"Special talent that will win 50 caps" - Sir Clive Woodward's five biggest underachievers - Page 3 of 5 - Ruck

“Special talent that will win 50 caps” – Sir Clive Woodward’s five biggest underachievers

#3. Michael Lipman

  • Position: Flanker
  • Total caps: 10

Lipman was born in London and raised in Australia, representing the New South Wales Waratahs at youth and ‘B’ levels before agreeing a switch to play for Bristol in the Premiership.

After a successful introduction to English rugby he moved to Bristol’s West Country rivals Bath in 2003. His form at the club led to a call up for England’s 2004 summer tour, and he made his international debut in a loss to New Zealand in Auckland with Woodward labelling him a special talent..

However, Injuries and a loss of form curtailed his progress at international level.

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