Steffon Armitage
Considered in the early 2010’s as one of the best back-rowers in the world, it was surprising to see Steffon Armitage miss out on the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup. At the time, Armitage was ineligible to represent his country, as the flanker played in France with Toulon. Had the back-rower stayed for an extra year with London Irish, he would have more than likely made an appearance at the 2011 competition.
Yet Armitage decided to make the move to France, and moved to the South of France after making 136 appearances for the Exiles. Armitage has remained in France for the rest of his career, elapsing 150 caps with Toulon, before moving in 2016 to Pau, and on to Biarritz and currently Stade Nicois. Armitage made five caps for England whilst at London Irish, making his debut in the 2009 Six Nations victory over Italy. Coming off the bench for Lewis Moody, there were high hopes for Armitage in England’s back-row but a career in France took precedence.
