Joe Simpson
Retiring from professional rugby just last month, former Wasps and Sale scrum half Joe Simpson, can claim an international appearance for England. Coming off the bench to replace Ben Youngs, Simpson made his full test debut at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, in a pool stage match against Georgia.
Simpson earned his spot in the 2011 squad for New Zealand, after working tirelessly to establish a name for himself in the Premiership. Considered a club legend at Wasps, Simpson made his club debut in the 2008/09 season, and has since made over 250 appearances in black and gold.
Whilst at Wasps, Simpson took time away to pursue the Olympic dream, joining Team GB for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Unfortunatly, a dislocated elbow in training cut the journey short. Simpson’s Premiership CV also includes a move to Gloucester in 2019, and two loan spells away to Saracens and Bath.
With nearing on 350 caps in the Premiership, Simpson could have accrued more in an English jersey, yet was not a frequent feature in the plans of Stuart Lancaster or Eddie Jones. Now at 34-years-old, Simpson decided to finish his career off at Sale Sharks, and hang up the boots on a globetrotting journey.