7. Neil Back
Neil Back’s time in an England jersey came to an end at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, as he announced his international retirement when Sir Clive Woodward’s men returned home as World Champions. Back made 66 caps for his country, and boasts the impressive accolade of being the only forward in England test match history to slot a drop goal. Back ended his rugby career two years later, following the 2004/05 Premiership season with Leicester Tigers.
Back’s coaching career began prior to his on-field retirement, as he took over a defence coach role with Leicester Tigers in 2003. He expanded his coaching responsibilities following his retirement, taking an oversight on the Leicester Tigers Academy set-up, and a promotion to Assistant Forwards Coach. Most impressive of all, was Back’s leadership as Leeds Carnegie’s Head Coach, following their promotion into the Premiership. Back kept the side in the top flight for two seasons, despite their vastly reduced budget.
Back’s coaching career then continued in the Midlands, where he joined up with Rugby Lions. Back took the National 3 Midlands side to an unbeaten season, before moving North of the border and joining the Edinburgh Rugby coaching staff in 2011.
8. Lawrence Dallaglio
One of the most decorated back-rowers the Premiership had ever seen, Lawrence Dallaglio ended his 18-year career with London Wasps in 2008. Dallaglio is a five-time Premiership winner, and has also tasted European success with two Champions Cup and one Challenge Cup title. Dallaglio won the Premiership in his final Wasps match, and three years later took up a broadcasting and analytical role with ITV Sport. Dallaglio covered the 2011 Rugby World Cup for the channel, and has established himself as a leading commentator in the sport.
Dallaglio and Nick Mullins have formed a lead broadcasting partnership throughout the years, and covered numerous matches throughout the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Dallaglio took part in the aformentioned Help for Heroes match, and captained his former England teammates Will Greenwood, Jason Robinson and Martin Johnson. A devout charity supporter, Dallaglio has previously been an ambassador and patron for numerous charities, and has undergone some incredible fundraising efforts.
The many Dallaglio Cycle Slam events are amongst his leading efforts, with the inaugural ride seeing Dallaglio ride from Rome to Edinburgh, and pass by all of the Six Nations stadiums ahead of the 2010 Championship.
Quiz! Can you name the 20 most-capped men’s England players?
Several of these individuals have participated, or are presently participating, in the contemporary era of rugby.
Can you identify how many of the top 20 most-capped England rugby players you can name?
We’ve supplied the total number of caps and their respective playing positions for each player. Your task is simply to complete their surnames.
You have a 5-minute window to attempt to guess all 20 players.