Mark John "Frank" Cueto (born December 26, 1979 in Workington, Cumbria) is an English international rugby union player. He plays on the wing for Sale Sharks and England
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Matt Banahan
Matt Banahan (born 30 December 1986 in Jersey) is a Jerseyman who plays rugby union for Bath in the Aviva Premiership and England in international rugby union. His main position is wing, and he can also operate as an outside centre.
Chris Ashton
Chris Ashton (born 29 March 1987 in Wigan, Greater Manchester)[1] is an English rugby union player who has played for both the England rugby league and rugby union teams. Ashton plays wing for Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership.
Mike Tindall
Michael James Tindall, MBE (born 18 October 1978 in Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire) is a rugby player who plays Outside centre for Gloucester Rugby and is the current captain of the England team. He is the fiancé of Zara Phillips, the daughter of HRH The Princess Royal and the granddaughter of HM Queen Elizabeth II.[1]
Shontayne Hape
Shontayne Hape (/ˈhɑrːpeɪ/; born January 30, 1982) is a New Zealand-born rugby footballer, a dual-code rugby international. He plays rugby union at centre for Bath Rugby and England. He has also previously played rugby league for the Bradford Bulls in Super League and New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League. Hape has also represented New Zealand at international level rugby league by being selected for both the junior and senior squads including the 2006 Gillette Tri-Nations New Zealand squad. His usual position is centre.
Riki Flutey
Riki John Flutey (born 10 February 1980) is a New Zealand born rugby union footballer who plays at centre or fly-half for London Wasps in the Aviva Premiership.
Internationally he represents England, and was selected for the British and Irish Lions in 2009, having previously represented New Zealand at all age groups.
Internationally he represents England, and was selected for the British and Irish Lions in 2009, having previously represented New Zealand at all age groups.
Jonny Wilkinson
Jonathan Peter "Jonny" Wilkinson OBE[2] (born 25 May 1979 in Frimley, Surrey) is an English rugby union player and member of the England national team. Wilkinson rose to acclaim from 2001 to 2003, before and during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and was acknowledged as one of the world’s best rugby players.[3] He was an integral member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning England squad, scoring the winning drop goal in the last minute of extra time against Australia in the final. He plays his club rugby for Toulon following twelve seasons in the English Premiership for Newcastle Falcons. Wilkinson has also toured twice with the British and Irish Lions, in 2001 and 2005, scoring 67 Test points in the 6 Lions test matches he has started. On 3 April 2009 at Guildford Cathedral, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Surrey for services to the sports industry.
Charlie Hodgson
Charles Christopher Hodgson (born 12 November 1980 in Halifax, West Yorkshire) is an English rugby union footballer. He plays fly-half for Sale and England. He is also the leading Premiership points scorer of all time. After playing for Sale 11 years, Hodgson will join Saracens at the end of the 2010/11 season.
Toby Flood
Tobias Gerald Albert Lieven Flood[1] (born 8 August 1985, Frimley, Surrey) is an English rugby union player. He currently plays at fly half or inside centre for Leicester Tigers, having signed from Newcastle Falcons, and England
Ben Youngs
Benjamin Ryder Youngs (born 5 September 1989 in Norwich, England) is an English rugby union player who plays as a scrum-half for Leicester Tigers and England.
Joe Simpson
Joe Simpson (born 5 July 1988) is a rugby union player who plays scrum half for London Wasps and the England Saxons national rugby union team. (born 5 July 1988) is a rugby union player who plays scrum half for London Wasps and the England Saxons national rugby union team.
Daniel Care
Daniel Care (born 2 January 1987 in Leeds, Yorkshire) is an English rugby union player who plays for Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership, primarily playing at scrum-half but he can also operate in the fly-half role.
Care is a full England international and has also represented England Sevens and England Saxons.
Care is a full England international and has also represented England Sevens and England Saxons.
Nick Easter
Nick Easter (born 15 August, 1978 in Epsom, Surrey) is a rugby union rugby player who plays at No. 8 or Flanker for Harlequins and England.
He is the brother of Northampton Saints player Mark Easter and the nephew of author Anne Easter Smith. His father John , played squash professionally and reached number 1 in Britain and No.9 in the world. His great grandfather, Pieter Le Roux, played for the Springboks. He attended the South London public school Dulwich College and Nottingham Trent University.
He is the brother of Northampton Saints player Mark Easter and the nephew of author Anne Easter Smith. His father John , played squash professionally and reached number 1 in Britain and No.9 in the world. His great grandfather, Pieter Le Roux, played for the Springboks. He attended the South London public school Dulwich College and Nottingham Trent University.
Phil Dowson
Phil Dowson (born 1 October 1981 in Guildford, Surrey, England) is an English rugby union player for Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership.
Dowson's position of choice is as a Number 8 and he can also operate as a Flanker.
In 2004 he was a member of Falcons’ Powergen Cup winning side at Twickenham.[1]
Dowson represented the England Sevens team at the 2005 World Cup in Hong Kong.[2] He was then selected for the 2005 Churchill Cup.[3]
He was called into the England Saxons side that defeated Ireland A on 1 February 2008.[4][5]
Dowson represented England Saxons at the 2007 Churchill Cup[6] and 2009 Churchill Cup.[7]
Dowson signed for the Northampton Saints in the summer of 2009.[8]
Dowson's position of choice is as a Number 8 and he can also operate as a Flanker.
