Eight ageing rugby players who arrived late to light up the Aviva Premiership - Ruck

Eight ageing rugby players who arrived late to light up the Aviva Premiership

Since its formation in 1997, the Premiership has grown heaps and bounds and has become one of, if not the, best rugby league in the world. 

RUCK here is looking at eight players who arguably signed too late in their careers, but were still able to make a significant impact for their employers.


1. George Smith

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The flanker made a huge impact on not just his club, but English rugby’s wider-world during the year he has spent at Wasps in 2015

When the news broke that Dai Young had signed the 111-times-capped Australian legend from Lyon, it is fair to say that more than a few doubts were heard following the French clubs relegation.

However, the next seven months emphatically proved Smith’s still had it as his on-field performances were consistently superb, with him winning Players’ Player of the Year.

During his time in England, he also acted as a breakdown consultant for Eddie Jones’s Grand Slam-winning England squad


2. Schalk Burger

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Renowned for his high work ethic and dynamic, robust and physical style of play, Burger is one of world rugby’s most decorated players.

The Springbok legend, who was part of the 2007 Rugby World Cup winning side, signed a two-year deal with Saracens in 2016, aged 33 and won the Champions Cup in his first season.

Could the 2017/18 season be his last? We’d never write him off.

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