There has been a lot of hype around Henry Arundell over the past few months given the wonder tries that he has scored for London Irish – and he lived up to the billing when making his England debut.
The 19-year-old wing came off the bench to win his first cap in the closing minutes of the first Test against Australia in Perth and he scored a try with his first touch in international rugby!
Rugby experts might know that Tom Curry is the youngest player in England history, but we bet that even the biggest trivia junkie wouldn’t be able to name the entire most youthful XI.
BACK-THREE:
Fullback: Henry Arundell (19years 236 days) replaces Alastair Hignell (19y 269d)
Wing: Tom Varndell (20y 71d): On 26 November 2005, he scored a try against Manu Samoa at Twickenham in his first full 15-man international. Despite going on to become the Premiership’s all-time record scorer for a time, the speedster only won four caps.
Wing: Steve Hanley (19y 304d): He was one of two Sale players to make their international debut in England’s final match of their 1999 Five Nations campaign along with Barrie-Jon Mather. Although Hanley scored a try, this proved to be his only ever international appearance.
CENTRES:
Centre: Mathew Tait (18y 365d): He gained media attention when Andy Robinson named him in the England starting XV for their opening 2005 Six Nations Championship game. The centre then went on to make an impressive 38 caps, which included the 2007 Rugby World Cup final defeat.
Centre: Paul Dodge (19y 343d): Making his debut in 1978, Dodge alongside Clive Woodward formed a centre partnership that played for Tigers, England and the British Lions tour to South Africa in 1980.t