Duncharris (talk | contribs) kit |
House of Laughs (talk | contribs) Current squad updated |
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{{Short description|Sports team}} |
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[[Image:England Rugby rose.gif|right|England Rose]] |
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{{Distinguish|England national rugby league team}} |
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'''England Rugby''' is the name of the English national rugby union team. The current captain is [[Lawrence Dallaglio]], the coach is Sir [[Clive Woodward]]. They are the current World champions, having won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. |
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{{About|the men's team|the women's team|England women's national rugby union team}} |
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{{Use British English|date=January 2013}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}} |
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{{Infobox national rugby team |
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| Name = England |
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| Badge = England national rugby team logo.svg |
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| Badge_size = 160px |
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| Emblem = Red [[Rose]] |
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| Union = [[Rugby Football Union]] |
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| Nickname = |
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| Coach = [[Steve Borthwick]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/england/senior-men/squad/steve-borthwick | title=Steve Borthwick | website=www.englandrugby.com | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | access-date=12 February 2024 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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| Captain = [[Jamie George]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/england/senior-men/squad/jamie-george | title=Jamie George | website=www.englandrugby.com | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | access-date=12 February 2024 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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| Most caps = [[Ben Youngs]] (127) |
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| Top scorer = [[Owen Farrell]] (1,237) |
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| Top try scorer = [[Rory Underwood]] (49) |
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| Home Stadium = [[Twickenham Stadium]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/twickenham | title=Twickenham | website=www.englandrugby.com | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | access-date=12 February 2024 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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| pattern_la1 = |
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| pattern_b1 = _england rugby23h |
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| pattern_ra1 = |
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| pattern_sh1 = |
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| pattern_so1 = _whitetop |
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| leftarm1 = FFFFFF |
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| body1 = FFFFFF |
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| rightarm1 = FFFFFF |
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| shorts1 = FFFFFF |
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| socks1 = 00004A |
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| pattern_la2 = _samredborder |
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| pattern_b2 = _england rugby23a |
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| pattern_ra2 = _samredborder |
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| pattern_sh2 = |
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| pattern_so2 = |
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| leftarm2 = 000066 |
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| body2 = 000066 |
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| rightarm2 = 000066 |
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| shorts2 = 000066 |
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| socks2 = 990000 |
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| World Rugby Rank = 5 |
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| World Rugby Rank date = 18 March 2024 |
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| World Rugby max = 1 |
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| World Rugby max year = 2003, 2019 |
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| World Rugby min = 8 |
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| World Rugby min year = 2009, 2015, 2023 |
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| First game = {{ru|Scotland}} [[1871 Scotland versus England rugby union match|1–0]] '''England''' {{flagdeco|England}} <br />([[Edinburgh]], [[Scotland]]; 27 March 1871) |
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| Largest win = {{flagdeco|England}} '''England''' 134–0 {{ru-rt|Romania}}<br />([[London]], [[England]]; 17 November 2001) |
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| Largest loss = {{ru|Australia}} 76–0 '''England''' {{flagdeco|England}} <br />([[Brisbane]], [[Australia]]; 6 June 1998) |
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| World cup apps = 10 |
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| World cup first = 1987 |
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| World cup best = ''Champions'' ([[2003 Rugby World Cup|2003]]) |
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| medaltemplates = |
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| website = {{url|https://www.englandrugby.com/england/senior-men|englandrugby.com}} |
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}} |
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The '''England men's national rugby union team''' represents the [[Rugby Football Union]] in men's international [[rugby union]]. They compete in the annual [[Six Nations Championship]] with [[France national rugby union team|France]], [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland]], [[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]], [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]] and [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]]. England have won the championship on 29 occasions (as well as sharing 10 victories), winning the [[Grand Slam (rugby union)|Grand Slam]] 14 times and the [[Triple Crown (rugby union)|Triple Crown]] 26 times, making them the most successful outright winners in the tournament's history. They are currently the only team from the [[Northern Hemisphere]] to win the [[Rugby World Cup]], having won the tournament in [[2003 Rugby World Cup|2003]], and have been runners-up on three further occasions.<!--DETAILED BELOW--> |
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The history of the team extends back to 1871 when the English rugby team played [[1871 Scotland versus England rugby union match|their first official]] [[Test match (rugby union)|test match]], losing 1–0 to Scotland. England dominated the early Home Nations Championship (now the [[Six Nations Championship|Six Nations]]) which started in 1883. Following the [[History of rugby league#The schism in England|schism]] of rugby football in 1895 into union and league, England did not win the Championship again until 1910. They first played against [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] in 1905, [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]] in 1906, and [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] in 1909. England was one of the teams invited to take part in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in [[1987 Rugby World Cup|1987]] and progressed to the final in the second tournament in [[1991 Rugby World Cup|1991]], losing 12–6 to Australia. Following their Grand Slam in [[2003 Six Nations Championship|2003]], England went on to win the [[2003 Rugby World Cup]], defeating Australia 20–17 in extra time. They contested the final again in [[2007 Rugby World Cup|2007]] in defence of their title, losing 15–6 to South Africa, and reached the final for the fourth time in [[2019 Rugby World Cup|2019]], once again losing to South Africa, 32–12. |
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They first played in 1887(?) against Scotland. They compete annually in the [[Six Nations Championship]] and have won that championship and its predecessors more times than any other side with the most Grand Slams. |
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England players traditionally wear a white shirt with a rose embroidered on the chest, white shorts, and navy blue socks with a white trim. England's home ground is [[Twickenham Stadium]] where they first played in 1910. The team is administered by the [[Rugby Football Union]] (RFU). Four former players have been inducted into the [[International Rugby Hall of Fame]]; one of these is also a member of the [[IRB Hall of Fame]]. Seven other former players are members of the IRB Hall – four solely for their accomplishments as players, two solely for their achievements in other roles in the sport, and one for achievements both as a player and administrator. |
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== strip == |
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== History == |
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<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border:1px solid #000000;" align="right"> |
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{{main article|History of the England national rugby union team}} |
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<!--This is only a SUMMARY of the history of the England team. If expanding please expand the History of the England national rugby union team articles instead. Can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_England_national_rugby_union_team--> |
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<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">[[Image:kit_left_arm.png]]</td> |
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<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">[[Image:kit_body.png]]</td> |
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=== Early years === |
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<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">[[Image:kit_right_arm.png]]</td> |
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[[File:England 1871 first.jpg|thumb|left|The England team before playing in their [[1871 Scotland versus England rugby union match|first international match]], versus [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]] in Edinburgh, 1871]] |
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The expansion of rugby in the first half of the 19th century was driven by former pupils from many of England's [[Public school (United Kingdom)|public schools]], especially [[Rugby School|Rugby]], who, upon finishing school, took the game with them to universities, to London, and to the counties.<ref name="OriginsoRugby">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/originsofrugby.htm |title=Origins of Rugby |publisher=rugbyfootballhistory.com |access-date=16 February 2007 |archive-date=25 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525155221/http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/originsofrugby.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[1871 Scotland versus England rugby union match|England's first international match]] was against [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]] on 27 March 1871; not only was this England's first match, but it is also noted as being the first rugby union international.<ref name="ShortHist">{{cite web|url=http://www.rfu.com/TwickenhamStadium/WorldRugbyMuseum/RugbyHistory/WorldRugbyChron/1871-1888.aspx |title=World Rugby 1871–1888 |publisher=[[Rugby Football Union]] |website=rfu.com |access-date=16 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603122715/http://www.rfu.com/twickenhamstadium/worldrugbymuseum/rugbyhistory/worldrugbychron/1871-1888.aspx |archive-date=3 June 2013 }}</ref> Scotland won the match by one goal and a try to England's one unconverted try,<ref>{{cite book|title=Football: The Rugby Union Game |year=1892 |last=Marshall |first=Francis |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |orig-year=1892 |isbn=978-1-108-08394-2 |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_y-VAAAAAIAAJ/page/n156 140] |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_y-VAAAAAIAAJ|quote=a goal and a try to a try. }}</ref><ref name="Lewis">{{cite book|title=One Among Equals: England's International Rugby Captains |first=Steve |last=Lewis |publisher=Vertical Editions |year=2008 |isbn=978-190409131-8 |page=274}}</ref> in front of a crowd of 4,000 people at [[Raeburn Place]], Edinburgh.