In 2004 he was a member of Falcons’ Powergen Cup winning side at Twickenham.[1]
Dowson represented the England Sevens team at the 2005 World Cup in Hong Kong.[2] He was then selected for the 2005 Churchill Cup.[3]
He was called into the England Saxons side that defeated Ireland A on 1 February 2008.[4][5]
Dowson represented England Saxons at the 2007 Churchill Cup[6] and 2009 Churchill Cup.[7]
Dowson signed for the Northampton Saints in the summer of 2009.[8]
Tom Wood
Tom Wood (born 3 November 1986 in Coventry) is an English rugby union player for Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership.
He plays as flanker but can also play at number eight.
Wood, who was educated at the Woodlands School and Sports College, Coventry, made his debut for Worcester Warriors against Bath in the opening round of the 2007–08 Guinness Premiership.[1]Earlier in his career he spent some time in New Zealand and played for provincial team North Otago.[2]
Wood was on the losing side in the final of the 2007-08 European Challenge Cup.[3] In January 2010, Wood agreed to join the Northampton Saints.[4]
Later that month, he made his debut for the England Saxons, against Ireland A.[5]
Tom Wood made his debut for England against Wales in Cardiff in the opening game of the Six Nations, on 4 February 2011.[6]. He then played in the victories against Italy and France.
He plays as flanker but can also play at number eight.
Wood, who was educated at the Woodlands School and Sports College, Coventry, made his debut for Worcester Warriors against Bath in the opening round of the 2007–08 Guinness Premiership.[1]Earlier in his career he spent some time in New Zealand and played for provincial team North Otago.[2]
Wood was on the losing side in the final of the 2007-08 European Challenge Cup.[3] In January 2010, Wood agreed to join the Northampton Saints.[4]
Later that month, he made his debut for the England Saxons, against Ireland A.[5]
Tom Wood made his debut for England against Wales in Cardiff in the opening game of the Six Nations, on 4 February 2011.[6]. He then played in the victories against Italy and France.
Chris Robshaw
Chris Robshaw (born 4 June 1986) is a rugby union player and captain of Harlequins in the Guinness Premiership. Robshaw's position of choice is in the back-row, specifically blind-side flanker.
Robshaw started playing rugby for Warlingham RFC at the age of seven and attended Cumnor House School. He then moved to Millfield Preparatory School and then Millfield where he was first team captain.[1]
Robshaw played for England Schools Under 18 (January) during 2004, before making his First XV debut during the 2005–06 season; scoring two tries in the 42–3 victory over the Pertemps Bees at the Stoop.[2]
He was also part of the England Under 21 squad that competed in the 2006 Six Nations and World Championship.[3]
Robshaw made his Premiership debut in the London double header at the start of the 2007–08 season. He went on to be included in the England Saxons squad who won the Churchill Cup in the summer of 2008.[4]
On 12 December 2008 Will Greenwood declared Robshaw was pushing for international honours due to his current form, and he was fighting for a place on the upcoming Lions tour to South Africa, as an 'uncapped' Lion. Greenwood also went on to compare Robshaw to the World Cup winning blindside flanker, Richard Hill.[5]
In May 2009, Robshaw was named Guinness Premiership player of the year.[6]
On 19 May 2009, Robshaw was named in the England squad to play the Barbarians and Argentina.[7]
Robshaw played in a defeat to the Barbarians.[8] Robshaw later replaced James Haskell in the starting line-up for the return fixture in Salta, Argentina against the Argentines.[9] winning his debut cap in a Test match defeat to Argentina.[10]
On 25 January 2010, Robshaw was reinstated into the England EPS Squad, due to an knee injury sustained by Tom Croft[11]
Robshaw started playing rugby for Warlingham RFC at the age of seven and attended Cumnor House School. He then moved to Millfield Preparatory School and then Millfield where he was first team captain.[1]
Robshaw played for England Schools Under 18 (January) during 2004, before making his First XV debut during the 2005–06 season; scoring two tries in the 42–3 victory over the Pertemps Bees at the Stoop.[2]
He was also part of the England Under 21 squad that competed in the 2006 Six Nations and World Championship.[3]
Robshaw made his Premiership debut in the London double header at the start of the 2007–08 season. He went on to be included in the England Saxons squad who won the Churchill Cup in the summer of 2008.[4]
On 12 December 2008 Will Greenwood declared Robshaw was pushing for international honours due to his current form, and he was fighting for a place on the upcoming Lions tour to South Africa, as an 'uncapped' Lion. Greenwood also went on to compare Robshaw to the World Cup winning blindside flanker, Richard Hill.[5]
In May 2009, Robshaw was named Guinness Premiership player of the year.[6]
On 19 May 2009, Robshaw was named in the England squad to play the Barbarians and Argentina.[7]
Robshaw played in a defeat to the Barbarians.[8] Robshaw later replaced James Haskell in the starting line-up for the return fixture in Salta, Argentina against the Argentines.[9] winning his debut cap in a Test match defeat to Argentina.[10]
On 25 January 2010, Robshaw was reinstated into the England EPS Squad, due to an knee injury sustained by Tom Croft[11]
Lewis Moody
Lewis Walton Moody MBE (born 12 June 1978 in Ascot) is an English international rugby union rugby player who currently plays for Bath Rugby and was part of the 2003 World Cup winning side. He is renowned for his commitment to the physical aspects of the game.
