When it comes to rugby, England has a rich history and tradition of producing some of the world’s finest players. From the early days of the sport to the modern era, there have been countless English players who have left their mark on the game. In this article, I will be highlighting some of the greatest rugby players from England, and why they are considered legends of the sport.

The 15 Best Men’s Rugby Players from England

A note on this list: There is no way to truly determine who the best players are, so we compiled this list based on what we believe is the common belief among people close to English rugby. Feel free to disagree in the comments section. Also, we widely regard Johnny Wilkinson as the best of the best, but these are in no particular order.

Jonny Wilkinson

Jonny Wilkinson is widely regarded as England’s greatest ever rugby players. The fly-half famously kicked the drop goal that secured England’s World Cup victory in 2003, and is one of the greatest kickers of all time. Wilkinson’s dedication and attention to detail in his preparation made him one of the most consistent and reliable players in the game. He played in two World Cups for England, and scored a total of 277 points in international rugby. Wilkinson’s contribution to English rugby cannot be overstated, and he will always be remembered as a true great of the sport.

Martin Johnson

Martin Johnson is another name that is synonymous with English rugby. The towering lock forward captained England to World Cup victory in 2003, and is the only player in history to have captained both the British and Irish Lions and England to series wins. Johnson was a fierce competitor, renowned for his physicality and leadership qualities. He played in three World Cups for England, and won 84 caps for his country. Johnson’s legacy as a player and captain has ensured that he remains an icon of English rugby to this day.

Jason Robinson

Jason Robinson’s electric pace and elusive running style made him one of the most exciting players in world rugby during his career. The full-back or winger played for both England and the British and Irish Lions, and was a vital part of England’s World Cup-winning team in 2003. Robinson’s ability to beat defenders with ease and his eye for the try-line made him a potent attacking threat. He scored a total of 30 tries for England during his career. Robinson’s legacy as one of the game’s great entertainers ensures that he remains a much-loved figure in English rugby to this day.

Lawrence Dallaglio

Lawrence Dallaglio was one of the most iconic figures of English rugby during his career. The powerful number eight was a talismanic presence for both club and country, and played a key role in England’s World Cup win in 2003. Dallaglio was a leader both on and off the pitch, and his physicality and work-rate made him a formidable opponent for any team. He won 85 caps for England during his career, and scored a total of 18 tries. Dallaglio’s impact on English rugby was immense, and he remains a hugely respected figure within the sport.

Billy Vunipola

Billy Vunipola is one of the most exciting players in English rugby today. The number eight is a powerful ball-carrier, with the ability to break tackles and make ground with ease. Vunipola has been a key player for both England and his club, Saracens, and has won a number of awards and accolades during his career. He has already won 60 caps for his country, and is one of the best players in the world in his position. Vunipola’s combination of power, skill and athleticism make him a thrilling player to watch, and he is sure to continue making a significant impact on the sport for years to come.

Maro Itoje

Maro Itoje is another player who is currently making waves in English rugby. In our opinion, the lock forward has already won numerous accolades during his career. Itoje is a powerful presence in the lineout, and his work-rate and physicality make him a formidable opponent for any team. He has already won three Six Nations titles with England, and played a key role in the team’s run to the World Cup final in 2019. Itoje’s potential for future success is huge, and he is sure to be a key figure in English rugby for years to come.

Martin Offiah

Martin Offiah was a prolific try-scorer during his career, and is one of the greatest wingers in English rugby history. The speedster scored a total of 30 tries for England, and was a a standout on the team that won the Five Nations Grand Slam in 1995. Offiah’s electric pace and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for opposition defenders, and he was one of the most exciting players in the world during his prime. Offiah’s legacy as a try-scoring machine ensures that he remains one of the most iconic figures in English rugby to this day.

Will Carling

Will Carling was a key member of the England team during the 1990s, and is considered as one of the best captains in the team’s history. The centre led England to three Grand Slam titles, and played a key role in the team’s run to the World Cup final in 1991. Carling’s leadership qualities and tactical acumen made him a hugely respected figure within the sport, and he remains a hugely influential figure in English rugby to this day.