<ref name="Rugby1870s">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1870s.htm |title=Historical Rugby Milestones – 1870s |publisher=rugbyfootballhistory.com |access-date=16 February 2007 |archive-date=22 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622175956/http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1870s.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> A subsequent international took place at [[the Oval]] in London on 5 February 1872, when England defeated Scotland by a goal, a [[drop goal]] and two tries to Scotland's one drop goal.<ref name="First3Games">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/scotland/gamesplayed/9 |title=England vs Scotland > Games Played |website=rugbydata.com |access-date=16 February 2006 |archive-date=11 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311004309/http://www.rugbydata.com/england/scotland/gamesplayed/9 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="5Feb1872">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/scotland/game/1872/02/05 |title=5 February 1872 – The Oval, London, England |website=rugbydata.com |access-date=16 February 2007 |archive-date=11 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311014123/http://www.rugbydata.com/england/scotland/game/1872/02/05 |url-status=live }}</ref> The early matches did not use a structured points system; this would not be introduced until after 1890 when a suitable format for the scoring system had been devised.<ref name="Lewis"/> Up until 1875, international rugby matches were decided by the number of goals scored (conversions and dropped goals), but from 1876 the number of tries scored could be used to decide a match if the teams were level on goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scrum.com/statsguru/rugby/page/79004.html |title=Statistics explanation |publisher=Scrum.com |date=1 October 2008 |access-date=7 August 2011 |archive-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923175436/http://www.scrum.com/statsguru/rugby/page/79004.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" colspan="3">[[Image:kit_shorts.png]]</td> |
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In 1875, England played their first game against [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland]] at the Oval, winning by one goal, one drop goal and one try to nil;<ref name="Lewis"/> this was Ireland's first test match.<ref name="15feb1875">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/ireland/game/1875/02/15 |title=15 February 1875 – The Oval, London, England |website=rugbydata.com |access-date=16 February 2007 |archive-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330185542/http://www.rugbydata.com/england/ireland/game/1875/02/15 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IreFirstGames">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/ireland/gamesplayed/37 |title=Ireland > Games Played |website=rugbydata.com |access-date=16 February 2007 |archive-date=19 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419123601/http://www.rugbydata.com/ireland/gamesplayed/37 |url-status=live }}</ref> England defeated Scotland in 1880 to become the first winners of the [[Calcutta Cup]].<ref name="28Feb1880">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/scotland/game/1880/02/28 |title=28 February 1880 Whalley Range, Manchester, England. |website=rugbydata.com |access-date=19 February 2007 |archive-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330185215/http://www.rugbydata.com/england/scotland/game/1880/02/28 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Timelines1880s">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1880s.htm |title=Historical Rugby Milestones – 1880s |publisher=rugbyfootballhistory.com |access-date=19 February 2007 |archive-date=8 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908003424/http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1880s.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Their first match against [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] was played on 19 February 1881 at Richardson's Field in [[Blackheath, London|Blackheath]],<ref name="Timelines1880s"/><ref name="19Feb1881">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/wales/game/1881/02/19 |title=19 February 1881 Richardsons Field, Blackheath, England. |website=rugbydata.com |access-date=19 February 2007 |archive-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330163103/http://www.rugbydata.com/england/wales/game/1881/02/19 |url-status=live }}</ref> where England recorded their largest victory, winning by seven goals, six tries, and one drop goal to nil,<ref name="Lewis"/> and scoring 13 tries in the process.<ref name="19Feb1881"/> The subsequent meeting the following year at [[St. Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground|St. Helen's]] in Swansea was a closer contest, with England defeating Wales by two goals and four tries to nil.<ref name="Lewis"/><ref name="16Dec1882">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/wales/england/game/1882/12/16 |title=16 December 1882 St Helens, Swansea, Wales. |website=rugbydata.com |access-date=19 February 2007 |archive-date=30 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330182949/http://www.rugbydata.com/wales/england/game/1882/12/16 |url-status=live }}</ref> Two years later, England emerged as the inaugural winners at the first [[Six Nations Championship|Home Nations championship]].<ref name="SixNationsWinners">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/3422419.stm |title=Six Nations roll of honour |access-date=19 February 2007 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=19 January 2004 |archive-date=22 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522153028/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/3422419.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1889, they played their first match against a non-home nations team when they defeated the [[1888–89 New Zealand Native football team|New Zealand Natives]] at Rectory Field in Blackheath<ref name="NativeTour1888">{{cite web |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/760 |title=Unsporting behaviour? – the New Zealand Natives' rugby tour of 1888/89 |access-date=16 February 2007 |publisher=nzhistory.net.nz |archive-date=17 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717003512/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/nz-natives-rugby-tour/unsporting-behaviour |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NZNativesMatches">{{cite web |url=http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/757 |title=Matches played – New Zealand Natives' rugby tour of 1888/89 |publisher=nzhistory.net.nz |access-date=16 February 2007 |archive-date=17 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717003524/http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/nz-natives-rugby-tour/matches-played |url-status=live }}</ref> by one goal and four tries to nil.<ref name="Lewis"/> England shared the Home Nations trophy with Scotland in 1890.<ref name="RugbyHist6N">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/6nations.htm |title=6 Nations History |publisher=rugbyfootballhistory.com |access-date=2 September 2007 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712153215/http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/6nations.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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England first played [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] (known as the "All Blacks") in 1905 at [[Crystal Palace National Sports Centre|Crystal Palace]] in London. New Zealand scored five tries, worth three points at the time, to win 15–0.<ref name="ABGame79">{{cite web |url=http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?MT_ID=1079 |title=6th All Black Test : 79th All Black Game |publisher=allblacks.com |access-date=6 September 2007 |archive-date=7 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107185639/http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?MT_ID=1079 |url-status=live }}</ref> England played [[France national rugby union team|France]] for the first time in March 1906 in Paris, winning 35–8, and later that year they first faced [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]] (known as the "Springboks"), again at Crystal Palace. [[James Peters (rugby player)|James Peters]] was withdrawn from the England squad when the South Africans refused to play against a black player;<ref name="Darkie Peters">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/?xml=/sport/2007/07/04/nosplit/urimperfect.xml |title=50 imperfect sporting moments |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |date=4 July 2007 |location=London |first=Brendan |last=Gallagher |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708103914/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fsport%2F2007%2F07%2F04%2Fnosplit%2Furimperfect.xml |archive-date=8 July 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=9 December 2019 }}</ref> the match was drawn 3–3. England first played [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] (known as the "Wallabies") in January 1909 at Blackheath's Rectory Field, where they were defeated 9–3.<ref name="1900s">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1900s.htm |title=Historical Rugby Milestones 1900s |publisher=rugbyfootballhistory.com |access-date=1 August 2007 |archive-date=5 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405204952/http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1900s.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<td bgcolor="#000000" colspan="3">[[Image:kit_socks.png]]</td> |
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[[File:England vs allblacks Gillett 1905.jpg|thumb|Illustration by [[Edward Frank Gillett|Frank Gillett]] showing the England versus [[The Original All Blacks]] Test attended by a then-record crowd of at least 50,000. The New Zealanders won 15–0.]] |
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</table> |
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The year 1909 saw the opening of [[Twickenham Stadium]] as the RFU's new home, heralding a golden era for English rugby union. England's first international at Twickenham in 1910 brought them victory over Wales on their way to winning the [[Six Nations Championship|International Championship]] (known from then as the Five Nations) for the first time since [[1892 Home Nations Championship|1892]]. Although England did not retain the Five Nations title in 1911, they did share it (with Ireland) in 1912. England then achieved their first Five Nations [[Grand Slam (rugby union)|Grand Slam]] in 1913, another in 1914, and a third in 1921 after the First World War. A further two consecutive Grand Slams followed for the England team in 1924 and 1925,<ref name="SNHiistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/6nations.htm#1999 |title=6 Nations History |publisher=rugbyfootballhistory.com |access-date=1 August 2007 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712153215/http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/6nations.htm#1999 |url-status=live }}</ref> this despite having started 1925 with an 17–11 loss to the "[[The Invincibles (rugby union)|Invincibles]]" in front of 60,000 fans at Twickenham.<ref name="Invincibles">{{cite web |url=http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?level1=All_Blacks&Level2=ABC&MT_ID=1199 |title=30th All Black Test : 199th All Black Game |publisher=allblacks.com |access-date=1 August 2007 |archive-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Ch1vIb8r?url=http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?level1=All_Blacks |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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They play in an all white strip, (like the football team) with an emblem of a red [[rose]], instead of the [[Three Lions]] of the football and cricket teams. |
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After winning a sixth Grand Slam in 1928, England were subjected to a [[1931–32 South Africa rugby union tour of Britain and Ireland|7–0 defeat by the Springboks]] in front of 70,000 spectators at Twickenham in January 1932. Following the expulsion of France from the International Championship in 1931 due to professionalism, which reverted the Five Nations tournament back to the Home Nations,<ref name="SNHisBBC">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/1776391.stm |date=28 January 2002 |title=Six Nations history |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=1 August 2007 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110642/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/1776391.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> England proceeded to win the 1934 and 1937 championships with a [[Triple Crown (rugby union)|Triple Crown]], and achieved [[1935–36 New Zealand rugby union tour of Britain, Ireland and Canada|their first victory over the All Blacks]] at Twickenham in January 1936.<ref name="ABGame311">{{cite web |url=http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?level1=All_Blacks&Level2=ABC&MT_ID=1311 |title=52nd All Black Test: 311th All Black Game |publisher=allblacks.com |access-date=19 February 2007 |archive-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Ch1vIb8r?url=http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?level1=All_Blacks |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Polanski38-19">Polanski (2003), pp. 38–39.</ref> |
