For fans of a certain age, it’s distressing to see the emergence of rugby players who were born in the 2000s.
It’s a reminder that you’re much older than you think, and that you’ve probably missed your chance to turn pro.
Below, we have rounded up five internationals that we are certain you will be surprised to learn are still playing.
Did we miss anybody particularly noteworthy? Make sure you let us know in the comments below.
#1. Phil Vickery (England)
- Age: 46
- Total caps:78
- Last appearance: vs New Zealand (June 2014)
The World Cup-winning tighthead has played in four or five charity games this season and doesn't appear to have lost a step.
He retired with 73 England caps and five Test appearances for the Lions, three of them against Australia in 2001 and two versus the Springboks in 2009.Advertisement
Although he missed the 2003 Grand Slam campaign through injury, Vickery returned to play a key role in England's World Cup triumph in Australia.
#2. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
The All Black legend played a match for his childhood club Southbridge last month, scoring 12 points for his boyhood side. He played the full 80 minutes and scored six of his seven kicks at goal as his side beat West Melton 54-14. Following the game, Carter revealed he intends to play a bigger part at his local club moving forward.
#3. Mike Tindall (England)
England legend and World Cup winner Mike Tindall plays a selection of matches for Minchinhampton, the club close to his home. The centre played outside centre for Bath and Gloucester, and won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011. He was a member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup.
#4. Will Greenwood (England)
The Sky Sports pundit, who also operates as a backs coach for Maidenhead RFC, loves to get his boots out of the cupboard whenever the opportunity presents itself. As well as playing in charity matches, he has also played a handful of games for Olney Vets.
DID YOU KNOW? In April 2018, he walked to the North Pole in memory of his son Freddie, who was born at 23 weeks, and helped raise over £750,000 for Borne's research
#5. Shane Williams (Wales)
The Wales legend made a return to Welsh rugby in 2017, coming out of retirement to play for his beloved Amman United. The former Wales and British Lions star stunned spectators as he took the field for his home town side in the National League 3 West B match against Burry Port. He then played for them in a final at the Millenium Stadium. He's since played a further handful of games for the club.
#6. Gavin Henson (Wales)
The Wales legend could realise his dream of playing in a Rugby World Cup after unexpectedly switching to rugby league. The former union icon, released by the Dragons at the end of the 2018-19 season, has joined 13-a-side club West Wales Raiders.
Henson has participated in several reality television series: .
#7. Wayne Barnes
Although better known for being a world-class rugby referee, Barnes also operates as a below average second-row as the video below clearly shows.
