150 years of English rugby: Fans pick their all-time England XV - Ruck

150 years of English rugby: Fans pick their all-time England XV

Rugby fans have been selecting their all-time England XV.

The year 2021 marks a century and a half of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the world’s first rugby football governing body and the first international match between Scotland and England on March 27, 1871 in Edinburgh.

Dressed in a navy blazer and white shirt with the top two buttons open, Harry said: “Rugby union has brought joy to millions of people with teams full of great characters and special players.

“In these isolated times, the sheer passion and enjoyment that sport offers can bring great comfort to many.

“As proud patron of the Rugby Football Union, I join millions of supporters across the entire world in celebrating 150 years of England Rugby.”

And after 30,000 votes, here is the all-time England XV fans selected. There are one or two surprise inclusions.

All-time England XV

BACK-THREE:

  • Fullback: JASON ROBINSON (94% of the vote) – The speedster was a menace whatever number was on his back, a bewildering opponent, a man seemingly able to sidestep in mid-air, with pace and nerve and vision, tough in the tackle, intelligent in his use of angles and selfless when it came to creating openings for teammates.
  • Winger: JOSH LEWSEY (56%): His physical prowess was matched with a determination to constantly improve and a wonderful ability to read the game in front of him
  • Winger: RORY UNDERWOOD (55%) – England’s highest try scorer, with 49, and a player of undeniable attacking class

CENTRES:

  • Centre: JEREMY GUSCOTT (69%) – The Prince of Centres,’ was how Guscott was described by Clive Woodward. And he wasn’t wrong.
  • Centre: WILL GREENWOOD (66%) – Everything you could want in a modern day inside centre and more. He is sorely missed.

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