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When the Five Nations resumed with the readmission of France in 1947 after the Second World War, England shared the championship with Wales. The early Five Nations competitions of the 1950s were unsuccessful for England, winning one match in the 1950 and 1951 championships.<ref name="SNHiistory"/> England won the 1953 Five Nations, and followed this up with a Grand Slam in 1957, and win in 1958. England broke France's four-championship streak by winning the 1963 Championship.<ref name="SNHiistory"/> After this victory, England played three Tests in the Southern Hemisphere and lost all three: 21–11 and 9–6 against the All Blacks, and 18–9 against Australia.<ref name="RugbyData22">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/gamesplayed/22 |title=International Teams > England > Games Played |website=rugbydata.com |access-date=2 August 2007 |archive-date=5 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905140915/http://www.rugbydata.com/england/gamesplayed/22 |url-status=live }}</ref> England did not win a single match in 1966, and managed only a draw with Ireland. They did not win another Championship that decade. |
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[[Don White (footballer)|Don White]] was appointed as England's first coach in 1969. According to former Northampton player [[Bob Taylor (rugby union, born 1942)|Bob Taylor]], "Don was chosen because he was the most forward-thinking coach in England".<ref name="GuardianObit"/> His first match in charge was an 11–8 victory over South Africa at [[Twickenham Stadium|Twickenham]] in 1969.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Of the eleven games England played with White in charge they won three, and drew one and lost seven. He resigned as England coach in 1971.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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England had wins against Southern Hemisphere teams in the 1970s; with victories over South Africa in 1972, New Zealand in 1973 and Australia in 1973 and 1976. The [[1972 Five Nations Championship]] was not completed due to [[the Troubles]] in Northern Ireland when Scotland and Wales refused to play their Five Nations away fixtures in Ireland. England played in Dublin in 1973 and were given a standing ovation lasting five minutes. After losing 18–9 at [[Lansdowne Road]], the England captain, [[John Pullin]] famously stated, "We might not be very good but at least we turned up."<ref name="TurnedUp">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Content/displayPrintable.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/11/12/srackf12.xml&site=2&page=0 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913022816/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Content/displayPrintable.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/11/12/srackf12.xml&site=2&page=0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2012 |title=Breaking the losing streak |access-date=2 August 2007 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 November 2006 |last=Ackford |first=Paul }}</ref> |
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England started the following decade with a Grand Slam victory in the 1980 Five Nations – their first for 23 years.<ref name="1980GS">{{cite web |url=http://www.directart.co.uk/mall/more.php?ProdID=7798 |title=1980 Grand Slam by James Owen. |publisher=directart.co.uk |access-date=2 August 2007 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020090225/http://www.directart.co.uk/mall/more.php?ProdID=7798 |url-status=live }}</ref> However in the [[1983 Five Nations Championship]], England failed to win a game and picked up the [[Wooden spoon (award)|wooden spoon]].<ref name="WoodenSpoon">{{cite news|url=http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=196312007 |title=Vandal-hit youth club gets a fresh start in new premises |publisher=edinburghnews.scotsman.com |access-date=2 August 2007 |date=6 February 2007 |last=Mather |first=Adrian |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012152455/http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=196312007 |archive-date=12 October 2007 }}</ref> In the first [[1987 Rugby World Cup|Rugby World Cup]] in New Zealand and Australia, England were grouped in [[Group stage|pool]] A alongside Australia, [[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]] and the [[United States national rugby union team|United States]]. England lost their first game 19–6 against Australia. They went on to defeat Japan and the United States, and met Wales in their quarter-final, losing the match 16–3.<ref name="1987RWC">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/1987.asp |title=1987 Rugby World Cup Results |publisher=worldcupweb.com |access-date=2 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928025826/http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/1987.asp |archive-date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> |
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In 1989, England won matches against [[Romania national rugby union team|Romania]] and [[Fiji national rugby union team|Fiji]], followed by victories in their first three Five Nations games of 1990. They lost to Scotland in their last game however, giving Scotland a Grand Slam. England recovered in the following year by winning their first Grand Slam since 1980. England hosted the [[1991 Rugby World Cup|1991 World Cup]] and were in pool A, along with the All Blacks, [[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]] and the United States. Although they lost to the All Blacks in pool play, they qualified for a quarter-final going on to defeat France 19–10. England then defeated Scotland 9–6 to secure a place in the final against Australia which they lost 12–6.<ref name="1991RWC">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/1991.asp |title=1991 Rugby World Cup Results |publisher=worldcupweb.com |access-date=2 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928025833/http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/1991.asp |archive-date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> |
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The next year, England completed another Grand Slam and did not lose that year, including a victory over the Springboks. In the lead up to the [[1995 Rugby World Cup|1995 World Cup]] in South Africa, England completed another Grand Slam – their third in five years. In the World Cup, England defeated [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]], Italy and [[Samoa national rugby union team|Samoa]] in pool play and then defeated Australia 25–22 in their quarter-final. England's semi-final was dominated by the All Blacks and featured four tries, now worth five points each, by [[Jonah Lomu]]; England lost 45–29.<ref name="ABGame992">{{cite web |url=http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?MT_ID=1992 |title=289th All Black Test : 992nd All Black Game |publisher=allblacks.com |access-date=6 September 2007 |archive-date=7 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107185639/http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?MT_ID=1992 |url-status=live }}</ref> They then lost the third-place play-off match against France.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/1995.asp |title=1995 Rugby World Cup Results |publisher=worldcupweb.com |access-date=2 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716021625/http://worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/1995.asp |archive-date=16 July 2007 }}</ref> |
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=== Professional era === |
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England won their 20th Triple Crown title in 1997, but came second in the [[1997 Five Nations Championship|championship]] after a narrow 23–20 defeat against France at [[Twickenham Stadium|Twickenham]]. Sir [[Clive Woodward]] replaced [[Jack Rowell]] as the England head coach later that year. On 6 December 1997, England drew 26–26 with New Zealand at Twickenham, after being [[1997 South Africa rugby union tour of Europe|heavily defeated (29–11)]] by [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]] at the same venue the week before and by [[1997 New Zealand rugby union tour of Britain and Ireland|New Zealand (25–8)]] in Manchester two weeks previously. In 1998, [[1998 England rugby union tour of Australasia and South Africa|England toured Australia, New Zealand and South Africa]]; many of the experienced players were unavailable for what was to become nicknamed the "Tour from Hell" during which England lost all of their matches including a punishing 76–0 defeat by the Wallabies.<ref name="Times_TFH">{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tour-from-hell-that-left-some-players-burnt-bf39t5hgpgw |title=Tour from Hell that left some players burnt |date=9 November 2002 |first=Mark |last=Baldwin |newspaper=[[The Times]] |access-date=13 November 2019 |archive-date=13 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113141118/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tour-from-hell-that-left-some-players-burnt-bf39t5hgpgw |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC_TFH">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/6703425.stm |title=How do England bounce back? |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=2 August 2007 |date=30 June 2007 |last=Hodgetts |first=Rob |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110641/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/6703425.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In the last Five Nations match on 11 April 1999, with England poised to win the championship, Welsh centre [[Scott Gibbs]] sliced through six English tackles to score a try in the last minute, and the ensuing conversion by [[Neil Jenkins]] handed the final [[1999 Five Nations Championship|Five Nations title]] to Scotland.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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[[File:England world cup.jpg|thumb|left|Celebrations at [[Trafalgar Square]] after England's [[2003 Rugby World Cup|2003 World Cup]] victory]] |
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England commenced the new millennium by winning the inaugural [[2000 Six Nations Championship|Six Nations Championship]], although they lost their last match to Scotland.<ref name="2000SN">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/rugby_union/698769.stm |title=Brave Scots defeat England |work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=17 March 2007 |date=2 April 2000 |archive-date=6 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006055241/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/rugby_union/698769.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> They successfully defended their title [[2001 Six Nations Championship|the following year]], but missed out on the Grand Slam by losing 20–14 to Ireland in a postponed match at Lansdowne Road.<ref name="2001SN">{{cite news |url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/sixnationsrugby/story/0,,639954,00.html |title=The longest six nations ... with a sting in the tail |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=17 March 2007 |date=27 January 2002 |last=Wilcox |first=Greg |archive-date=21 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521075849/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/sixnationsrugby/story/0,,639954,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Although France won the [[2002 Six Nations Championship]], England defeated the other Home Nations teams to win the Triple Crown.<ref name="2002SN">{{cite news |url=http://sport.guardian.co.uk/sixnations2002/story/0,,672991,00.html |title=Clive is reluctantly happy |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=17 March 2007 |date=24 March 2002 |last=Aylwin |first=Michael |archive-date=17 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817093651/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/sixnations2002/story/0,,672991,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, England [[2002 England rugby union tour of Argentina|beat Argentina]] 26–18 in Buenos Aires,<ref name="Argentina2002">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/2060216.stm |title=Argentina beaten by England youngsters |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=17 March 2007 |date=22 May 2002 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/2060216.