The English Rugby Football Union on Tuesday paid tribute to Grand Slam winner Mike Slemen, who has died at the age of 69.
Slemen, who played on the wing, won 31 England caps between 1976 and 1984 and played one Test for the British and Irish Lions.
The RFU is saddened to learn of the death of Mike Slemen.
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 21, 2020
Mike was an outstanding England and Lions player, winning 31 caps for his country & made a huge contribution across all levels of the game.
🌹 Full tribute: https://t.co/bSdQhi5NXj
He was a pivotal part of the England side, captained by Bill Beaumont, that won the 1980 Grand Slam in the then Five Nations championship.
Beaumont, who is now the Chairman of World Rugby, described Slemen as “a great rugby player and a great all-round sportsman”.
“He gave so much to the game in his playing days, as a club and England coach and as director of sport at Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby,” he said.
JOIN THE RUCK
Here’s the all-time England XV fans selected
With the 2020 Six Nations in the rearview mirror, England fans have kept themselves busy by voting for their favourite XV of all time.
Fullback: Jason Robinson – 76%
Known as Billy Whizz, this former rugby league star proved a hugely successful convert to Union. A lethal runner from full-back or wing, he was a nightmare to mark in one-on-one situations. Had a knack of scoring memorable tries on the big stage.
Winger: Rory Underwood – 57%
England’s highest try scorer, with 49, and a player of undeniable attacking class. Many of his tries for England are classics of the game. Give him the ball, point him in the direction of the try-line, sit back and applaud.
Centre: Jeremy Guscott – 58%
The Prince of Centres,’ was how Guscott was described by Clive Woodward. And he wasn’t wrong.
Centre: Will Greenwood – 70%
A tall, stylish and astute centre who had a particular penchant for scoring tries against Wales. At 6ft 4ins, Greenwood had a physical presence himself but it was the judgement he brought to the field of play that marks him out. Everything you could want in a modern day inside centre and more. He is sorely missed.
Winger: Ben Cohen – 45%
‘Big Ben’ brought beef to England’s backs in the Clive Woodward era, and was a reliable finisher. Cohen scored 31 tries in 57 appearances and won the World Cup in 2003.
