One and done. This compiled team of former and current players all share an unorthodox record, in that they obtained one senior test cap for England throughout their careers.
When a player makes their long awaited international debut they wouldn’t expect it to be their final run out for their country, yet that was the case for these 15 players.
The only player in the England squad for the 2024 Six Nations with just one cap to his name, is Northampton Saints back-row Tom Pearson. At 24-years-old, Pearson is just beginning his international career, but will be eager to make an early appearence in the competition to move himself on from the club of one-time run-outs.
England take on Italy for their Six Nations opener, and Pearson could well double his caps tally against the Azzurri, should Borthwick try out his younger ‘bolters’ in Rome.
Pearson has time on his side, and as long as he is plying his trade in the Premiership, remains eligible for future call-ups for England test match appearances. This option has ruled out the likes of former Wasps fly half Jacob Umaga, who takes up a spot on our Ultimate XV of England ‘One Cap Wonders’. The sands of time have fallen for the majority of the following playing careers, and will forever be in this group of single-cap holders.
Here is RUCK’s Ultimate XV, of players who only achieved one cap for England.
BACK THREE
15. Mark Cornelius van Gisbergen – Wasps & Lyon (vs Australia – 2005 Autumn Series)
14. Ollie Thorley – Gloucester Rugby (vs Italy – 2020 Guinness Six Nations)
11. Christian Wade – Racing 92 (vs Argentina – 2013 Summer Tour)
CENTRES
13. Geoff Appleford – London Irish & Northampton Saints (v Argentina – 2002 Summer Tour)
12. Stephen Myler – London Irish, Northampton Saints & Ospreys (v Argentina – 2013 Summer Tour)
HALFBACKS
10. Jacob Umaga – Benetton Rugby (v United States – 2021 Summer Test)
9. Scott Benton – Gloucester, Leeds Tykes & Sale Sharks (v Australia – 1998 Summer Test)