England’s worst rugby XV of 21st century includes Burgess, Cipriani and Vanikolo

Wearing the England jersey is no small feat, demanding a level of skill commensurate with its prestige.

However, for some, circumstances conspired against them, hindering their ability to shine while adorned in the distinguished white kit.

Mark Van Gisbergen, while only making a fleeting appearance against Australia in 2005, holds the distinction of a perfect win record in international colors. Despite this, his tenure was marred by struggles under pressure, particularly evident in handling high balls and defensive challenges.

Debuting in the 2023 Six Nations, Ollie Hassell-Collins failed to leave a lasting impression, hampered further by a knee injury setback. His exclusion from Steve Borthwick's World Cup training squad and hints at a potential switch to Wales reflect the challenges faced in making a mark at the international level.

Transitioning from league to union, Joel Tomkins initially struggled to adapt but earned his England cap in 2013. However, his performances failed to match expectations, leaving him looking out of depth before eventually returning to league.

Fast-tracked into the World Cup squad, Sam Burgess's transition from league to union ended in disappointment, with blame shared among England, Bath, and the player himself. Despite not lacking skill, the experiment ultimately proved disastrous.

"Volcano" Vainikolo's explosive start for Gloucester failed to translate to the international stage, with his try-scoring prowess notably absent in his England appearances, leading to a swift exit from the national squad.

Danny Cipriani, known for his flair and creativity, struggled to consistently deliver at the international level despite flashes of brilliance. His tenure in the England jersey was marked by inconsistency, with moments of brilliance often overshadowed by periods of underperformance.

Despite an inspiring rise from a welder to international rugby, Shaun Perry failed to establish himself as a consistent performer for England. A lackluster World Cup performance led to his swift exit from the national setup, ending his international career prematurely.

Solid in domestic competition, Darren Crompton's lack of mobility proved detrimental at the international level, with his age exacerbating the issue upon his England debut, ultimately limiting his impact on the field.

David Paice's international career failed to reach the heights of his club performances, with inconsistency and struggles in the set-piece overshadowing his potential contribution to the national side.

Despite early promise, Paul Doran Jones faced challenges in the set-piece and physicality of international rugby, failing to replicate his club success at the highest level.

Mouritz Botha's physicality impressed but his comfort at the Test level remained questionable, with his contributions often falling short of expectations in the international arena.

Tough and resilient, Louis Deacon embodied bravery but lacked the mobility and athleticism required at the highest level, leaving him admired for his courage but not necessarily for his impact on the field.

A Bristol legend, Roy Winters' solid performances at the club level failed to translate to international success, highlighting the gap between domestic and international rugby standards.

Tasked with filling Neil Back's shoes, Andy Hazell's aggressive style failed to replicate the former great's impact, with disciplinary issues further complicating his international career.

While shining for Harlequins, Alex Dombrandt's England appearances have been marred by defeats, reflecting struggles to adapt and compete effectively at the international level.