England star could make his final appearance against Wales before transfer

Friday, 14 March 2025 at 07:17

byRugby Rucker

Just when it seemed Luke Cowan-Dickie’s future was settled, Lyon reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to lure the England and Lions hooker to the Top 14.

Find your local Greene King and settle in to the Six Nations!

According to RugbyPass, the French side reignited their interest in the Sale Sharks forward in December, just over a week after it appeared his next move was decided.

The 31-year-old has been back to his best this season after a torrid two-year spell of neck, shoulder, and arm injuries. Once regarded as the best hooker in the world, the former Exeter Chiefs ace has been in red-hot form for club and country in recent times.

His performances haven’t gone unnoticed. After crossing twice in England’s Autumn Nations Series win over Japan, Lyon are hoping their third attempt to sign him will be successful.

He’s also been linked with a sensational return to Exeter, but Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has dismissed those rumours.

“I can categorically say we are not in transfer negotiations with him if he wants to give me a call and ask about the scenario at Exeter. I’m more than happy.

“But I have not been contacted by him or his agent. If he is doing to knock on the door and the contract is right, we’ll discuss things, but that honestly has not happened,” said Chiefs boss Baxter.

Despite signing a one-year contract with Sale in March 2024, Cowan-Dickie remains a key figure in transfer speculation, making the Six Nations clash against Wales a potential farewell appearance for England.

If he does move to the Top 14, he would become ineligible for England selection. For England's sake, we hope he re-signs with Sale Sharks!

Meanwhile, another England international, Henry Slade, is also out of contract this summer—though he has the option to extend his deal for another year.

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#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu's one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.

WILKINSON SAID: "One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999

#4. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.

WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player

#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)

WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in 'greatest ever' sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached

#2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

WILKINSON SAID: "“A guy that stood the test of time and has remained at the best, the highest level of the game for that time. Finishing second best was never an option."

DID YOU KNOW? McCaw led his country to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015

#1. Christophe Dominici (France)

Dominici played 67 times for his country and won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008. In recent years he had worked as a pundit for French radio and TV before his death in 2020.

WILKINSON SAID: "His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”

DID YOU KNOW? Dominci appeared in three World Cups for his country in 1999, 2003 and 2007, scoring eight tries over that time.

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