James Haskell
James Haskell (born 2 April 1985 in Windsor, Berkshire) is an English professional Rugby Union player who currently plays for Stade Français in the Top 14 and internationally for England.
Hendre Fourie
Carel Hendrik Fourie,[1] generally known as Hendre Fourie (born 19 September 1979 in Burgersdorp), is a professional Rugby footballer currently playing for Aviva Premiership side Leeds Carnegie. His preferred position is at Flanker. Although he was born in South Africa, he is qualified for England.[2] He made his debut for his adopted nation on Saturday 6 November 2010 as a late replacement in a defeat to New Zealand at Twickenham. Known to his team mates as 'Shrek,' Fourie moved to England in 2005 when he signed for Rotherham Titans. He was a central figure as Rotherham beat Leeds twice in the 2006–07 season and elected to move to Headingley after they were promoted as champions of National One.
Tom Croft
Tom Croft, born 7 November 1985 in Basingstoke, England, is a rugby union player for Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership.
George Skivington
George Skivington, born 3 December 1982 in Warrington, England is a rugby union player for Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership. He plays as a lock.
He attended Wimbledon College and then moved to John Fisher School in Purley, also attended by fellow Ex-Wasp and England winger Paul Sackey; and Scotland prop Kyle Traynor.
He attended Wimbledon College and then moved to John Fisher School in Purley, also attended by fellow Ex-Wasp and England winger Paul Sackey; and Scotland prop Kyle Traynor.
Simon Shaw
At 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m), he is one of the tallest men to play for England.[1] Shaw has represented England at various levels including students and Under 21s despite not seriously taking up the game until he was 16, just after his family had moved to England from Kenya, and played for Bristol at 17. He won his first England cap against Italy in 1996. He joined Wasps in 1997 and was picked for the successful British Lions tour to South Africa that year. A spate of injuries and Wasps' indifferent form in his first season cost him his England place and although he regained his place in the England squad for the following summer's tour, he was forced to withdraw with a long-standing back injury. Playing against Bath in August 2000, Shaw became the only lock in the Premiership to have scored a drop goal.
During the 2000 Six Nations, he had to step in for the injured Martin Johnson. He earned his 20th cap during the 2003 Six Nations and he played in all three 2003 Rugby World Cup warm up matches. He was not named in the original 30 man squad but was flown out to Australia due to an injury to Danny Grewcock, earning him an MBE as part of the World Cup winning team. He keeps this in a drawer as he feels he didn't "win" it as he never played in a test.[1] Shaw was called up to the squad for the Oli O'Shea 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand after Irish lock Malcolm O'Kelly aggravated a groin injury in training. Shaw also played in the Rugby World Cup 2007 for England.
In May 2008, playing against Leeds Carnegie in the last match of the regular season, Shaw became the first player ever to play in 200 Premiership matches. Since joining Wasps he has collected three Premiership and one Powergen Cup winner's medals, the Heineken Cup twice, the Tetley Bitter Cup twice, and the Parker Pen European Shield.
In recognition of his continued good form with club and country, Shaw was selected for the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. In South Africa he was awarded his first Lions cap on his third tour when he was selected to start in the second test against The Springboks at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria and he put in one of the most outstanding performances by a British lock in a test match, with his performance subsequently earning him man of the match. During the third test in Johannesburg he was yellow-carded for dirty play when he knee-dropped Fourie Du Preez. In 2004 he was red-carded for a similar offence against the All Blacks. Also he played for Cranleigh Rugby Club in his younger years, and he often comes back to train with the youth teams.
During the 2000 Six Nations, he had to step in for the injured Martin Johnson. He earned his 20th cap during the 2003 Six Nations and he played in all three 2003 Rugby World Cup warm up matches. He was not named in the original 30 man squad but was flown out to Australia due to an injury to Danny Grewcock, earning him an MBE as part of the World Cup winning team. He keeps this in a drawer as he feels he didn't "win" it as he never played in a test.[1] Shaw was called up to the squad for the Oli O'Shea 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand after Irish lock Malcolm O'Kelly aggravated a groin injury in training. Shaw also played in the Rugby World Cup 2007 for England.
In May 2008, playing against Leeds Carnegie in the last match of the regular season, Shaw became the first player ever to play in 200 Premiership matches. Since joining Wasps he has collected three Premiership and one Powergen Cup winner's medals, the Heineken Cup twice, the Tetley Bitter Cup twice, and the Parker Pen European Shield.
In recognition of his continued good form with club and country, Shaw was selected for the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. In South Africa he was awarded his first Lions cap on his third tour when he was selected to start in the second test against The Springboks at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria and he put in one of the most outstanding performances by a British lock in a test match, with his performance subsequently earning him man of the match. During the third test in Johannesburg he was yellow-carded for dirty play when he knee-dropped Fourie Du Preez. In 2004 he was red-carded for a similar offence against the All Blacks. Also he played for Cranleigh Rugby Club in his younger years, and he often comes back to train with the youth teams.
Tom Palmer
Tom Palmer (born 27 March 1979 in Harringay, London)[1] is an English rugby union footballer. He is a lock for Stade Français in the Top 14.
