The smell of liniment oil and the thrill of almost being cut in two by a hungover flanker would appear to be quite the draw for ex-pros as there have been a few turning out after retiring down the years.
These four members of England's 2003 World Cup-winning squad still enjoy pulling on their boots, whether it be for a vets team or helping other professionals on a one-to-one basis.
#1. Will Greenwood
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
#2. Mike Tindall
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. Tindall also played in eleven
Six Nations Championship competitions from 2000 to 2011.
DID YOU KNOW? Tindall is married to
Zara Phillips, the daughter of
Anne, Princess Royal, and the eldest granddaughter of
Queen Elizabeth II #3. Jason Leonard
Well-known for his antic and beer drinking away from the pitch, the president of the British & Irish Lions still enjoyed scrummaging down when the opportunity presents itself.
DID YOU KNOW? Leonard played in England teams which won four
Grand Slams (1991, 1992, 1995 and 2003)
#4. Jonny Wilkinson
England’s legendary World Cup-winning fly-half
has been back on the rugby pitch lately – helping Danny Cipriani get his kicking up to scratch ahead of his next move. Wilkinson, who still kicks goals three of four times a week, has reportedly enjoyed it so much that he could be playing for Lions legends XV in Bermuda later this year.
DID YOU KNOW? He toured twice with the British & Irish Lions, in
2001 to Australia and
2005 to New Zealand, winning 6 caps
EDITORS PICKS: