8 Ex-England Internationals You May Not Know Are Still Playing Rugby

Sunday, 04 January 2026 at 10:35

mike tindall back in the game 49 scaled 2

byRugby Rucker

drop goal in the 2014 Premiership final, Freddie Burns also picked up an England cap later that year. Since then, his career has taken him across England, Japan and now Eastern Europe.

International retirement doesn’t always mean retirement, full stop. While some former England stars fade quietly into coaching, punditry or the after-dinner circuit, others simply crack on—often overseas, sometimes back where it all began, and occasionally just for the love of it.

From World Cup winners to once-capped bolters, here are a group of ex-England internationals who are still pulling on the boots and playing rugby in 2025—whether professionally or closer to home.

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Mako Vunipola — Loosehead Prop (RC Vannes, France)

One of England’s most decorated front-rowers of the professional era, Mako Vunipola earned over 70 Test caps and featured prominently in two World Cup campaigns. After more than a decade at Saracens, he made a low-key move to France, signing with RC Vannes.

Now in the Top 14 grind, Vunipola brings huge experience, elite-level set-piece know-how and surprising distribution skills to a developing French side. He may be out of the England picture, but he remains a formidable operator at club level.

Matt Kvesic — Back Row (Worcester Warriors)

Capped by England in 2013, Matt Kvesic was once tipped as a long-term international openside. While his Test career never quite ignited, he has enjoyed a solid Premiership and Championship career built on consistency and work rate.

Kvesic has returned to Worcester Warriors, the club where it all started, helping them rebuild in the RFU Championship following their financial collapse. It’s a fitting role for a player whose career has been defined by graft and loyalty rather than headlines.

Teimana Harrison — Back Row (Provence Rugby, France)

Few players exploded onto the scene quite like Teimana Harrison. His high-energy performances for Northampton Saints earned him multiple England caps during Eddie Jones’ early years in charge.

Injuries and fierce competition stalled his international progress, but Harrison has found a new lease of life with Provence Rugby in France’s Pro D2. Still dynamic and confrontational, he remains exactly the sort of forward every coach wants in the trenches.

Paul Hill — Tighthead Prop (Edinburgh Rugby, United Rugby Championship)

English‑born prop Paul Hill came through the ranks with Yorkshire Carnegie and made his name at Northampton Saints, earning several England caps along the way.

Ahead of the 2024/25 season he signed for Edinburgh Rugby in the United Rugby Championship. In the Scottish capital’s front row, Hill continues to develop as a steady, physical tighthead, bringing scrummaging strength and big‑game experience to the URC battleground.

Freddie Burns — Fly-Half (CS Dinamo București, Romania)

Forever remembered for that

Currently playing for CS Dinamo București, Burns has transitioned into the experienced game-manager role—controlling territory, mentoring younger players and proving that sharp rugby brains age very well indeed.

Mike Tindall — Centre (Minchinhampton RFC, England)

World Cup winner. England centurion. British & Irish Lion. Mike Tindall’s professional career ended years ago—but he hasn’t stopped playing altogether.

Tindall still turns out for Minchinhampton RFC, his local club in Gloucestershire, in social and veterans’ fixtures. Ultra-competitive as ever, he remains a reminder that elite instincts don’t disappear, no matter the level.

Kieran Brookes — Tighthead Prop (Most recently Northampton Saints)

A powerful tighthead with over a dozen England caps, Kieran Brookes has been a reliable Premiership prop for much of the last decade. After spells at Newcastle Falcons and Toulon, he returned to Northampton Saints, where he has continued to deliver solid scrummaging and experience.

With his Saints chapter nearing its end, Brookes is expected to continue playing, either abroad or elsewhere in England—proof that quality tightheads remain in demand well into their 30s.

Courtney Lawes — Back Row / Lock (CA Brive, France)

A true modern great of English rugby, Courtney Lawes earned 105 caps for England and captained his country, as well as touring twice with the British & Irish Lions.

After a 17‑year association with Northampton Saints, he finished his Premiership chapter and joined French side CA Brive in the Pro D2 for the next stage of his career. Lawes brings leadership, lineout prowess and brutal physicality to a club eager to push for promotion — and he’s still doing what made him a Test regular.