Courtney Lawes
Courtney Lawes (born 23 February 1989 in Hackney, England)[1] is a professional rugby player for Northampton Saints, who play in the Aviva Premiership. Lawes is a versatile player, equally at home in the second and back rows. Indeed, he is the very epitome of the modern rugby forward, more akin to a basketball player thanks to an athletic 6ft 7in, 115kg frame. Lawes is also a true local Northampton boy, raised within a stone's throw from Franklin's Gardens. Lawes is another member of the Saints Academy off the famed production line of Northampton Old Scouts, the same club that produced his former team mate Rob Milligan as well as Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson amongst others. Lawes has won England representative honours for the U18 and U20 sides and won his first senior cap against Australia in November 2009.
Louis Deacon
Louis Deacon (born 7 October 1980 in Leicester) is an English rugby union footballer. He is a lock.
His playing career started as an eight year old, playing with Wigston, before joining Syston. He later joined Syston and as a Ratcliffe College student represented the Midlands county and both the England 16 Group and U18 Group School sides. He joined the Leicester Tigers Academy in the 1997–98 season and worked his way through the Tigers Youth, U21 and Extras teams.
Deacon joined Leicester Tigers in 2000. He made his first team debut in August 2000 as a replacement against Cardiff and has established himself as a highly dependable player and equally at home at the front or middle of the line out. In the absence of club captain Geordan Murphy through injury, he has captained for spells in the 2009–10 season. [1]
He was called up to the England A squad in the 2002–03 season but injury forced him to withdraw.
Having lived in the shadow of the England pairing of Martin Johnson and Ben Kay for several seasons, he took the opportunity in 2003–04 to command a regular place during the World Cup. He made 23 appearances in all that season, and by the end he was being picked ahead of Kay.
In September 2003 he was named in the England National Academy Training squad. He was called up to the elite squad for the 2005–6 season[2] and went on to make his international debut against Samoa.[1]
He was again named in the elite squad, in the 2006–07 season. For the 2007 Six Nations opener against Scotland, Deacon started at Lock under new head coach Brian Ashton.[3]
He continued in this position, throughout the first three games of the tournament, and came off the bench against France[4] and Wales[5] in the final two games of the tournament.
Deacon would have to wait a further two years before winning another cap, playing in the two test series against Argentina.[6] He made it into the EPS Elite squad for 2009–10, and partnered captain Steve Borthwick during the Autumn Internationals.
His playing career started as an eight year old, playing with Wigston, before joining Syston. He later joined Syston and as a Ratcliffe College student represented the Midlands county and both the England 16 Group and U18 Group School sides. He joined the Leicester Tigers Academy in the 1997–98 season and worked his way through the Tigers Youth, U21 and Extras teams.
Deacon joined Leicester Tigers in 2000. He made his first team debut in August 2000 as a replacement against Cardiff and has established himself as a highly dependable player and equally at home at the front or middle of the line out. In the absence of club captain Geordan Murphy through injury, he has captained for spells in the 2009–10 season. [1]
He was called up to the England A squad in the 2002–03 season but injury forced him to withdraw.
Having lived in the shadow of the England pairing of Martin Johnson and Ben Kay for several seasons, he took the opportunity in 2003–04 to command a regular place during the World Cup. He made 23 appearances in all that season, and by the end he was being picked ahead of Kay.
In September 2003 he was named in the England National Academy Training squad. He was called up to the elite squad for the 2005–6 season[2] and went on to make his international debut against Samoa.[1]
He was again named in the elite squad, in the 2006–07 season. For the 2007 Six Nations opener against Scotland, Deacon started at Lock under new head coach Brian Ashton.[3]
He continued in this position, throughout the first three games of the tournament, and came off the bench against France[4] and Wales[5] in the final two games of the tournament.
Deacon would have to wait a further two years before winning another cap, playing in the two test series against Argentina.[6] He made it into the EPS Elite squad for 2009–10, and partnered captain Steve Borthwick during the Autumn Internationals.
Dave Wilson
Dave Wilson (born 9 April 1985 in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England) is a rugby union player who plays at prop for Bath Rugby in the Aviva Premiership.
Andrew Sheridan
Andrew Sheridan (born on 1 November 1979 in Petts Wood, Bromley, England) is an English rugby union player, who plays loosehead prop for Sale Sharks.
Sheridan is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall, which is unusually tall for a prop, and weighs 18 stone 10 pounds (119 kg). He is known for his great physical strength – he is a near-elite class powerlifter and able to bench press 225 kilograms (33 st, over 495 lb) and squat 275 kilograms (over 600 lb).[1]
Sheridan is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall, which is unusually tall for a prop, and weighs 18 stone 10 pounds (119 kg). He is known for his great physical strength – he is a near-elite class powerlifter and able to bench press 225 kilograms (33 st, over 495 lb) and squat 275 kilograms (over 600 lb).[1]
Tim Payne
Timothy Adam North Payne (born 29 April 1979 in Swindon) is an English rugby union footballer who plays at prop for London Wasps.
Joe Marler
Joe Marler (born 7 July 1990) is a rugby union player for Harlequins in the Guinness Premiership, playing primarily as a prop. Marler was called up to the England U20's squad for the 2009 U20 Six Nations, but was sadly injured throughout. He was called up to represent England U20's throughout the Junior World Championship in summer 2009. He started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex.
The following season he was again called up into the U20 squad, and marked his 6N debut against Wales with two tries. He made his Guinness Premiership debut for Harlequins at the end of that season.
