In this instance, the formidable flanker Sam Underhill from England and Bath shares his exceptionally impressive all-time dream team.
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Underhill’s remarkable potential came to light when he led the England U18 team to victory in the FIRA/AER European Championship title in Poland in 2014. During that year, he made nine appearances, captaining the side in three crucial matches against Wales and Ireland, securing victory in every game.
His debut in a senior England shirt occurred during a non-cap match against the Barbarians at Twickenham in May 2017. Subsequently, Underhill’s Test debut was nothing short of impressive, taking place against Argentina in Sante Fe.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, he initially played twice for Gloucester before venturing across the Severn Bridge to join Ospreys while pursuing studies at Cardiff University. In 2017, he made the switch to Bath and played a pivotal role in the England squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
Underhill’s journey continued as he was called up to Steve Borthwick’s squad for the 2023 tournament in France, filling in for the injured Jack Willis. Notably, he has recently been named in the squad for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship 2024, starting in the opening game against Italy.
Beyond being a player, Underhill identifies himself as a passionate rugby fan. Recently, he unveiled his all-time dream team, showcasing his profound love for the sport.
Sam Underhill dream team
BACK-THREE
Fullback: Matt Perry (England) – He proudly won 36 caps for England, three for the Lions in Australia in 2001, and made an eye watering 221 appearances scoring 561 points for Bath Rugby between 1995 and his enforced retirement in 2007, at that point the Club’s longest serving player.
Winger: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – Arguably one of the greatest players ever to step on a rugby field, Lomu was one of the most devastating players of his era. Weighing in at 120kg, Lomu was a formidable force on the wing, scoring 37 tries in 63 appearances for his New Zealand.
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales) – He is Wales’ most capped winger with 87 to his name. In 2008, Williams was selected as the World Rugby Player of the Year. Renowned for his pace, side-step and runs, he went on to become one of the best wingers in world rugby and one of Wales’ all-time greats.
CENTRES
Outside-centre: Conrad Smith (New Zealand) – He possessed an eye for the gap unlike many others in the game, frequently being seen ghosting past defences with ease. His quality handling and kicking game made him the complete attacker, frequently creating space for wingers around him. Smith retired from Test Rugby after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and ended his international career with 94 Test Caps, 2 Rugby World Cup Titles and 26 tries.
Inside-Centre: Jean de Villiers (South Africa) – De Villiers is deceptively quick, has superb handling skills and has an uncanny knack for intercept tries. In 2014 he became the fifth South African to reach 100 Test caps for the Springboks. He was named South African Rugby Player of the Year in 2008 and 2013.