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and in the [[2002 end-of-year rugby union internationals|Autumn internationals]] they defeated New Zealand 31–28,<ref>{{cite news |last=Berlin |first=Peter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/11/sports/11iht-rugby_ed3_.html |title=RUGBY UNION : England makes history as All Blacks plot future |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 November 2002 |access-date=2 February 2014 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305145253/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/11/sports/11iht-rugby_ed3_.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Australia 32–31,<ref name="Aust2002">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/2484021.stm |title=England stun Aussies |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=18 March 2007 |date=16 November 2002 |last=Majendie |first=Matt |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/2484021.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and South Africa 53–3 at Twickenham.<ref name="SA2002">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/2506421.stm |title=England rout sorry Springboks |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=18 March 2007 |date=23 November 2002 |last=Standley |first=James |archive-date=2 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202202052/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/2506421.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[2003 Six Nations Championship]], England won the Grand Slam for the first time since 1995,{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} followed by wins over Australia and the All Blacks on their [[2003 England rugby union tour of the Southern Hemisphere|June summer tour]].{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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Going into the [[2003 Rugby World Cup|2003 World Cup]] as one of the tournament favourites,<ref name="RWC03Favourites">{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/event/story.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10459885 |title=RWC 2003: The All Blacks peak too early |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=2 September 2007 |date=26 August 2007 |last=Paul |first=Gregor |archive-date=30 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930013945/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/event/story.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10459885 |url-status=live }}</ref> England reached the [[2003 Rugby World Cup final|final]] on 22 November 2003 against host Australia. The game went into extra time with the score tied at 14–14; after one penalty apiece and with just seconds to spare, a match-winning drop goal by fly-half [[Jonny Wilkinson]] brought the final score to 20–17, making England rugby world champions for the first time. Not only was this England's first Rugby World Cup victory, but it was the nation's first world cup since the [[England national football team]] won the [[1966 FIFA World Cup]]. On 8 December, the England team were greeted by 750,000 supporters on a victory parade through London before meeting Queen [[Elizabeth II]] at [[Buckingham Palace]].<ref name="bigcrowd">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk_news/story/0,3604,1102874,00.html |title=England 750,000, Australia nil |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=2 September 2007 |date=9 December 2003 |last=Anthony |first=Andrew |archive-date=20 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020034755/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/dec/09/rugbyworldcup2003.rugbyunion |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[File:England rugby training at bath arp.jpg|thumb|The England national squad training for the 2007 Rugby World Cup at the [[University of Bath]]]] |
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England finished third in the [[2004 Six Nations Championship]] after losing their matches to both France and Ireland.<ref name="2004SN">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/3565059.stm |title=Six Nations: End of term report |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=27 March 2004 |access-date=21 February 2007 |last=Moore |first=Jonathon |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128124255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/3565059.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Clive Woodward resigned as head coach on 2 September and [[Andy Robinson]] was appointed to replace him.<ref name="WoodResign">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/3613610.stm |title=Woodward quits England |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=3 September 2004 |access-date=21 February 2007 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110641/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/3613610.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Robinson's first [[2005 Six Nations Championship|Six Nations campaign in 2005]] resulted in fourth place for England,<ref name="2005SNTables">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4366751.stm |title=Wonderful Wales exude joy of Six |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=21 February 2007 |date=21 March 2005 |last=Palmer |first=Bryn |archive-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101005653/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4366751.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and although they defeated Australia 26–16 at Twickenham in the [[2005 end-of-year rugby union internationals|Autumn internationals]],<ref name="AustEng051112">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4420364.stm |title=England 26–16 Australia |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=21 February 2007 |date=12 November 2005 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110711/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4420364.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> this was followed by a 23–19 loss to the All Blacks.<ref name="ABEng051119">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/2368525/Englands-onslaught-ends-in-gallant-failure.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |title=England's onslaught ends in gallant failure |last=Ackford |first=Paul |access-date=21 February 2007 |date=19 November 2005 |archive-date=19 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219013546/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/2368525/Englands-onslaught-ends-in-gallant-failure.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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A 25–14 loss to South Africa in the [[2006 end-of-year rugby union internationals|2006 Autumn internationals]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6177734.stm |title=England 14–25 South Africa |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=22 February 2007 |date=25 November 2006 |last=Standley |first=James |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130175105/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6177734.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> was England's eighth defeat in nine test matches, their worst losing streak. Andy Robinson resigned as head coach after this run, and attack coach [[Brian Ashton (rugby player)|Brian Ashton]] was appointed as his replacement in December.<ref name="AshtonCoach">{{cite news |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2006/12/21/2003341389 |title=Ashton confirmed as new England rugby head coach |work=The Taipei Times |location=Taiwan (ROC) |access-date=22 February 2007 |date=21 December 2006 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110644/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2006/12/21/2003341389 |url-status=live }}</ref> England started the [[2007 Six Nations Championship]] with a Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland.<ref name="EngSco1-07">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6320339.stm |title=England 42–20 Scotland |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=22 February 2007 |date=3 February 2007 |last=Harlow |first=Phil |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109160824/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6320339.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> That year's championship included a historic match at [[Croke Park]] which England lost 43–13, their heaviest defeat against Ireland.<ref name="RecordIreLoss">{{cite news |title=England suffer record defeat |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/02/24/urrup24.xml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012161556/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fsport%2F2007%2F02%2F24%2Furrup24.xml |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 October 2007 |access-date=6 September 2007 |date=24 February 2007 }}</ref> |
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At the [[2007 Rugby World Cup|2007 World Cup]], England were grouped in Pool A with Samoa, [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]], South Africa, and the United States. They progressed to the knockout stage despite a heavy 36–0 loss to South Africa, and narrowly defeated Australia 12–10 in the quarter-finals. England then faced hosts France in the semi-finals and triumphed 14–9 to qualify for the final, where they were subjected to a second defeat by the Springboks at this World Cup, losing the match 15–6. England followed up their World Cup disappointment with two consecutive second-place finishes in the Six Nations Championship, behind Wales ([[2008 Six Nations Championship|2008]]) and Ireland ([[2009 Six Nations Championship|2009]]). Former England team captain [[Martin Johnson (rugby union)|Martin Johnson]] took up the job of head coach in July 2008 but, unable to replicate his on-field success in the management role, he resigned in November 2011 following a miserable [[2011 Rugby World Cup|Rugby World Cup]] which featured a series of on- and off-field controversies and ended in quarter-final defeat by France.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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In March 2012, the [[Rugby Football Union]] appointed [[Stuart Lancaster (rugby union)|Stuart Lancaster]], the former Elite Rugby Director at [[Leeds Tykes|Leeds Carnegie]], as England's head coach.<ref>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Kitson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/29/stuart-lancaster-appointed-england-coach-rfu |title=Lancaster appointed England Coach |date=29 March 2012 |access-date=2 February 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122308/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/29/stuart-lancaster-appointed-england-coach-rfu |url-status=live }}</ref> He had previously been employed in the position on a short-term basis, assisted by existing forwards coach [[Graham Rowntree]], and [[Andy Farrell]]. Lancaster was considered a success in his first campaign as head coach: defending champions England took second place in the [[2012 Six Nations Championship]] after losing 19–12 to Wales at Twickenham, but successfully defended the Calcutta Cup by defeating Scotland 13–6 at [[Murrayfield]]. England finished the year on a high when they beat World Cup holders New Zealand 38–21 at Twickenham in the [[2012 end-of-year rugby union internationals|Autumn internationals]]; the England team dominated the match and completely outplayed the All Blacks, who had been unbeaten in 20 matches.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/newzealand/9718512/England-beat-the-All-Blacks-New-Zealand-media-reaction.html |title=England beat the All Blacks |website=Telegraph.co.uk |date=3 December 2012 |access-date=2 February 2014 |location=London |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109190010/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/newzealand/9718512/England-beat-the-All-Blacks-New-Zealand-media-reaction.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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At the [[2013 Six Nations Championship]], England again finished in second place behind Wales, and were deprived of the opportunity to win the Grand Slam for the first time since 2003 when defeated by Wales in Cardiff 30–3. It was the first time since 1974 that every team in the Six Nations managed to win at least three competition points (the equivalent of a win and a draw, or three draws). However, England retained the Calcutta Cup by defeating Scotland 38–18 at Twickenham. Lancaster took an experimental side on a [[2013 England rugby union tour of Argentina|summer tour of Argentina in 2013]]; after beating a [[South American XV|South American select XV]] on 2 June, England achieved a 2–0 series victory over Argentina, their first away series win against ''the Pumas'' for 32 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22923002 |title=Stuart Lancaster delight at England showing |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=16 June 2013 |access-date=2 February 2014 |archive-date=28 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228125132/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22923002 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In 2015, England hosted the [[2015 Rugby World Cup|Rugby World Cup]], but were eliminated in the pool stage.