BREAKING: Brown comes out of retirement to re-join Quins

The 33-year-old made the decision to leave the sport in December but has now opted to resume her playing career.

During her time on the field, she achieved remarkable accomplishments, including 30 caps for the Red Roses, triumphing in the Six Nations on four occasions, and securing a league title with Harlequins. In addition to her playing commitments,

Brown will also take on a coaching role within the London-based club, showcasing her expertise in both spheres.

Commenting on her return, Brown said: “Harlequins has always been my rugby heart. I see where the game is heading and feel like I still have more to offer, so the opportunity to come back and show that, was one I couldn't turn down. 

"The flame inside me has been firmly reignited and I can’t wait to come out fighting for Quins in the new era of women’s rugby.”

Harlequins Head Coach Amy Turner, said: “Shaunagh has been central to many of this team’s greatest moments. She has been a role model for women not just in rugby but across sport and will continue to be an asset to the Club.

“On the pitch we know the physicality she will bring to us, and having had some time coaching we’re excited to see how she has developed as a leader. Alongside players like Jade (Konkel) and Emily (Scott), we’re looking forward to seeing the impact these experienced heads will have on our younger squad members.”

Narrowly missing out on three Rugby World Cups, Danny Cipriani is one player who England fans believed should have had many more caps for his country.

16 appearances whilst wearing the Red Rose is not a bad international record, yet Cipriani was overlooked throughout his career. The versatile back missed the grade for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, even after spending the previous Summer in the England training camp.

Predominantly a fly half, but able to excel at full back, Cipriani was unable to surpass Jonny Wilkinson for the 10 jersey, yet was not given the opportunity to play at 15.

Cipriani's England debut was surrounded with off-field controversy, as he was photographed leaving a nightclub just two days prior to the match. Injury halted his momentum to build towards the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and Cipriani subsequently missed out on the 2015 squad.

An unbelievable talent on the pitch, Cipriani's off-field controversies certainly halted his international career.

With just two full first team England caps in 2006, Anthony Allen's international career never fully took-off.

Shining in the centre at Gloucester, Allen would light up Kingsholm Stadium, and blow the roof of the Shed End with magical performances in the Premiership. As England began building to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Brian Ashton was experimenting with centre partnerships throughout the Autumn Internationals.

Allen partnered up alongside Newcastle Falcons' Jamie Noon, to take on the All Blacks during the November series.

Allen was injured during the debut, and failed to re-gain his position in the squad. However, Allen's international career did not end there, as the centre was a starring player in the England Saxons team who won the Churchill Cup in 2008 and 2010.

Devon-born Sam Simmonds started his rugby career at the age of 14, playing for his county before joining the Exeter Chiefs Academy setup.

He made his first senior debut for the Chiefs in 2012 before joining Plymouth and Cornish Pirates where he gained invaluable experience.

He returned to the Chiefs in fine form and has featured heavily ever since playing a pivotal role in the club’s Gallagher Premiership wins in 2017 and 2020. His dynamic play earned him his first England cap in 2017 in a 21-8 win over Argentina and three games later he scored a brace against Italy in the 2018 Six Nations championship.

His prolific finishing for club and country also earned him a spot on the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021. Steve Borthwick named Simmonds in his 36-player squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.

A shock inclusion, as Dylan Hartley was a mainstay in England's front row, and captained the side from 2016 to his international retirement in 2019. Taking over the role from Chris Robshaw, Hartley led England to their most successful run of test victories in a row, equalling the all time record with 18 consecutive wins. However, the hooker never featured at the Rugby World Cup, thanks to injury issues and repeated suspensions.

Hartley received a 26-week ban in 2007, and destroyed any hopes of joining that year's Rugby World Cup squad. Hartley received the ban for eye-gouging, having been penalised for two offences in the same match. The incidents against Wasps saw Hartley make contact with James Haskell's and Jonny O'Connor's eyes.

A moment of madness saw Hartley right himself out of the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, after a high tackle on his England rival Jamie George. In the semi-final of the 2014/15 Premiership, Hartley's shoulder made contact with George's head, seeing Hartley receive a four week ban. Hartley was set to re-join England in the knock-out stages, yet England failed to get out of the pool in 2015.

Considered in the early 2010's as one of the best back-rowers in the world, it was surprising to see Steffon Armitage miss out on the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup. At the time, Armitage was ineligible to represent his country, as the flanker played in France with Toulon. Had the back-rower stayed for an extra year with London Irish, he would have more than likely made an appearance at the 2011 competition.

Yet Armitage decided to make the move to France, and moved to the South of France after making 136 appearances for the Exiles. Armitage has remained in France for the rest of his career, elapsing 150 caps with Toulon, before moving in 2016 to Pau, and on to Biarritz and currently Stade Nicois. Armitage made five caps for England whilst at London Irish, making his debut in the 2009 Six Nations victory over Italy. Coming off the bench for Lewis Moody, there were high hopes for Armitage in England's back-row but a career in France took precedence.