LIST | 5 rugby union legends you didn’t know are still playing

Monday, 07 June 2021 at 08:31

byRugby Rucker

Below, we have rounded up five rugby union legend 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. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

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.

#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. Shane Williams (Wales)

The Wales legend, who scored 22 Six Nations tries, 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.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2008, Williams was selected as the World Rugby Player of the Year, then known as the IRB Player of the Year

#4. 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. 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

#5. 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: .

71 Degrees North, Strictly Come Dancing, The Bachelor and Celebrity Hunted (2019)