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fordyce |first=Tom |title=England's Rugby World Cup: Where did it all go wrong? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34438147 |access-date=10 October 2015 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=4 October 2015 |archive-date=7 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007032417/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34438147 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite this setback, and following the appointment of new head coach [[Eddie Jones (rugby union)|Eddie Jones]], England won the Grand Slam in the [[2016 Six Nations Championship]], and remained unbeaten for the whole of 2016, including a series whitewash of Australia in Sydney. They went on to equal the world record of 18 consecutive test wins with an impressive 61–21 victory over Scotland in securing the [[2017 Six Nations Championship]].{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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2018 began well for England, seeing off a spirited challenge from Italy 46–15, and winning a tight contest against Wales 12–6 in the first two rounds of the [[2018 Six Nations Championship|Six Nations]]. However, it wasn't until June before England recorded another win, as the team lost their remaining games against Scotland (25–13), France (22–16) and eventual Grand Slam winners Ireland (24–15) at home at Twickenham. A non-test loss against the [[Barbarian F.C.|Barbarians]] (63–45) followed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44273946 |title=England v Barbarians: Chris Ashton hat-trick inspires Baa-Baas to victory |date=27 May 2018 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=28 October 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507154126/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44273946 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On their [[2018 England rugby union tour of South Africa|summer tour of South Africa]], England lost the first two matches 42–39 and 23–12, after leading both early in the first half, before winning the third test 25–10 against a mostly second-string Springbok side. That autumn, after adding former New Zealand and United States coach [[John Mitchell (rugby union)|John Mitchell]] to the coaching setup, England won the return match against South Africa by a single point at 12–11, and lost an equally close contest with New Zealand 16–15, both in controversial circumstances.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/nov/03/england-south-africa-autumn-international-match-report |title=Owen Farrell's kicks and hits help England overcome South Africa |first=Paul |last=Rees |date=3 November 2018 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=5 May 2019 |archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505132228/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/nov/03/england-south-africa-autumn-international-match-report |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/nov/10/england-v-new-zealand-all-blacks-rugby-union-international-live |title=England 15-16 New Zealand: rugby union international – as it happened |first=James |last=Piercy |date=10 November 2018 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=5 May 2019 |archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505125048/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/nov/10/england-v-new-zealand-all-blacks-rugby-union-international-live |url-status=live }}</ref> England rounded out the year with wins over Japan (35–15) and Australia (37–18). The win over Australia continued an unbroken run of victories over the Wallabies under former Australia coach Eddie Jones.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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England finished second in the [[2019 Six Nations Championship]] having lost to Wales in Cardiff and drawn 38-38 with Scotland at Twickenham after leading 31-0. In the [[2019 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches]] they defeated Wales 33-19 at Twickenham before losing 13-6 in Cardiff. They then recorded their largest win over Ireland with a 57-15 victory at Twickenham before defeating Italy 37-0 at [[St James' Park]]. In the [[2019 Rugby World Cup]], England became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals following a 39-10 win over Argentina in [[Chōfu]]. After their final match was cancelled due to [[Typhoon Hagibis]], England topped [[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C|Pool C]] and faced Australia in the quarter-finals. England won the quarter-final 40-16, recording a seventh successive victory over Australia in the Wallabies' largest-ever Rugby World Cup defeat. England then defeated New Zealand in the semi-final, equalling their largest Rugby World Cup defeat with a 19-7 victory in which the All Blacks were kept scoreless for 57 minutes. On 2 November 2019, England were defeated 12-32 by South Africa in the [[2019 Rugby World Cup final]]. |
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In the [[2020 Six Nations Championship]], England were defeated 24-17 in their opening game against France in Paris before recording victories against Scotland at Murrayfield and Ireland and Wales at Twickenham. The tournament was then halted due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and resumed with the matches played in empty stadia in October. In the postponed matches, England recorded a bonus point win over Italy in Rome before France's defeat of Ireland by eight points meant that England won the championship on points difference. Due to the pandemic, the scheduled 2020 Autumn Internationals were replaced by the [[Autumn Nations Cup]]. England defeated [[Georgia national rugby union team|Georgia]], Wales and Ireland before facing France in the final match, winning 22-19 after extra time at Twickenham to secure the tournament. |
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England finished fifth in the [[2021 Six Nations Championship]], beating France and Italy but losing to all three home nations for the first time since 1976 and conceding defeat to Scotland at Twickenham for the first time since 1983. In the [[2021 end-of-year rugby union internationals|2021 autumn internationals]] England played three matches at Twickenham. They secured a 69-3 victory over Tonga, recorded their eighth successive victory against Australia and defeated world champions South Africa 27-26. |
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England finished third in the [[2022 Six Nations Championship]] after defeating Italy and Wales but losing to Ireland, France and Scotland. |
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England ended fourth in the [[2023 Six Nations Championship]]. England defeated Italy (31-14) and Wales (10-20) but was beaten by Scotland (23-29), France (10-53) and Ireland (29-16). |
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<!--This is only a SUMMARY of the history of the England team. If expanding, please expand the History of the England national rugby union team article instead: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_England_national_rugby_union_team--> |
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== Home stadium == |
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{{main article|Twickenham Stadium}} |
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[[File:Stade de Twickenham à Londres.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of Twickenham Stadium]] |
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[[File:Twickenham Rugby Pitch - England vs Australia.png|thumb|Twickenham before a match in November 2012]] |
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Twickenham is the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world. In the early years, the English rugby team used a number of venues in several different locations around England before settling at Twickenham Stadium in 1910. After sell-out matches at [[Crystal Palace National Sports Centre|Crystal Palace]] against New Zealand in 1905 and South Africa in 1906, the [[Rugby Football Union]] (RFU) decided to invest in their own ground and arranged for sportsman and entrepreneur [[Billy Williams (cricketer, born 1861)|Billy Williams]] to find a home ground for English Rugby. The land for the ground was purchased in 1907 for [[Pound sterling|£]]5,572 12[[Shilling|s]] and 6[[Old penny sterling|d]], and construction began the following year.<ref name="Twickenhamhist">{{cite web|url=http://www.rfu.com/TwickenhamStadium/WorldRugbyMuseum/RugbyHistory/StadiumChronology.aspx |title=Twickenham Stadium Time Line |publisher=[[Rugby Football Union]] |website=rfu.com |access-date=16 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115050016/http://www.rfu.com/TwickenhamStadium/WorldRugbyMuseum/RugbyHistory/StadiumChronology.aspx |archive-date=15 January 2012 }}</ref> |
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The first international match at Twickenham took place on 15 January 1910 between England and Wales. The home team ran out winners 11–6, beating Wales for the first time since 1898.<ref name="FirstTest">{{cite web |url=http://www.twickenham-museum.org.uk/detail.asp?ContentID=225 |publisher=twickenham-museum.org.uk |access-date=31 July 2007 |title=The Rugby ground |archive-date=1 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801030930/http://www.twickenham-museum.org.uk/detail.asp?ContentID=225 |url-status=live }}</ref> The stadium was expanded in 1927 and again in 1932, but there were no further upgrades until 1981 when a new South stand was built<ref>{{cite web |title=The History of Twickenham Stadium |date=30 March 2022 |url=https://www.twickenhamstadium.com/news/stadium/the-history-of-twickenham-stadium |publisher=Twickenham Stadium |access-date=8 February 2023}}</ref> and the 1990s when new North, East and West stands were built;<ref name="Twickenhamhist"/> the South stand was replaced in 2005 and 2006 to make the stadium into a complete bowl. England played their first test match at the redeveloped Twickenham on 5 November 2006 against the All Blacks,<ref name="CeleMatch">{{cite news |url=http://www2.rugbynetwork.net/main/s245/st106836.htm |title=England v New Zealand Celebration Match Twickenham |publisher=rugbynetwork.net |date=29 October 2006 |last=Price |first=Sally |access-date=31 July 2007 |archive-date=13 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013203435/http://www.rugbynetwork.net/main/s245/st106836.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> who won the match 41–20, dominating the England team in front of a record crowd of 82,076.<ref name="RuthlessABs">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/11/06/nosplit/srengl06.xml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012161551/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fsport%2F2006%2F11%2F06%2Fnosplit%2Fsrengl06.xml |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 October 2007 |title=Ruthless All Blacks make England pay |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Cleary |first=Mick |date=7 November 2006 |access-date=31 July 2007 }}</ref> |
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The pitch at Twickenham was replaced in June 2012 with a hybrid 'Desso' type, which uses artificial fibres entwined with real grass. This type of pitch surface is particularly hard wearing in wet conditions.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mairs|first=Gavin|title=Editor|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/9327536/Twickenham-to-get-a-new-pitch-as-part-of-75m-makeover-in-major-modernisation-ahead-of-2015-World-Cup.html|newspaper=Telegraph|date=12 June 2012|location=London|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107185639/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/9327536/Twickenham-to-get-a-new-pitch-as-part-of-75m-makeover-in-major-modernisation-ahead-of-2015-World-Cup.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== England home matches outside Twickenham === |
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Although England have played home matches almost exclusively at Twickenham since 1910, they have occasionally used alternative English venues. England home matches have been hosted at Leicester's [[Welford Road Stadium|Welford Road]] (1923), London's [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] (1992), [[Old Trafford]] (1997 and 2009), Huddersfield's [[McAlpine Stadium]] (twice in 1998),<ref name="Huddersfield">{{cite news |title=England not good enough |work=The Sunday Times |location=London |last=Jones |first=Stephen |date=22 November 1998}}</ref> Manchester's [[City of Manchester Stadium|Etihad Stadium]] (2015), and [[St James' Park]] in Newcastle upon Tyne (2019). |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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|- |
