Jason Robinson
The most famous of players on this list, Jason Robinson played much of his career in the Anglo Welsh Cup [in the Pilkington Cup/Powergen Cup era]. Displaying a dynamo-stamina and elusive speed, that disputed his 5 foot 8 inch stature.
Having made only 13 appearances in rugby union for Bath, the code-swapping fullback/wing made the most of what each sport offered. His time with Wigan earned him caps for England and Great Britain.
Robinson then headed to Sale, where he appeared in many English club rugby championships. It has to be regarded as the club that set him on his way to being the 2003 World Cup winner and rugby dual code legend that he is. Going on to play over 150 times for Sale in the AW Cup and in when his side was promoted, in the Premiership and European club rugby competition.
Dual Code Champion developed from Anglo Welsh Cup level to RWC heights
In the 2005/6 season he became the first person to have won both the Guinness Premiership and the Super League trophies.
Yes, the 2003 World Cup will most likely be his fondest rugby memory, but it’s also worth noting that he represented the British and Irish Lions on five occasions. An honour which has been bestowed on only 835 men since it’s inception over 100 years ago.
Rugby League would have no doubt helped him, but as many players who cross the code from union to league or vice versa, it’s not an easy route to make. Not everyone gets a hero status in both. Jason Robinson was able to hold that title, and showed that size was no limiter on ‘pride and passion’.