7. Sam Burgess (5 England Caps)
The third and arguably the most famous dual code rugby players on this list, Sam Burgess joined up with the England national team for what could only be described as an ‘experiment’ in 2015. Burgess was a household name in rugby league, after three seasons with Bradford Bulls, and an additional four playing ‘footie’ with the South Sydney Rabbitohs down in Australia’s NRL.
Burgess joined Bath in 2014, and was fast-tracked into the England squad to be the equivalent of New Zealand’s Sonny Bill Williams. Burgess made his senior test debut against France on the run-up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and earned himself a spot in Lancaster’s squad that became the first host nation to suffer a pool stage elimination. Burgess’ last England caps came in the World Cup, as England were defeated by Wales and Australia in Pool A. Burgess returned to the Rabbitohs the following year, where he stayed until the end of his playing career in 2019.
8. Ted Hill (2 England Caps)
There is still plenty of time for Ted Hill to come off this list, as the Bath back-row continues to grow from strength to strength in blue, black and white. The bruising flanker is one of the Premiership’s top tacklers, yet has so far been unable to make it click on the test match stage. Hill was brought into the England squad in 2019, after taking up a starring role within the U20 set-up. Hill earned the call-up under Eddie Jones, and ran out against his head coaches’ former (and also future) team, Japan.
After this five minute run-out, Hill went back to the U20 side and continued to ply his trade in the U20 Six Nations and World Championships. His age-group graduation soon followed, and Hill became a top name for Worcester Warriors, before the side’s collapse in 2022. Bath fans had been enjoying Hill’s contributions across the back-row, before he sustained a severe upper leg injury last October, which has curtailed his current season and any immediate hopes of a Six Nations debut. Here’s hoping that the hard-hitting Worcesterman makes a swift recovery, to build his momentum for next year’s Six Nations Championships.
9. Piers Francis (9 England Caps)
It is a bizarre feat for an England player to achieve nine test caps, with none of those appearances coming in the annual Six Nations competition. This so happens to be the case for Piers Francis, as the former Northampton Saints man made caps for England from 2017 to 2019. After moving to New Zealand at the age of 18, the Kent born back played for provincial clubs Waikato, Auckland and Counties Manukau. A Super Rugby call-up came in 2016 with the Blues, before Francis returned to his homeland the following season, as one of the top talents on the rise.
Adaptable to both fly half and centre, Francis was called up for England before making his debut for Northampton Saints. Like so many others, his debut came in the 2017 Summer Tour of Argentina, and he added to his cap collection on the run up to the 2019 Rugby World Cups. Warm-up appearances against Wales, Ireland and Italy prepped him for the trip to Japan, where he received a 49 minute run at inside centre in the pool stage win against the United States. Francis signed for Bath after four seasons at Franklins’ Gardens, but has had limited involvement at the Rec this season.
10. Jack Singleton (4 England Caps)
Rounding off our list of Six Nations exemptions is Toulon hooker Jack Singleton. As is the case for the likes of Jack Willis, Henry Arundell and soon to be Owen Farrell, as Singleton plays in the French Top 14, he has ruled himself out of contention for England caps in the foreseeable future. The former Gloucester and Saracens front-row made the decision to leave the Premiership last season, as one of many ex-England players to vacate overseas.
As like the majority of entries on this list, Singleton also made his England debut against Argentina amongst the class of 2017. Despite a solid run with Worcester Warriors for the following three seasons, it was not until Singleton joined Premiership heavy-hitters Saracens that he was back in the England set-up. The hooker timed the move perfectly, as he participated in the run up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and appeared alongside Piers Francis against the USA. Singleton’s last efforts whilst wearing the rose, was when England lost to the Barbarians at Twickenham, in the Summer of 2022.
Can you name every player to score a hat-trick in the Six Nations?
In the thrilling world of the Guinness Six Nations, there’s nothing quite like the euphoria of bagging a hat-trick.
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This extraordinary feat is as scarce as they come, with only 20 players accomplishing the remarkable three-try milestone since the Championship expanded to six nations in 2000.
Notably, a couple of players have even pulled off this astonishing feat twice, adding an extra layer of prestige to their rugby prowess.
Now, take a moment to rewind and test your memory. Can you recall the names of these exceptional hat-trick heroes?
If you manage a perfect score, you’ll undoubtedly be entitled to a celebration on par with the jubilant antics witnessed by some of the stars on this illustrious list.