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! Date !! Team !! Result !! Venue !! {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
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|- |
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| [[History of rugby union matches between England and New Zealand|2nd December 1905]] |
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|{{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] |
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| align=center|0–15 |
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|[[Crystal Palace National Sports Centre|Crystal Palace]], [[London]] |
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| align=center|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbymuseum.co.nz/asp/container_pages/normal_menu/rmArticle.asp?IDID=150 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910224223/http://www.rugbymuseum.co.nz/asp/container_pages/normal_menu/rmArticle.asp?IDID=150 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-10 |title=THE 1905/06 'ORIGINALS' |publisher=rugbymuseum.co.nz |access-date=2008-06-18 }}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 10 February 1923 |
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| {{flagicon|Ireland|rugby union}} [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland]] |
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| align=center|23–5 |
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| [[Welford Road Stadium|Welford Road]], Leicester |
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| align=center|<ref name=rugbydataWelfordRoad>{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/grounds/england/leicester/welfordroad/ |title=Men's International Rugby Union: Games played at Welford Road, Leicester by England |website=RugbyData.com |access-date=2020-01-16 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116104052/http://www.rugbydata.com/england/grounds/england/leicester/welfordroad/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 17 October 1992 |
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| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]] |
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| align=center|26–13 |
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| [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]], London |
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| align=center|<ref name=rugbydataWembleyStadium>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/grounds/england/london/wembleystadium/ |title=Men's International Rugby Union: Games played at Wembley Stadium, London by England |website=RugbyData.com |access-date=2019-11-25}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 22 November 1997 |
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| {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] |
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| align=center|8–25 |
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| [[Old Trafford]], Manchester |
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| align=center|<ref name=rugbydataOldTrafford>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/grounds/england/manchester/oldtrafford/ |title=Men's International Rugby Union: Games played at Old Trafford, Manchester by England |website=RugbyData.com |access-date=2019-11-25}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 14 November 1998 |
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| {{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands national rugby union team|Netherlands]] |
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| align=center|110–0 |
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| [[Kirklees Stadium|McAlpine Stadium]], Huddersfield |
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| align=center|<ref name=rugbydataMcAlpineStadium>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbydata.com/england/grounds/england/huddersfield/mcalpinestadium/ |title=Men's International Rugby Union: Games played at McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield by England |website=RugbyData.com |access-date=2019-11-25}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 22 November 1998 |
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| {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]] |
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| align=center|23–15 |
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| [[Kirklees Stadium|McAlpine Stadium]], Huddersfield |
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| align=center|<ref name=rugbydataMcAlpineStadium /> |
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|- |
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| 6 June 2009 |
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| {{flagicon|Argentina}} [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]] |
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| align=center|37–15 |
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| [[Old Trafford]], Manchester{{ref label|a|a}} |
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| align=center|<ref name=rugbydataOldTrafford /> |
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|- |
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| 10 October 2015 |
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| {{flagicon|Uruguay}} [[Uruguay national rugby union team|Uruguay]] |
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| align=center|60–3 |
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| [[City of Manchester Stadium|Etihad Stadium]], Manchester{{ref label|b|b}} |
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| align=center|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/etihad-stadium-chosen-one-venues-3316664 |title=Etihad Stadium chosen to host match for 2015 Rugby World Cup |date=2013-05-02 |first=Denise |last=Evans |newspaper=[[Manchester Evening News]] |access-date=2020-01-16 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116111618/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/etihad-stadium-chosen-one-venues-3316664 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 6 September 2019 |
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| {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]] |
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| align=center|37–0 |
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| [[St James' Park]], Newcastle upon Tyne |
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| align=center|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.autumn-internationals.co.uk/2019/england-v-italy.html |title=Autumn Internationals: England v Italy Match Reports |website=autumn-internationals.co.uk |date=6 September 2019 |access-date=2020-01-16 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116104616/https://www.autumn-internationals.co.uk/2019/england-v-italy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|} |
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<span style="font-size:95%">{{note label|a|a}}The first of a two-test series, this match was originally scheduled to be held in Argentina but moved by the [[Argentine Rugby Union]] for financial reasons.<ref>{{cite news |title=England to play at Old Trafford |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/7867120.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=3 February 2009 |access-date=17 January 2010 |archive-date=6 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206085939/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/7867120.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><br /> |
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{{note label|b|b}}This was a Pool A match at the [[2015 Rugby World Cup]].</span> |
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England also played a Five Nations match against Wales at Wembley Stadium on 11 April 1999. Wales was the "home team" on this occasion because Wembley was being used as a temporary base while their [[Millennium Stadium|new stadium]] in Cardiff was being constructed. Wales won the match 32–31.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/rugby-union/35712339 |title=Scrum V Classic: Wales v England 1999 |date=2016-03-03 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |format=audio/video |access-date=2020-01-16 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815185655/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/rugby-union/35712339 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=23565&league=180659 |title=Gibbs' heroics deny Grand Slam dream |date=1999-04-11 |first=Richard |last=Seeckts |work=[[ESPN]] |access-date=2020-01-16 |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814012336/https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=23565&league=180659 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" === |
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{{main article|Swing Low, Sweet Chariot}} |
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"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is commonly sung at England fixtures – especially at Twickenham. In the last match of the 1988 season, against Ireland, three of England's tries were scored by [[Chris Oti]]. A group of boys from the Benedictine school [[Douai School|Douai]], following a tradition at their school games, sang the song on his final try, and other spectators around the ground joined in.<ref>{{cite news |first=Oliver |last=Price |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/feb/05/rugbyunion.features |title=Blood, mud and aftershave |work=[[The Observer]] |date=5 February 2006 |at=O is for Oti |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305011036/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/feb/05/rugbyunion.features |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SwingLow2">{{cite web |title=The story behind "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and how it became a rugby anthem |url=http://www.everyhit.com/stories/swing_low_sweet_chariot.html |publisher=everyhit.com |access-date=8 October 2007 |archive-date=23 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623041209/http://www.everyhit.com/stories/swing_low_sweet_chariot.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Since then "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" became a song to sing at England home games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7049496.stm#jokes |title=All you need to know about rugby: Rugby songs and jokes |first=Tom |last=Geoghegan |work=[[BBC News]] |date=19 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022080027/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7049496.stm |archive-date=22 October 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1991, the RFU marketing director Mike Coley for the team to launch a song leading up to that year's Rugby World Cup. He had wanted to use "[[And did those feet in ancient time|Jerusalem]]", but it was used in the [[1990–91 Challenge Cup|Rugby League Challenge Cup]] final that year, so the song was changed at short notice to "Swing Low".{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} There were a number of versions recorded and the version released did reach the top 40 in the [[UK Singles Chart]] during the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.everyhit.com/stories/swing_low_sweet_chariot.html |title=Swing Low Sweet Chariot as an England Rugby Anthem |publisher=everyhit.com |access-date=28 October 2009 |archive-date=23 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623041209/http://www.everyhit.com/stories/swing_low_sweet_chariot.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== Playing kit == |
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{{commons|England national rugby union team kits}} |
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[[File:Tom Palmer 2011 cropped.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Tom Palmer (rugby union)|Tom Palmer]] wearing the traditional white England shirt at the [[2011 Rugby World Cup|2011 World Cup]]]] |