He was called into the England squad for the 2010 end of year tests as injury cover for David Wilson. When Wilson recovered, Marler was kept on alongside him in the squad.
The following season he was again called up into the U20 squad, and marked his 6N debut against Wales with two tries. He made his Guinness Premiership debut for Harlequins at the end of that season.
He was called into the England squad for the 2010 end of year tests as injury cover for David Wilson. When Wilson recovered, Marler was kept on alongside him in the squad.
Paul Doran-Jones
Paul Doran-Jones (born 2 May 1985) is a rugby union footballer, currently playing in the Guinness Premiership for Gloucester Rugby. He plays as a prop.
Alex Corbisiero
Alex Corbisiero (born 30 August, 1988 in New York City) is a rugby union player who plays at prop for London Irish in the Aviva Premiership.
Dan Cole
Dan Cole (born 9 May 1987 in Leicester) is an English rugby union player who plays at prop for Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership.
Steve Thompson
Steve Thompson MBE (formerly Steve Walters; born 15 July 1978 in Hemel Hempstead) is a rugby union player who plays at hooker for Leeds Carnegie. He plays for England, and played for British and Irish Lions. He stated in an interview with the daily telegraph that he was the British Roller blading champion and came second in the European championship at age 13.
Dylan Hartley
Hartley was born in New Zealand, but qualifies to play for England. He moved to Crowborough, East Sussex in 2002 and enjoyed the game through local teams and the Beacon Rugby Academy, where he competed with English, Scottish and Italian rugby hopefuls before being picked for Sussex and later divisional and England schoolboys.
George Chuter
Chuter was born in Greenwich. He first started playing as a 12-year-old, when he went to Trinity School of John Whitgift in the London Borough of Croydon.[1] He quickly established himself at hooker. He went on to play his club rugby for Old Mid-Whitgiftians and gained representative honours for the London Division U18 side.
Steve Williams
Steve Williams (born 29 July 1958) is an Australian former state and national representative rugby union player who captained the Wallabies in five Test matches in 1985.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Bill Mclaren
William Pollock "Bill" McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 – 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'.[1] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[2]
As a young boy, he was steeped in local rugby stories:
He served with the Royal Artillery in Italy during the Second World War,[1] including the Battle of Monte Cassino. He was used as a forward spotter, and on one occasion was confronted by a mound of 1,500 corpses in an Italian churchyard, an unpleasant experience which never left him.[4][5]
He played in a Scotland trial in 1947 and was on the verge of a full international cap before contracting tuberculosis. The diseases nearly killed him and forced him to give up playing.[1] He spent 19 months in a sanatorium in East Fortune (East Lothian), where he was given an experimental drug, Streptomycin, which saved his life.[1] However, of the five patients given the drug, only two survived.[4] While in the hospital, he began his broadcasting career, by commenting on table tennis games on the hospital radio.[4]
McLaren's journalistic career started as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express.[1] In 1953, he made his national debut for BBC Radio, covering Scotland's 12–0 loss to Wales.[1] He switched to television commentary six years later.[1] McLaren was one of many post-war commentators who progressed from commentating on BBC Radio to BBC Television during the infancy of television broadcasting in the UK. These included Murray Walker (motor racing/Formula One), Peter O'Sullevan (horse racing), Harry Carpenter (boxing and rowing), Dan Maskell (tennis), David Coleman (athletics), Peter Alliss (golf) and John Arlott (cricket).[1]
Recognition of his services came in November 2001, when he became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. He was awarded an MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. A Facebook group, backed by over 6,000 members, was campaigning to gain a knighthood for McLaren. [6]
McLaren also featured as a commentator on the video games Jonah Lomu Rugby and EA Rugby 2001, and also did voice work for Telewest Communications.
During his final commentary, Wales v Scotland in 2002, the crowd sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"[7] and one Welsh supporter displayed a banner claiming "Bill McLaren is Welsh".
After retirement, McLaren wrote the book Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers in 2003.[8]
In later life, McLaren contracted Alzheimer's, a tragedy for someone renowned for his excellent memory.[9]
Early life
McLaren was born in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, in 1923 to a knitwear salesman from Loch Lomond-side who had moved down to the area.As a young boy, he was steeped in local rugby stories:
- "I was brought up on stories of the great Scottish players of the twenties, many of whom I never saw play but knew all about... I used to go with my father to see matches at a very early age, the great Hawick heroes including Willie Welsh, Jock Beattie and Jerry Foster, so I had an all-consuming desire to wear the green jersey of Hawick."[3]
He served with the Royal Artillery in Italy during the Second World War,[1] including the Battle of Monte Cassino. He was used as a forward spotter, and on one occasion was confronted by a mound of 1,500 corpses in an Italian churchyard, an unpleasant experience which never left him.[4][5]
He played in a Scotland trial in 1947 and was on the verge of a full international cap before contracting tuberculosis. The diseases nearly killed him and forced him to give up playing.[1] He spent 19 months in a sanatorium in East Fortune (East Lothian), where he was given an experimental drug, Streptomycin, which saved his life.[1] However, of the five patients given the drug, only two survived.[4] While in the hospital, he began his broadcasting career, by commenting on table tennis games on the hospital radio.[4]
Career
McLaren studied Physical Education in Aberdeen, and went on to teach PE in different schools throughout Scotland right through to 1987.[1] He coached several Hawick youngsters who went on to play for Scotland, including Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger.[1]McLaren's journalistic career started as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express.[1] In 1953, he made his national debut for BBC Radio, covering Scotland's 12–0 loss to Wales.[1] He switched to television commentary six years later.[1] McLaren was one of many post-war commentators who progressed from commentating on BBC Radio to BBC Television during the infancy of television broadcasting in the UK. These included Murray Walker (motor racing/Formula One), Peter O'Sullevan (horse racing), Harry Carpenter (boxing and rowing), Dan Maskell (tennis), David Coleman (athletics), Peter Alliss (golf) and John Arlott (cricket).[1]
Recognition of his services came in November 2001, when he became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. He was awarded an MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. A Facebook group, backed by over 6,000 members, was campaigning to gain a knighthood for McLaren. [6]
McLaren also featured as a commentator on the video games Jonah Lomu Rugby and EA Rugby 2001, and also did voice work for Telewest Communications.
