4. Martin Johnson
England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winning captain, Martin Johnson’s name is certainly in the conversation regarding the nation’s greatest on-field leaders. His off-field career saw a similar role, as he took the reins of the England set-up just three years after his retirement from rugby. Johnson ended his on-field career with an unforgettable testimonial match at Twickenham, which put his selected side against Jonah Lomu’s XV.
Johnson was first called into the England coaching staff in 2007, as the Team Manager for Brian Ashton’s squad. The former lock was then appointed to Head Coach in 2008, when the RFU cut ties with Ashton after a two-year stint. Johnson led England at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, yet stepped down from the role after an underwhelming run saw them eliminated by France in the quarter-finals. A lifelong NFL fan, Johnson previously played American Football at an early age for the Leicester Panthers, and in his retirement, has provided analyses and punditry in ITV’s coverage of the Super Bowl matches. He has also been a studio analyst for the BBC throughout previous Six Nations Championships.
5. Ben Kay
Kay played a further seven seasons after the Ruby World Cup, before ending his rugby career in 2010. The lifelong Leicester Tigers man has remained active amongst the sport, as Kay is best known for his work as a commentator, and has formed a nice gantry partnership with former England and Harlequins winger Ugo Monye. The duo are often heard in the coverage of the Gallagher Premiership, as Kay has provided his expert analysis for ESPN, BT Sports and more recently TNT Sports.
Kay has also remained active around his second home of Welford Road, as a member of the Leicester Tigers committee. Kay was appointed to the role of Non-Executive Director in 2014, which he held until stepping away in 2021. The former lock remains one of the most recognisable faces in today’s rugby coverage and provides insightful anecdotes towards the on-field action.
6. Richard Hill
After two knee surgeries saw Richard Hill end up with a permanent limp, the 2003 Rugby World Cup winning flanker decided to end his rugby career following the 2007/08 season. The hard-hitting Saracen racked up over 275 club appearances in his career, and made his last rugby appearence in a charity match in September 2008. Hill ran out for the Help for Heroes XV, as they took on former Wales international Scott Gibbs’ XV at Twickenham. Hill scored a try in his side’s 29-10 victory, ending his career on a high.
After a tenure away from the professional rugby scene, Hill returned to the sport as the Team Manager for the England Saxons. The former back-rower then progressed into the same role within the senior side in 2019, for the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Hill has a published autobiography, and has also accrued a total of five test caps for the British & Irish Lions.