Apart from their recent Grand Slam triumph, England have enjoyed little success at international level over the last decade following their Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003.
Although some of those capped were promising young players who would form the backbone of this season’s Grand Slam winning team, others were dispensed with after earning a solitary cap.
Consequently, the last ten years has seen England cap more than a few forgettable players.
How many of these names do you remember pulling on the white shirt?!…
1. Ben Skirving – Won one cap in 2007
Skirving travelled to South Africa to take the place of the injured Peter Buxton in the full England squad for their two-test series against the Springboks.
The back-rower was not involved in the first test, but won his first England cap starting the second test on 2 June 2007
2. Darren Crompton – Won one cap in 2007
Crompton was selected for the tour of South Africa at the age of 34, nine years after his first senior England tour, as a result of his form in the Premiership.
Thus, the tighthead was able to win his full England cap when he took to the field during the first Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein as a replacement for Stuart Turner on 26 May 2007.
3. Matt Cairns – Won one cap in 2007
He was called up to the full England side for their summer tour to South Africa in 2007, earning his first and only cap as a replacement during the first test against the Springboks on 26 May 2007.
The hooker though fell victim to the virus that prevented many England players being considered for the second test.