During his final commentary, Wales v Scotland in 2002, the crowd sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"[7] and one Welsh supporter displayed a banner claiming "Bill McLaren is Welsh".
After retirement, McLaren wrote the book Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers in 2003.[8]
In later life, McLaren contracted Alzheimer's, a tragedy for someone renowned for his excellent memory.[9]
Family
He was married to Bette. His son-in-law is former Scotland rugby scrum half Alan Lawson. They had five grandchildren, including Scotland scrum-half and Gloucester player Rory Lawson and Edinburgh's Jim Thompson.Death
McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick.[10] His funeral took place on 25 January at Teviot Church in Hawick, followed by a private burial at the town's Wellogate Cemetery after his hearse was applauded through the town of Hawick by hundreds of well-wishers who lined the streets to pay their respects to the "Voice of Rugby".[11][12]Charles Renilson
Charles "Charlie" W. Renilson is a Scottish former rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s, '60s and '70s who, whilst serving in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, at club level has played rugby union (RU) for Jed-Forest RFC, and at representative level has played rugby league (RL) for Great Britain, and Commonwealth XIII, and at club level for Halifax, Newtown, and Eastern Suburbs, playing at Second-row, Loose forward/Lock, i.e. number 11 or 12, or 13, during the era of contested scrums.
International honours
Charlie Renilson represented Commonwealth XIII (RL) while at Halifax in 1965 against New Zealand at Crystal Palace National Recreation Centre, London on Wednesday 18 August 1965,[1] andwon caps for Great Britain (RL) while at Halifax in 1965 against New Zealand, in 1967 against Australia (sub), in 1968 against France (2 matches), in the 1968 Rugby League World Cup against Australia, France, and New Zealand, and in 1968 against France.[2]Rob Valentine
Rob A. Valentine is a Scottish former rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s, and coach of the 1970s, who at representative level has played rugby union (RU) for South of Scotland, and at club level for Hawick RFC, at representative level has played rugby league (RL) for Great Britain, and Other Nations, and at club level for Huddersfield, Wakefield Trinity, and Keighley, playing Second-row, or Loose forward/Lock, i.e. number 11 or 12, or 13, and at club level has coached for Britannia Works in 1975 in Huddersfield's Pennine League, and formed the Huddersfield colts team in 1976.
Relatives
Rob Valentine is the younger brother of Dave Valentine, who played both rugby union for Scotland, and rugby league for the Great Britain including being the 1954 Rugby League World Cup winning Captain, and the Scotland rugby union footballer, Alec Valentine.Tremayne Rodd
John Adrian Tremayne Rodd, 3rd Baron Rennell (28 June 1935 - 9 December 2006) was a Scottish rugby union player. He succeeded his uncle as 3rd Baron Rennell in 1978, and sat on the Conservative Party benches in the House of Lords.
In 1977 he married Phyllis Neill. The marriage produced a son and three daughters. Rodd died of cancer in London, aged 71. Upon his death the title passed to his son, James Rodd, 4th Baron Rennell.
Early years
John Adrian Tremayne Rodd was the younger son of Gustaf Guthrie Rennell Rodd, a Commander in the Royal Navy, and his wife, the former Yvonne Mary Marling, a singing teacher and co-author of Singing, the Physical Nature of the Vocal Organ. His elder brother (by two years), Saul David Rennell Rodd, predeceased him. His father was the younger son of the diplomat and Conservative MP Sir Rennell Rodd, who was created Baron Rennell in 1933. His father's elder brother was 2nd Baron Rennell. His uncles and aunts also included the life peer the Baroness Emmet of Amberley, and, through marriage, the artist Simon Elwes and Nancy Mitford. Rodd was evacuated to the United States during the Second World War. On his return, he was educated at Downside School.He followed his father in joining the Royal Navy in 1952, and joined Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. He later served in the Home Fleet, the Mediterranean Fleet and the Far East Fleet. He was the boxing champion of the Home Fleet in 1958, and played rugby for Royal Navy, Combined Services and United Services teams.
