LIST: 5 Players you forgot played for England since their World Cup triumph

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Sunday, 04 April 2021 at 18:28

byRugby Rucker

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England enjoyed little success in the years that followed their Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003.

Consequently, down the years there were a number of players who picked up an England cap who were quite forgettable.

How many of these names do you remember pulling on the white shirt?!...

#1. Darren Crompton: Won one cap in 2007

Crompton was selected for the tour of South Africa at the age of 34, nine years after his first senior England tour, as a result of his form in the Premiership. Thus, the tighthead was able to win his full England cap when he took to the field during the first Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein as a replacement for Stuart Turner on 26 May 2007.

#2. Lesley Vainikolo: Won five caps in 2008

As a union player, Vainikolo was eligible to play for Tonga by birth, New Zealand by parentage or England by residence. He applied for a British passport and was included in the English squad for the Six Nations Championships in 2008.

He was dropped by Rob Andrew for the England tour of New Zealand, and was left out of Martin Johnson’s Elite Squad for 2008–2009. In 2012 he signed for French side La Rochelle and faded away into the darkness…

#3. Chris Pennell: Won one cap in 2014

The Worcester Warriors fan favourite was called up to the England training squad by coach Stuart Lancaster, and in May 2014 he flew out with the squad for the Barbarians' fixtures. He made his England debut and only appearance to date during the tour, coming off the bench in the 20-15 loss to New Zealand.

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#4. Ayoola Erinle: Won two caps in 2009

On 4 November 2009, the Nigeria-born was named in the 22-man England squad to face Australia in the 2009 Autumn internationals. After winning his first cap as a replacement against Australia, Erinle was named in the starting XV for the game against the All Blacks, which would be his last international appearance.

#5. Matt Cairns: Won one cap in 2007

He was called up to the full England side for their summer tour to South Africa in 2007, earning his first and only cap as a replacement during the first test against the Springboks on 26 May 2007. The hooker though fell victim to the virus that prevented many England players being considered for the second test.