and 2011 and the Wellington sevens in 2010 and 2013. This after he began his involvement with the sport as a seven year-old with Tring. James recently became a father which meant that the Xbox had to be put away, giving a little more time for James to continue his studies for a certificate in finance, accounting and business.

Position Number 8/Prop Born 23.08.84 | Wendover Height 1.95m (6’5”)Weight 105kg (16st 7lb) Honours England Sevens, GB Sevens

Twitter @Dan_Norton4

Twitter @James_Rodwell


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Sam Stanley

A trip to Thurrock aged four is where it all began for Sam and in 2014 he was a plate winner for the England sevens in Glasgow as well as lifting the Amsterdam sevens title. His uncle played rugby as does his brother and a whole number of cousins. Yet his most famous relative is the international footballer, Tim Cahill, who has represented Everton, New York Red Bulls and Australia.Sam says that he ‘likes to carry and run with the ball as well as distribute.’ In sevens he plays first five or half back although ‘wanting to always play at 10 I would say that I am more versatile as a player now.’ He represented England at U16 and U18 level before heading to the England sevens.

England Sevens

Position Fly Half Born 08.11.91 | Orsett Height 1.77m (5’10”) Weight 86kg (13st 5lb) Honours England U16, U18, England Sevens

Jack Walsh

Jack found rugby as a four year-old when he joined his local club where his dad and brother played. His brother went on to play for the Army and is now a professional boxer and his dad now coaches at Old Rutlishians.He was schooled at Regina Coeli Primary School in Croydon and went on to The John Fisher School in Purley before representing Ireland at U18 level. Thankfully, he then chose England and now, after a stint with Blackheath from 2010 to 2013, he combines his sevens career with studying at St Mary’s University in Twickenham. If Jack wasn’t a rugby player he’d like to be a stockbroker or footballer.

Position Scrum half Born 26.05.92 | Croydon Height 1.70m (5’7”)Weight 80kg (12st 5lb) Honours Ireland U18, England Sevens

Twitter @Stanley_13

Twitter @09walshy


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Marcus Watson

Marcus took up the game of rugby at Effingham and Leatherhead and passed through the international ranks while at St George’s College in Weybridge. He played on the wing for London Irish Academy and for England at U16, U18 and U20 levels, going to the Junior World Championship in 2010.Marcus made two Aviva Premiership appearances for Irish before moving to Saracens in 2011 and then signed for England as a full-time Sevens player in the summer of 2012.His brother is Anthony Watson, the Bath full back and wing, who is a member of the England Senior squad.

England Sevens

Position Fly Half Born 27.06.91 | Hillingdon Height 1.77m (5’10”) Weight 81kg (12st 10lb) Honours England U16, U17, U18, U20, England Sevens, GB Sevens

Jeff Williams

Jeff first played rugby as a six year-old at junior school in South Africa with many back yard Test matches against his younger brother, Matti, who currently plays for Northampton Saints. In fact, sport runs through the family quite literally in the case of Jeff’s mother who was a young sprinter in South Africa.Qualifying for England through his father, the back won the HSBC Wellington sevens in 2012 with his adopted country and took a silver from the Sevens World Cup in Russia in 2013.Jeff had played for the Hamiltons club in Cape Town and for the Sharks Academy before a spell in France at Federale 1 side Chateaurenard in Provence. Jeff joined England’s training camp in early 2012 before being awarded a full-time Sevens contract.

Position Front row Born 16.08.88 | East London Height 1.85m (6’0”)Weight 98kg (15st 4lb) Honours England Sevens

Twitter @MarcusWatson11

Twitter @jeffywilliams88


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Callum Wilson

Avoiding a detention at Chichester High School saw Callum sent to Chichester RFC as a 12 year-old. It was a pivotal moment in his life. His aim has always been to make his grandfather and father proud and that is something he has clearly achieved. Both men are huge motivations to Callum who made a name for himself in the 2013 World Student Games with Great Britain. He moved from full back to the wing while at Loughborough University where he earned a degree in Information Management and Business Studies although his real love outside rugby is writing and would like to sit in a log cabin with a pen and paper and actress Sofia Vergara somewhere nearby.

England Sevens

Position Wing/Prop Born 28.10.90 | London Height 1.84m (6’0”) Weight 108kg (17st 0lb) Honours England Sevens

Twitter @Callumawilson


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England Sevens Management

Simon Amor Head Coach

Tony Roques Assistant Coach

Coaches

Dan Howells Strength & Conditioning Coach

Remi Mobed Physiotherapist

Jenny Graham Physiotherapist

Dan Cooper Analyst

Nadine Cooke Team Ops Manager

Jo Larkin Team Doctor

Management


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Simon Amor

Simon is a graduate of Cambridge University where he earned a blue playing in the 2000 Varsity match before he left with a degree in Management Studies.

He began his rugby career with London Irish followed by spells with Blackheath, Coventry, Gloucester, London Wasps (with whom he won the Heineken Cup) and London Scottish as player and coach. His sevens career took off when he represented England in the 2002 Commonwealth Games and again four years later when he won a silver medal. In 2008, he was awarded the IRB World Sevens Player of the Year.

It was a natural progression for him to be named as Head Coach of the England Women’s Sevens in 2007 taking them to the World Cup in 2009 before taking up his current role in September 2013. He had captained the team from 2002 to 2007 becoming England’s fifth highest try scorer.

Born in Kingston upon Thames and educated at Denmead Prep School and Hampton School, Simon took up the game at the age of eight.


Position England Sevens Head CoachBorn 25.04.79 | Kingston-Upon-ThamesPlaying history London Irish, Blackheath, Coventry, Gloucester, London Wasps, London Scottish, England SevensCoaching history London Scottish player/coach, London Scottish Head Coach, London Scottish Director of Rugby, England Sevens Head Coach


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Tony Roques

Tony recently joined the England sevens coaching staff ahead of the start of the last HSBC Sevens World Series. The former England sevens player was given the position as assistant coach to Simon Amor.

Roques had a distinguished playing career where he spent seven years on the sevens circuit as well as spells with Saracens, London Irish and Exeter Chiefs. He became head coach of Cornish side Launceston RFC in 2010, a position he held for two years before he became head of rugby for The Leys school in Cambridge.

Known as Rocky, Tony was an exceptional sevens forward and was a key part of an England side that won tournaments. He built his game on an incredible fitness level and work ethic. Simon Amor, England Sevens Head Coach, said of Rocky: “He is an outstanding and unique coach who will not only improve the players in the short term but will also help grow the England sevens programme in our collective drive for sustained success.”


Position England Sevens Assistant CoachBorn 07.09.78 | BromleyPlaying history Saracens, London Irish, Exeter Chiefs, Launceston, England SevensCoaching history Launceston Head coach, England Sevens Assistant Coach


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HSBC Sevens World Series 2013-14 Results

Finish 3rd placePool Eng 54-7 Spain, Eng 26-12 France, South Africa 22-14 EngQF Eng 26-12 FijiSF Eng 5-14 New Zealand3rd/4th Eng 47-0 South Africa

Australia – 12-13 October 2013

Finish 4th placePool Eng v Canada 47-7, Eng 28-5 USA, Eng 21-28 FijiQF Eng 33-12 WalesSF Eng 12-26 South Africa3rd/4th Eng 14-17 New Zealand

Dubai – 29-30 November 2013

Finish Bowl WinnersPool Eng 14-24 Samoa, Eng 35-7 Zimbabwe, Eng 19-21 ArgentinaQF Bowl Eng 19-7 ScotlandSF Bowl Eng 33-14 USAFinal Bowl Eng 28-19 Australia

South Africa – 7-8 December 2013

Finish Plate WinnersPool Eng 19-22 Samoa, Eng 54-0 Portugal, Eng 43-5 UruguayQF Cup Eng 7-24 New ZealandSF Plate Eng 21-12 FranceFinal Plate Eng 26-24 Australia

USA – 24-26 January 2014

Finish 3rd placePool Eng 36-0 Scotland, Eng 29-0 Spain, Eng 24-21 AustraliaQF Eng 14-10 CanadaSF Eng 0-17 South Africa3rd/4th Eng 21-12 New Zealand

Japan – 22-23 March 2014

Finish 2nd placePool Eng 19-12 Argentina, Eng 21-7 Portugal, Eng 14-12 CanadaQF Eng 14-7 South AfricaSF Eng 17-7 FijiFinal Cup Eng 7-26 New Zealand

Hong Kong – 28-30 March 2014

Finish Plate winnersPool Eng 21-5 France, Eng 33-24 Japan, Eng 7-7 CanadaQF Eng 12-14 Fiji SF Plate Eng 21-7 AustraliaFinal Plate Eng 26-5 Kenya

Scotland – 3-4 May 2014

Finish 3rd placePool Eng 14-10 Wales, Eng 31-5 Argentina, Eng 15-12 New ZealandQF Eng 19-17 FranceSF Eng 12-15 Australia3rd/4th Eng 26-19 Fiji

England – 10-11 May 2014

Finish 4th placePool Eng 36-7 Portugal, Eng 21-7 Wales, Eng 19-5 South AfricaQF Cup Eng 21-5 SamoaSF Cup Eng 0-31 New Zealand3rd/4th Eng 7-14 Fiji

New Zealand – 7-8 February 2014 England finished 4th overall in the series


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Notes

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Documents

2014-15 A UIDE - RFU - Home pagemedia should be on site by 10am) 10.45am Additional 15 minutes for Getty and one pooled national photographer 12.30pm Stuart Lancaster press conference,