Born on this day- 28th July - Ruck

Born on this day- 28th July

Born on this day-28th July

Giambattista Croci

  • Position: Lock
  • DOB: 28/07/1965 (age 50)
  • Current club: retired
  • Previous clubs: Sambenedettese, Rugby Rovigo, Milano, Rugby Calvisano
  • Honours: Italy

Towering giant Giambattista Croci stood 6 foot 7 inches and proved to be a massive fan favourite with Italian supporters between 1990 and 1998. The lock was a decisive player in Italy’s historic 40–32 win over France at Grenoble, and in total amassed 24 caps, scoring three tries. His last game for Italy was at the 23–20 loss to Wales, on 7 February 1998.

Yannick Jauzion

  • Position: Centre
  • DOB: 28/07/1978 (age 37)
  • Current club: retired
  • Previous clubs: US Colomiers, Toulouse
  • Honours: France

Inspirational French centre Yannick Jauzion forged a career as one of the finest centres thanks to his winning combination of flair, pace and strength. He made his international debut back in June 2001 during France’s 32-23 victory against South Africa in Johannesburg. He went on to win 73 caps in total for his country, playing in two World Cup semi-finals in the process, and was generally considered in his prime to be one of the best French centres of all-time, before hanging up his boots in 2013 aged 35.

Maxime Mermoz

  • Position: Centre
  • DOB: 28/07/1986 (age 29)
  • Current club: Toulon
  • Previous clubs: Toulouse, Perpignan
  • Honours: France

Playing his club rugby for French heavyweights Toulon Maxime Mermoz’s international career got off to the best possible start when he won the Under 21 Rugby World Championship with Les Bleus in 2006. He then made his international debut for the senior France national team against Australia in June 2008, and has since gone out to wear the navy blue shirt 30 times, scoring three tries, which includes a score against the All Blacks.

Rowland Phillips

  • Position: Lock/flanker
  • DOB: 28/07/1965 (age 50)
  • Current club: London Welsh (manager)
  • Previous clubs: Neath RFC
  • Honours: Wales

Former Wales international forward Rowland Phillips won 10 caps between 1987 and 1990. In June 2014, Phillips was appointed Director Of Rugby for Welsh club Neath RFC, where he played the majority of his club rugby. Nevertheless, he left soon after as he was appointed the manager of London Welsh. He has also worked in that role at Ospreys, Ebbw Vale and Aironi Rugby in the Pro 12.