5. Andy Saull
What they said then:England are not exactly short of open-side flankers, with Steffon Armitage and the injured Tom Rees lying in wait if Lewis Moody’s bravery rules him out at any stage. Surging up through the ranks, however, is a 21-year-old Saracen from suburban Essex with all the attributes to make a significant name for himself.
What they’ve done since:The flanker continued to be on the cusp of the England set-up until he unfortunately dislocated his knee and missed the summer tour in 2011. Injury problems then prevented him from recapturing his fine form after joining Newcastle Falcons in 2013 and four frustrating years later he was hanging up his boots.
Saull now researches real estate at Oxford University as part of the Future of Real Estate Initiative after undertaking a Masters in Sustainable Urban Development.
Grade: D
EDITORS PICKS:
- Piers Morgan told to ‘stick to cricket’ after picking dream Rugby XV
- “Moved on” – Eddie Jones closes the door on a Vunipola recall
- Brian O’Driscoll’s Dream XV Could Be One Of The Best Teams Ever
- Fans pick the 3 best (and 3 worst) rugby players in 2021
- LIST: 5 more England internationals who could swap clubs next summer