Rugby
As Tremayne Rodd, he won 14 caps as a scrum half for Scotland between 1958 and 1965, battling for his place with Stan Coughtrie and Alex Hastie. He was a member of the Scottish team that shared the Five Nations with Wales in 1964. He also played for the Barbarians. He played most of his rugby in England, for London Scottish, Plymouth, and the Hampshire rugby club. In the 1960s he was a key player in the London Scottish rugby sevens team, winning the Middlesex Sevens tournament five times from 1960 to 1965. He started to scale back his rugby-playing activities in 1965 and finally his amateur rugby career was ended by a ban for working as a freelance journalist on a British Lions tour in 1966, writing for The Observer and The Scotsman, which led to a ruling by the International Rugby Board that he had become a professional.Later years
Rodd left the Royal Navy in 1962 with the rank of lieutenant. Until 1966, he worked as a merchant banker at Morgan Grenfell, where his uncle, the 2nd Baron Rennell, was a director. After leaving Morgan Grenfell, he became a director of Marks of Distinction, a company that created sporting medals and trophies and put on sporting and corporate promotional events. He left to run his own trophy and sporting promotions company, Tremayne Limited, from 1978 to 1984. In 1974, at the funeral of his cousin Dominic Elwes who committed suicide, after a sententious speech by John Aspinall Rennell infamously "went up and gave Aspinall the most useful punch in the face you have ever seen."[1] He succeeded his uncle as 3rd Baron Rennell in 1978, and took the Conservative whip in the House of Lords. Rodd actively participated in many sports including; rugby for several Parliamentary teams, cricket, golf, bridge, backgammon and chess. In 2000 he was the team leader for Vladimir Kramnik in London when he won the World Chess Championship from Garry Kasparov. He also played in several backgammon world championships.In 1977 he married Phyllis Neill. The marriage produced a son and three daughters. Rodd died of cancer in London, aged 71. Upon his death the title passed to his son, James Rodd, 4th Baron Rennell.
Ian Robertson (b. 17 January 1945)[1] is a Scottish-born broadcaster, writer and former international rugby player. He is best known as a rugby union commentator for BBC Radio.
Robertson played rugby union for Cambridge University R.U.F.C., Watsonians RFC, London Scottish F.C., Aberdeenshire, Scotland (1968-70) and the Barbarians. The most memorable moment of his playing career was Scotland's 1970 Calcutta Cup victory over England. At 27 he suffered a serious knee injury that would end his sporting career.
Robertson is a prolific writer; he has written over 30 books and a number of autobiographies.
Early life
Robertson was educated at George Watson's College in Edinburgh, Aberdeen University and Cambridge University.[2] He worked for four years as an English teacher at Fettes College, where his most famous pupil was Tony Blair.Robertson played rugby union for Cambridge University R.U.F.C., Watsonians RFC, London Scottish F.C., Aberdeenshire, Scotland (1968-70) and the Barbarians. The most memorable moment of his playing career was Scotland's 1970 Calcutta Cup victory over England. At 27 he suffered a serious knee injury that would end his sporting career.
Career in journalism
Robertson joined the BBC in 1972. Since April 1983 he is the Corporation's official rugby union correspondent, covering the sport not only on radio but also on television. He regards Scotland's 1984 and 1990 Grand Slams and Jonny Wilkinson's winning drop-kick in the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup as his "best on air moments". Robertson was also a presenter of the Allied Dunbar premiership video review of 1998-1999.Robertson is a prolific writer; he has written over 30 books and a number of autobiographies.
Dugald MacDonald
Dugald MacDonald was a South African rugby union player of Scottish origins. He played for South Africa against the 1974 British Lions tour to South Africa.[1]
His younger brother Donald was capped for Scotland seven times.[
His younger brother Donald was capped for Scotland seven times.[
Bill Gammell
Sir William Benjamin Bowring Gammell, commonly known as Bill Gammell (born 29 December 1952) is a Scottish sportsman and industrialist.
Gammell scored two tries on his debut for Scotland, against Ireland at Murrayfield in 1977.
Gammell is paid an annual salary of £552,000 for his role as chief executive at Cairn Energy.[1]
Gammell's father invested in US oil company Bush-Overbey, owned by future US President George H. W. Bush. The two families became friends, with George W. Bush spending the summer at the Gammell's farm in Scotland. George W. attended Bill Gammell's wedding in Glasgow in 1983. The two have remained close friends. When George W. Bush assumed the Presidency, both he and Blair reportedly called their mutual friend Gammell to ask his opinion of the other.
Bill Gammell a director of the Scottish Institute of Sport and Artemis AiM VCT plc., and in 2004 he was awarded UK Entrepreneur of the Year. In the 2006 honours list, Gammell was made a Knight Bachelor "for services to Industry in Scotland".
Early life
Bill Gammell was born in Edinburgh. His father was an investment banker, invited at an early age to join Edinbugh's Ivory & Sime (which was started in the late 1800s with the formation of the British Assets Trust.) Gammell attended Edinburgh's exclusive Fettes College where he was friends and debating partners with future British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The two have remained close friends. After Fettes, Gammell attended the University of Stirling where he obtained a BA in Economics and Accountancy.Rugby
Gammell played rugby union at county level and for the Scottish national team. A tall winger, he earned five international caps, and played in the game against Japan in 1977 in Tokyo when he scored four tries in the Scots' 74-9 victory.Gammell scored two tries on his debut for Scotland, against Ireland at Murrayfield in 1977.