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England rugby union players typically wear all-white jerseys and white shorts, with predominantly navy blue socks. The emblem on the jerseys is a red [[rose]]. As of July 2023, the strip is manufactured by [[Umbro]] and the shirt sponsor is [[O2 (brand)|O<sub>2</sub>]]. The [[Away colours|away strip]] is usually red or dark grey (described as "anthracite");<ref>[https://www.umbro.co.uk/blog/umbro-and-england-rugby-unveil-2022-23-home-and-alternate-kits Umbro And England Rugby Unveil 2022/23 Home & Alternative Kits] at Umbro, 26 Aug 2022</ref> prior to the introduction of the grey strip, red was the traditional change colour. Navy blue has also been used in the past and was reintroduced for the 2016–17 and 2020–21 seasons.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2016/08/31/england-rugby-reveal-navy-blue-alternate-kit-for-autumn-test-ser/ England rugby reveal navy blue alternate kit for autumn Test series match with Fiji] on ''The Telegraph'', 31 Aug 2016</ref> Purple was used during the 2009 autumn internationals, reflecting the traditional colour of the original England [[tracksuit]]s from the 1960s until the 1980s.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/dec/02/england-rugby-purple-strip-sales Purple reign: England rugby fans sold on alternative away kit] at ''The Guardian'', 2 Dec 2009</ref> The away strip was black for the first time during the [[2011 Rugby World Cup]]. About that kit, the RFU stated that they had requested approval from the New Zealand Union, which said "it has no qualms with England wearing the strip".<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/15/england-rugby-black-shirts RFU gets green light for England to wear all-black kit at World Cup] at ''The Guardian''</ref> |
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[[File:England rugby shirt rose 1871.svg|thumb|100px|The red rose has been the emblem of England since the first international v Scotland in 1871]] |
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The [[Rugby Football Union]] (RFU) had created the national side's emblem prior to an English team being sent to [[Edinburgh]] to play a Scottish side. A red rose was chosen to be the side's emblem.<ref name="rose">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s245/st74325.htm |title=England's Rose – The Official History |date=3 June 2005 |publisher=Unofficial England Rugby Union |access-date=15 February 2007 |archive-date=29 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029023853/http://www.rugbynetwork.net/main/s245/st74325.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The white kit worn by the national team was taken from the kit used at [[Rugby School]].<ref name="rose"/> Alfred Wright, an employee of the Rugby Football Union, is credited with the standardisation and new design of the rose, which up until 1920 had undergone many variations in its depiction.<ref name="rose"/> The Wright design is thought to have been used without minor alteration until the late 1990s.<ref name="rose"/> It was not until 1997 that the rose was modernised,<ref>{{cite web |title=Legal implications of the RFU's merchandise defeat – Marketing Week |url=https://www.marketingweek.com/legal-implications-of-the-rfus-merchandise-defeat/ |website=archive.vn |date=5 March 2021 |access-date=4 June 2022 |archive-date=5 March 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210305110514/https://www.marketingweek.com/legal-implications-of-the-rfus-merchandise-defeat/ |url-status=live }}</ref> when Nike became the official strip supplier (with the stem section of the rose being green rather than brown as previously).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Match Worn England Jersey 1985 – Nigel Melville – Two Halves |url=https://twohalves.co.nz/product/nigelmelville1985/ |access-date=2023-04-07 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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In 2003, England first used a skin-tight strip. This was intended to make it more difficult for the opposition to grasp the shirt when tackling.<ref name="TightStrip">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/3190313.stm |title=England trial World Cup kit |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=6 September 2007 |date=29 August 2003 |archive-date=16 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116190008/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/3190313.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Kit providers === |
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{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center" |
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|- |
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! Year !! Kit manufacturer !! Main shirt sponsor |
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|- |
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| 1960s ||style="text-align:left"| {{flagicon|England}} [[Lillywhites]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rugbyrelics.com/Museum/memorabilia/jerseys/england.htm|title=ENGLAND RUGBY JERSEYS - WORLD RUGBY MUSEUM|website=Rugbyrelics.com|access-date=8 March 2021|archive-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112051331/http://www.rugbyrelics.com/Museum/memorabilia/jerseys/england.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ||align=center| — |
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|- |
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| 1970s–1983 ||style="text-align:left"| {{flagicon|England}} [[Umbro]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rugbyrelics.com/museum/biogs/england/slemen.htm|title=The Mike Slemen Collection - World Rugby Museum|website=Rugbyrelics.com|access-date=8 March 2021|archive-date=8 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208210523/http://www.rugbyrelics.com/museum/biogs/england/slemen.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ||align=center| — |
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|- |
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| 1984–1990 ||style="text-align:left"| {{flagicon|England}} [[Bukta]] ||align=center| — |
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|- |
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| 1991–1997 ||style="text-align:left"| {{flagicon|England}} [[Cotton Traders]] || [[O2 (UK)|BT Cellnet]] (1996–June 2002) |
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|- |
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| 1997–2012 ||style="text-align:left"| {{flagicon|United States}} [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] ||rowspan=3|[[O2 (brand)|O2]] (June 2002–''present'') |
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|- |
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| 2012–2020 ||style="text-align:left"| {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Canterbury of New Zealand|Canterbury]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9119457/Nike-loses-England-rugby-shirt-deal-to-Canterbury.html|title=Nike loses England rugby shirt deal to Canterbury|work=Daily Telegraph|date=2 March 2012|first=Harry|last=Wallop|access-date=30 October 2019|archive-date=30 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030155950/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9119457/Nike-loses-England-rugby-shirt-deal-to-Canterbury.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 2020–''present'' ||style="text-align:left"| {{flagicon|England}} [[Umbro]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=RFU|url=https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/umbro-to-become-official-england-rugby-kit-partner|website=Englandrugby.com|access-date=2020-05-05|archive-date=6 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506232252/https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/umbro-to-become-official-england-rugby-kit-partner|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ruck.co.uk/confirmed-england-announce-theyre-dumping-canterbury-for-new-kit-provider/|title=CONFIRMED {{!}} England announce they're dumping Canterbury for new kit provider|work=Ruck|date=5 May 2020|access-date=5 May 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724180058/https://www.ruck.co.uk/confirmed-england-announce-theyre-dumping-canterbury-for-new-kit-provider/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|- |
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|} |
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== Performances == |
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=== Six Nations === |
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England competes annually in the [[Six Nations Championship]], which is played against five other European nations: France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. The Six Nations started out as the Home Nations Championship in 1883 which England won with a [[Triple Crown (rugby union)|Triple Crown]]. England have won the title outright 29 times (a record for the tournament) and shared victory ten times. Their longest wait between championships was 18 years (1892–1910). During the Six Nations, England also contests the [[Calcutta Cup]] with Scotland (which England first won in 1880) and the [[Millennium Trophy]] with Ireland (which England first won in 1988). The matches between England and France are traditionally known as "[[Le Crunch]]". |
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{{Six Nations wins}} |
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'''Note:''' England are the only team to have won more than two successive grand slams, on more than one occasion, doing so in 1913–1914, 1923–1924 and 1991–1992; while Wales and France the only other teams to have done so twice, in 1908–1909 for Wales and 1997–1998 for France. |
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=== Test series victories=== |
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{{see also|List of England national rugby union team Test Series}} |
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* {{ru|AUS}} – 2016, 2022 |
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* {{ru|ARG}} – 1981, 2002, 2013, 2017 |
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* {{ru|JPN}} – 1971, 1979 |
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* {{ru|FIJ}} – 1973, 1989, 1991 |
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* {{ru|USA}} – 2001 |
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* {{ru|CAN}} – 2001 |
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* {{ru|Romania}} – 1989 |
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* {{ru|Ceylon}} – 1971 |
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England have previously played one or more series against these nations, but have never won an overall test series against them: |
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* {{ru|RSA}} |
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* {{ru|NZL}} |
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=== Rugby World Cup === |
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{{Main article|England at the Rugby World Cup}} |
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{{England Rugby World Cup record}} |
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{{See also|List of England national rugby union team tours and series|List of England national rugby union team matches}} |
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England have contested every [[Rugby World Cup]] since the tournament began in 1987, reaching the final four times and winning the title in [[2003 Rugby World Cup|2003]]. |
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In the [[1987 Rugby World Cup|inaugural tournament]], England finished second in their pool before losing to Wales in the quarter-finals. They again finished pool runners-up in [[1991 Rugby World Cup|1991]] but recovered to beat France in the quarter-finals, and then Scotland in the semi-finals, en route to a 12–6 final defeat to Australia at Twickenham on 2 November 1991. |
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In [[1995 Rugby World Cup|1995]], England topped their pool and defeated Australia 25–22 at the quarter-final stage before being beaten by the All Blacks in the semi-final. Their [[1995 Rugby World Cup#Third-place play-off|third-place play-off]] match against France was lost 19–9. |
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In the [[1999 Rugby World Cup|1999 tournament]], England again finished second in their pool. Although they proceeded to win a play-off game against Fiji, they went out of the tournament in the quarter-finals, losing 44–21 to South Africa. |
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England came top of their pool in [[2003 Rugby World Cup|2003]] and progressed to the final, beating Wales and France in the quarter- and semi-finals. With a drop goal in the last minute of extra time, England won the final 20–17 against Australia in Sydney on 22 November 2003. |
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England made a poor start to their defence of the World Cup in [[2007 Rugby World Cup|2007]], with a below par victory over the United States and a heavy 36–0 defeat to South Africa, leaving the title holders on the brink of elimination at the pool stage. Improved performances against Samoa and Tonga ensured that England again reached the knockout stage as pool runners-up, before a surprise 12–10 defeat of Australia in the quarter-finals followed by a narrow 14–9 victory over the host nation carried England to a second successive final appearance. In the final, held in Paris on 20 October, England lost 15–6 to South Africa, their second defeat by the Springboks during the 2007 tournament. |
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England reached the quarter-final stage in [[2011 Rugby World Cup|2011]], losing 19–12 to France. |
