What happened to the five England starlets Sir Clive Woodward tipped for greatness in 2004

Friday, 04 April 2025 at 09:45

bySteven Smith

Sir Clive Woodward might’ve masterminded England’s greatest-ever rugby triumph in 2003—but things unravelled pretty quickly after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.

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Just a year later, his final tour in charge saw England thumped on back-to-back weekends in the Southern Hemisphere. A pair of punishing defeats to the All Blacks—36-3 and 36-12—was followed by a humbling 51-15 hammering in Brisbane against the Wallabies.

That summer also marked the end of an era—and the beginning for five fresh faces in white. But did any of them go on to make the shirt their own?

Let’s take a look at Woodward’s last five England debutants—and find out where they are now.

Tim Payne: From Front Row to Fitness Coach

Position: Prop
Total Caps: 22
Debut: vs. Australia, Brisbane, 2004

Payne made his England debut during a challenging 55-15 defeat to the Wallabies. Over six years, he accumulated 22 caps and was part of the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour, though he didn't feature in a Test match.

Post-retirement, Payne transitioned into strength and conditioning coaching, joining Newcastle Falcons in 2016. However, he is no longer listed among their current coaching staff, suggesting he has moved on from this role.

Verdict: Solid squad contributor.

Current Endeavor: Pursuing opportunities in strength and conditioning coaching.

Andy Titterrell: From Player to National Coach

Position: Hooker
Total Caps: 5
Debut: vs. New Zealand, Auckland, 2004

After earning five caps with England and a surprise selection for the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour, Titterrell moved into coaching. He served as Forwards Coach at Wasps before departing in 2018. In 2020, he joined the England Rugby pathway coaching setup, focusing on developing the next generation of players.

Verdict: Transitioned effectively into coaching.

Current Endeavor: Forwards Coach within the England Rugby pathway.

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Michael Lipman: Advocating for Brain Health

Position: Flanker
Total Caps: 10
Debut: vs. New Zealand, Auckland, 2004

Born in London and raised in Australia, Lipman had stints with Bristol and Bath, earning 10 caps for England. In 2011, he joined the Melbourne Rebels. At age 40, Lipman publicly disclosed his diagnosis of early-onset dementia, attributed to repeated concussions during his playing career. Since then, he has been dedicated to raising awareness about sports-related brain health issues.

Verdict: Courageous advocate for player welfare.

Current Endeavor: Public speaker and advocate for brain health in sports.

Matt Stevens: From Rugby to Hospitality

Position: Prop
Total Caps: 39
Debut: vs. New Zealand, Dunedin, 2004

Stevens enjoyed a notable international career, participating in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups before retiring from Test rugby in 2012. Post-retirement, he ventured into the hospitality industry and is currently the General Manager at Boschendal Farm, a renowned wine estate and farm in South Africa's Stellenbosch region.

Verdict: Successful transition to business leadership.

Current Endeavor: General Manager at Boschendal Farm, South Africa.

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Chris Jones: From the Pitch to Business Advisory

Position: Flanker
Total Caps: 12
Debut: vs. Italy, Rome, 2004

Jones began his international career with a try-scoring debut in the 2004 Six Nations. After stints with Sale Sharks, Worcester Warriors, and Yorkshire Carnegie, he retired in 2016 due to concussion-related issues. Post-retirement, Jones joined the Advisory Board of Cheshire Business School, contributing his expertise to the financial sector.

Verdict: Leveraged sports experience into a business career.

Current Endeavor: Advisory Board Member at Cheshire Business School.