Neil Back

Neil Back was one of the most hard-working players in English rugby history, and is considered one of the greatest flankers of all time. The dynamic back-rower played for England for over a decade, and won 66 caps for his country. Back’s tireless work-rate and technical ability made him a hugely influential player for both club and country, and he played a key role in England’s World Cup victory in 2003. Back’s legacy as one of the game’s great workhorses ensures that he remains a hugely respected figure in English rugby to this day.

Josh Beaumont

Josh Beaumont is a rising star in English rugby, and is arguably the most promising young players in the country. The lock forward has already won a number of accolades during his career, and is widely tipped for future success. Beaumont is a towering presence in the lineout, and his technical ability and athleticism make him a hugely exciting player to watch. He has already won three caps for England, and is sure to be a key figure in the team’s future success.

Rory Underwood

Rory Underwood is a retired winger who earned 85 caps for England between 1984 and 1996. Known for his incredible pace and finishing ability, Underwood scored 49 tries for England and was on the Grand Slam-winning team in 1991. He also played in three Rugby World Cups and remains a legendary figure in English rugby history. Off the field, Underwood has continued to be involved in rugby as a commentator and pundit, as well as in charity work for which he was awarded an OBE in 1996.

Jason Leonard

No list of English rugby players is complete without Jason Leonard. Leonard is a retired prop who is absolutely one of the greatest English players of all time. He earned a staggering 114 caps for England between 1990 and 2004, and also played for the British and Irish Lions. Leonard was known for his incredible work rate and durability, and was a key figure in England’s successful 2003 Rugby World Cup campaign.

Phil Vickery

Phil Vickery is a retired prop who was a mainstay of the England team during the 2000s. He earned 73 caps for England between 1998 and 2010, and also played for the British and Irish Lions. Vickery was known for his immense strength and scrummaging ability, and was the prop for the England team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Ben Cohen

Ben Cohen is a retired winger who earned 57 caps for England between 2000 and 2006. He was a key member of the England team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and also played for the British and Irish Lions. Cohen was known for his powerful running and finishing ability, and scored a total of 31 tries for England during his career.

Mike Catt

Mike Catt is a retired utility back who earned 75 caps for England between 1994 and 2007. He was a versatile player who could play at fly-half, centre or full-back, and was also on the England team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Catt was known for his intelligent play and kicking ability, and also played for the British and Irish Lions.

The Best Woman’s Rugby Players from England

Now let’s look at the best women to represent England on the rugby pitch.

Maggie Alphonsi

Maggie Alphonsi is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s rugby players of all time. The back-rower won 74 caps for England and played a key role in the team’s success during the 2000s and 2010s. Alphonsi was a powerful and dynamic player who was renowned for her tackling and breakdown skills. She won numerous individual awards during her career.

Emily Scarratt

Emily Scarratt is one of the current stars of the England women’s rugby team, and is one of the best players in the world in her position. The centre has won over 100 caps for England and has played a key role in the team’s success in recent years, including their World Cup victory in 2014. Scarratt is a powerful and intelligent player who is equally comfortable in attack and defence

Danielle Waterman

Danielle Waterman is another player who has had a hugely successful career in English women’s rugby. The fullback won 82 caps for England and played a key role in the team’s success during the 2000s and 2010s. Waterman was a skilful and creative player who was renowned for her attacking ability, and she won numerous accolades during her career.

Sue Day

Sue Day is one of the pioneers of women’s rugby in England, and is considered as one of the greatest players of all time. The centre won 59 caps for England and played a key role in the team’s success during the 1990s and 2000s. Day was a skilful and intelligent player who was equally comfortable in attack. Day’s contribution to the women’s game in England has been immense, and she remains a hugely influential figure within the sport.

Rachael Burford

Rachael Burford is another player who has had a hugely successful career in English women’s rugby. The centre has won over 80 caps for England and has played a key role in the team’s success in recent years, including their World Cup victory in 2014. Burford is a skilful and creative player who is renowned for her attacking ability.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, these are just some of the best rugby players from England, and there are many others who could easily have made this list. English rugby has a rich history and tradition of producing great players, and the current crop of stars are sure to continue adding to this legacy in the years to come.