#3. Dan Cole
Since his debut in the victory over Wales at Twickenham in February 2010, Dan Cole has left an indelible mark on English rugby, missing only one of England’s 41 Tests leading up to the 2013 summer.
His exceptional performances earned him a place in the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad, where he played off the bench in all three Tests. Subsequently, he also represented the Lions in five matches during the 2017 tour to New Zealand, although he didn’t feature in a Test match.
Over the years, Cole’s presence in the England squad has been consistent and influential. He made his first Test start against Italy in 2010 and proved his worth by starting in all five games of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, as well as in the 2012 and 2013 Six Nations campaigns.
Reaching the 50-cap milestone during the 55-35 victory over France in March 2015, Dan Cole solidified his place as England’s second most capped prop, only behind the legendary Jason Leonard (114 caps).
His journey continued, and he played a crucial role in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, representing England in the final. Clearly, Cole’s talent and reliability have earned him a spot in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, further underlining his significance in the world of rugby.