Business career
After his rugby career was ended by injury, Gammell followed his father into business. Using venture capital, he founded Cairn Energy in Edinburgh. The company invested in several unsuccessful oilfields in the US before making a modest strike in the Pennsylvania oilfield. Gammell was appointed Cairn's Chief Executive on its initial listing in 1989. In the mid 1990s he led the company in a radical reallocation of its assets, moving out of US and North Sea oil and gas concerns and into neglected fields in South Asia. The companies fortunes soared when a field it had bought (for $7 million) from Shell in the Indian province of Rajasthan turned out to be the largest find of the year, catapulting Cairn into the FTSE 100.Gammell is paid an annual salary of £552,000 for his role as chief executive at Cairn Energy.[1]
Gammell's father invested in US oil company Bush-Overbey, owned by future US President George H. W. Bush. The two families became friends, with George W. Bush spending the summer at the Gammell's farm in Scotland. George W. attended Bill Gammell's wedding in Glasgow in 1983. The two have remained close friends. When George W. Bush assumed the Presidency, both he and Blair reportedly called their mutual friend Gammell to ask his opinion of the other.
Bill Gammell a director of the Scottish Institute of Sport and Artemis AiM VCT plc., and in 2004 he was awarded UK Entrepreneur of the Year. In the 2006 honours list, Gammell was made a Knight Bachelor "for services to Industry in Scotland".
Malcolm Changleng
Malcolm Changleng (born 25 April 1970) is a Scottish former professional rugby union referee. He is the identical twin brother of fellow referee David Changleng.
Changleng began his rugby career as a player with Gala RFC, playing at fullback in the team that won the 1999 Scottish Cup, along with Scottish internationals Gregor Townsend and Chris Paterson.[1] He also represented the Scottish Borders in the 1996–97 Heineken Cup, scoring a try in a 34–25 defeat at home to Leinster on 26 October 1996.[2]
After retiring as a player, Changleng followed his brother into refereeing. He turned professional in 2002, and refereed his first European match on 17 January 2004, when he took charge of the European Shield match between Viadana and Madrid. His first Heineken Cup match came the following season, when he refereed Benetton Treviso's 34–0 away win over Bourgoin on 29 October 2004.[3]
On the international scene, Changleng's most prestigious refereeing appointment came on 9 June 2007, when he officiated a match between South Africa and Samoa.[4] He also refereed 2007 Rugby World Cup qualifying matches in both North America and Europe before being named as one of 13 touch judges for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, where he was the only Scottish official named.[4][5]
In January 2008, Changleng retired from professional refereeing in order to spend more time with his family and return to his teaching career at Galashiels Academy,[4] although he has remained active as a part-time referee.
Changleng began his rugby career as a player with Gala RFC, playing at fullback in the team that won the 1999 Scottish Cup, along with Scottish internationals Gregor Townsend and Chris Paterson.[1] He also represented the Scottish Borders in the 1996–97 Heineken Cup, scoring a try in a 34–25 defeat at home to Leinster on 26 October 1996.[2]
After retiring as a player, Changleng followed his brother into refereeing. He turned professional in 2002, and refereed his first European match on 17 January 2004, when he took charge of the European Shield match between Viadana and Madrid. His first Heineken Cup match came the following season, when he refereed Benetton Treviso's 34–0 away win over Bourgoin on 29 October 2004.[3]
On the international scene, Changleng's most prestigious refereeing appointment came on 9 June 2007, when he officiated a match between South Africa and Samoa.[4] He also refereed 2007 Rugby World Cup qualifying matches in both North America and Europe before being named as one of 13 touch judges for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, where he was the only Scottish official named.[4][5]
In January 2008, Changleng retired from professional refereeing in order to spend more time with his family and return to his teaching career at Galashiels Academy,[4] although he has remained active as a part-time referee.
David Changleng
David Changleng (born 25 April 1970) is a Scottish rugby union referee. He is the identical twin brother of fellow referee Malcolm Changleng.
Changleng began his rugby career as a player with Gala RFC, playing at fly-half in a team that included Gregor Townsend and Chris Paterson. Early in his playing career, he also won one cap for the Scotland Under-21s. After retiring as a player, Changleng took up refereeing in 1997, as well as becoming a PE teacher at Peebles High School. He became a regular referee in the Scottish Premiership and on the Borders Sevens Circuit, and refereed his first European game on 12 January 2002, when he officiated Montauban's 40–9 win over Rovigo in the pool stage of the 2001–02 European Challenge Cup.[1] He took charge of his first Heineken Cup match three years later for the Leicester Tigers' 37–6 win over Calvisano in the pool stage of the 2004–05 tournament.[2] Changleng has also been a regular referee in the Celtic League since its establishment in 2001–02.
Changleng began his rugby career as a player with Gala RFC, playing at fly-half in a team that included Gregor Townsend and Chris Paterson. Early in his playing career, he also won one cap for the Scotland Under-21s. After retiring as a player, Changleng took up refereeing in 1997, as well as becoming a PE teacher at Peebles High School. He became a regular referee in the Scottish Premiership and on the Borders Sevens Circuit, and refereed his first European game on 12 January 2002, when he officiated Montauban's 40–9 win over Rovigo in the pool stage of the 2001–02 European Challenge Cup.[1] He took charge of his first Heineken Cup match three years later for the Leicester Tigers' 37–6 win over Calvisano in the pool stage of the 2004–05 tournament.[2] Changleng has also been a regular referee in the Celtic League since its establishment in 2001–02.
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