Born on this day – 3rd September

Brian Ashton

Position: Scrum-half

DOB: 03/09/1946 (age 69)

Current club: Retired

Previous clubs: Tyldesley RUFC, Fylde, Orrell, AS Montferrand, Rome, Milan

During a playing career that spanned 15 years scrum-half, Brian Ashton played for six clubs across Europe, spending time in his native England as well as France and Italy. After hanging up his boots, he went on to become one of the most visionary coaches in the global game. He served as an assistant under Sir Clive Woodward when England lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003 before leading the men in white himself in 2007, narrowly losing the final to South Africa. He also coached Bath and Ireland in a coaching career that stretched 28 years, meaning his time in the game combined equaled 43 years of service. 

Ross Harrison

Position: Prop

DOB: 03/09/1992 (age 23)

Current club: Sale Sharks

Honours: England U18, England U20

Prop Ross Harrison is one of England’s finest young and upcoming talents. The 23-year old has represented England at U18 and U20 level and since making his senior bow for Sale Sharks in 2011 the forward has made 96 appearances, playing more than 30 games in the last two successive seasons.

Sir Brian Lochore

Position: Number 8

DOB: 03/09/1940 (age 75)

Current club: Retired

Previous clubs: Wairarapa

Honours: New Zealand

Former all-black player and coach Sir Brian Lochore is one of the most treasured men from New Zealand. He won distinction as a player, winning 25 caps between 1964 and 1974, before coaching the team at the inaugural World Cup in 1987. His team then went on to become the first winners of the Webb Ellis Cup, beating France in the final. He also managed the All Black team that narrowly lost the 1995 World Cup final to South Africa. Lochore’s iconic status within New Zealand rugby has been acknowledged by the naming of one of the two cups contested in the Heartland Championship in his honour.