Born on this day- 22nd July - Ruck

Born on this day- 22nd July

Born on this day

Antoine Burban

  • Position: Flanker
  • DOB: 22/07/1987 (age 28)
  • Current Club: Stade Francais
  • Honours: France

Since making his debut for Stade Francais in 2007 hard-hitting flanker, Antoine Burbam has made 90 Top 14 starts for the All Pinks, touching down six tries. The 28-year old was called up by the France national rugby union team in 2009 but was injured and did not play, however would eventually make his test debut for Los Bleus in 2014 against England at Stade de France.

Ben Foden

  • Position: Fullback
  • DOB: 22/07/1985 (age 30)
  • Current Club: Northampton Saints
  • Previous clubs: Sale Sharks
  • Honours: England A, England

Versatile back Ben Foden has exhibited his talents at scrum-half, fullback and wing for England, playing a total 34 tests for his country. The 30-year old nevertheless struggled to stay fit due to injuries over the last few years, missing the majority of the 2014/15 season with ruptured knee ligaments, putting his World Cup hopes in jeopardy. An ankle problem led to him losing his place at the end of 2012 to Alex Goode, who in turn got injured only for Mike Brown to step in. The status quo has remained ever since.

Did you know: He gained his nickname of ‘Pop Idol’ or ‘Pops’ by missing the first day of pre-season with Sale for an audition on the programme.

Takudzwa Ngwenya

  • Position: Wing
  • DOB: 21/07/1985 (age 35)
  • Current Club: Biarritz Olympique
  • Honours: USA

USA international wing speedster Takudzwa Ngwenya plays his club rugby for Biarritz Olympique in the Top 14. He has made 30 caps for the eagles, scoring 12 tries with the latest coming against Fiji. The most memorable of his international scores came against South Africa at the 2007 World Cup when he left Springboks Bryan Habana, who was regarded as the world’s best winger, for dead with a blistering burst of pace to touch down

Did you know: He was clocked with a time of 10.5-second dash for the 100 metres.