They were once considered the future of England, but these four players have slid a long, long way from Eddie Jones’ reckoning.
The fortunes of most rugby players, even those considered among the best in their country, tend to wax and wane. Very few are able to perform at a consistently high level for years on end as leading figures on the domestic and international scene. All sorts of factors can intervene to mean they fade from view.
These four England internationals from the last decade really did fade away after bright starts to their international career.
1. SHANE GERAGHTY (LAST CAP: England v New Zealand at Twickenham, 2010)
Fly-half Geraghty made his England debut as a replacement against France in the 2007 Six Nations – carving through the French defence to create a crucial try for teammate Mike Tindall and kicking a penalty and a conversion in the 26-18 Twickenham triumph.
A long-running hamstring injury would plague his career over the following months would see him ruled out of that year’s Rugby World Cup in France with the fly-half only going on to win a further five caps.
Following unsuccessful spells with Brive, London Irish and Bristol, he ended his career in the Top 14 with Stade Francais, retiring in 2018.