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In [[2015 Rugby World Cup|2015]], England became the first sole host nation to fail to qualify for the knockout stage, after losing to Wales and Australia in the pool stage. |
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In [[2019 Rugby World Cup|2019]], England finished top of their pool before defeating Australia and New Zealand in the knockout stage. On 2 November 2019, they suffered a 32–12 final defeat to South Africa in Yokohama, becoming World Cup runners-up for the third time. |
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England's [[Jonny Wilkinson]] is the highest points scorer in the Rugby World Cup, having scored 277 points between 1999 and 2011. England have the fourth most points and the fourth most tries scored in the Rugby World Cup. |
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=== Recent results === |
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The following is a list of England's recent match results, as well as upcoming scheduled fixtures, during the 12 months up to September 2024: |
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{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} |
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{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} |
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{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} |
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{{legend2|#FFFFFF|Fixture|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 9 September 2023 |
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|time = 21:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[UTC+2]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}} |
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|score = 27–10 |
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|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/857375/ford-inspires-england-to-27-10-win-over-argentina-in-marseille Report] |
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|away = {{ru|ARG}} |
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|pen1 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (6/6) 10', 46', 54', 59', 66', 75' |
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|drop1 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (3/3) 27', 31', 37' |
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|try2 = [[Rodrigo Bruni|Bruni]] 79' c |
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|con2 = [[Emiliano Boffelli|Boffelli]] (1/1) 80' |
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|pen2 = [[Emiliano Boffelli|Boffelli]] (1/2) 5' |
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|stadium = [[Stade Vélodrome]], [[Marseille]] |
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|attendance = 63,118 |
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|referee = [[Mathieu Raynal]] ([[French Rugby Federation|France]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 17 September 2023 |
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|time = 21:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[UTC+2]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}} |
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|score = 34–12 |
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|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/864205/eng-34-12-jpn-england-get-a-heads-up-to-beat-japan Report] |
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|away = {{ru|JPN}} |
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|try1 = [[Lewis Ludlam|Ludlam]] 24' c<br />[[Courtney Lawes|Lawes]] 56' c<br />[[Freddie Steward|Steward]] 66' c<br />[[Joe Marchant (rugby union)|Marchant]] 80+1' c |
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|con1 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (4/4) 26', 56', 67', 80+1' |
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|pen1 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (2/3) 4', 42' |
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|pen2 = [[Rikiya Matsuda|Matsuda]] (4/4) 15', 23', 32', 54' |
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|stadium = [[Allianz Riviera]], [[Nice]] |
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|attendance = 30,500 |
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|referee = [[Nika Amashukeli]] ([[Georgian Rugby Union|Georgia]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 23 September 2023 |
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|time = 17:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[UTC+2]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}} |
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|score = 71–0 |
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|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/868180/eng-71-0-chi-five-tries-by-arundell-as-england-win Report] |
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|away = {{ru|CHI}} |
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|try1 = [[Henry Arundell|Arundell]] (5) 20' m, 30' m, 48' c, 60' c, 69' m<br />[[Theo Dan|Dan]] (2) 24' c, 45' c<br />[[Bevan Rodd|Rodd]] 35' c<br />[[Marcus Smith (rugby union)|Smith]] (2) 40' c, 77' c<br />[[Jack Willis (rugby union)|Willis]] 80' c |
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|con1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (8/11) 25', 36', 40+2', 46', 49', 62', 78', 80+1' |
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|stadium = [[Stade Pierre-Mauroy]], [[Villeneuve-d'Ascq]] |
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|attendance = 44,315 |
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|referee = [[Jaco Peyper]] ([[South African Rugby Union|South Africa]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 7 October 2023 |
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|time = 17:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[UTC+2]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}} |
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|score = 18–17 |
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|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/875159/eng-18-17-sam-care-leaves-it-late-for-england Report] |
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|away = {{ru|SAM}} |
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|try1 = [[Ollie Chessum|Chessum]] 9' m<br />[[Danny Care|Care]] 73' c |
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|con1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (1/2) 74' |
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|pen1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (2/3) 18', 58' |
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|try2 = [[Nigel Ah Wong|Ah Wong]] (2) 22' c, 29' c |
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|con2 = [[Lima Sopoaga|Sopoaga]] (2/2) 24', 30' |
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|pen2 = [[Lima Sopoaga|Sopoaga]] (1/2) 48' |
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|stadium = [[Stade Pierre-Mauroy]], [[Villeneuve-d'Ascq]] |
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|attendance = 47,891 |
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|referee = [[Andrew Brace]] ([[Irish Rugby Football Union|Ireland]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 15 October 2023 |
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|time = 17:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[UTC+2]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}} |
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|score = 30–24 |
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|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/880083/eng-30-24-fji-england-end-fiji-dreams-in-marseille Report] |
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|away = {{ru|FIJ}} |
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|try1 = [[Manu Tuilagi|Tuilagi]] 14' m<br />[[Joe Marchant (rugby union)|Marchant]] 23' c |
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|con1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (1/2) 23' |
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|pen1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (5/6) 11', 34', 38', 54', 78' |
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|drop1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (1/1) 72' |
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|try2 = [[Viliame Mata|Mata]] 28' c<br />[[Peni Ravai|Ravai]] 64' c<br />[[Vilimoni Botitu|Botitu]] 68' c |
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|con2 = [[Frank Lomani|Lomani]] (1/1) 29'<br />[[Simione Kuruvoli (rugby union)|Kuruvoli]] (2/2) 65', 70' |
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|pen2 = [[Frank Lomani|Lomani]] (1/3) 20' |
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|stadium = [[Stade Vélodrome]], [[Marseille]] |
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|attendance = 61,863 |
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|referee = [[Mathieu Raynal]] ([[French Rugby Federation|France]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 21 October 2023 |
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|time = 21:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[UTC+2]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}} |
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|score = 15–16 |
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|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/883647/eng-15-16-rsa-match-analysis Report] |
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|away = {{ru|RSA}} |
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|pen1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (4/4) 3', 10', 24', 39' |
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|drop1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (1/1) 53' |
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|try2 = [[RG Snyman|Snyman]] 69' c |
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|con2 = [[Handré Pollard|Pollard]] (1/1) 70' |
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|pen2 = [[Manie Libbok|Libbok]] (1/1) 21'<br />[[Handré Pollard|Pollard]] (2/2) 35', 78' |
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|stadium = [[Stade de France]], [[Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis|Saint-Denis]] |
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|attendance = 78,098 |
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|referee = [[Ben O'Keeffe]] ([[New Zealand Rugby|New Zealand]]) |
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|result = L |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 27 October 2023 |
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|time = 21:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[UTC+2]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|ARG}} |
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|score = 23–26 |
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|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/886547/arg-23-26-eng-england-claim-third-place Report] |
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|away = {{ru|ENG}} |
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|try1 = [[Tomás Cubelli|Cubelli]] 36' c<br />[[Santiago Carreras|S. Carreras]] 42' c |
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|con1 = [[Emiliano Boffelli|Boffelli]] (2/2) 37', 43' |
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|pen1 = [[Emiliano Boffelli|Boffelli]] (2/2) 24', 50'<br />[[Nicolás Sánchez (rugby union)|Sánchez]] (1/2) 68' |
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|try2 = [[Ben Earl|Earl]] 8' c<br />[[Theo Dan|Dan]] 44' c |
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|con2 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (2/2) 9', 45' |
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|pen2 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (4/4) 3', 13', 30', 65' |
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|stadium = [[Stade de France]], [[Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis|Saint-Denis]] |
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|attendance = 77,674 |
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|referee = [[Nic Berry]] ([[Rugby Australia|Australia]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 3 February 2024 |
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|time = 15:15 [[Central European Time|CET]] ([[UTC+1]]) |
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|team1 = {{ru-rt|ITA}} |
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|score = 24–27 |
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|report = [https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/matches/2024/italy-v-england-03022024-1515 Report] |
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|team2 = {{ru|ENG}} |
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|try1 = [[Alessandro Garbisi|A. Garbisi]] 10' c<br />[[Tommaso Allan|Allan]] 25' c<br />[[Monty Ioane|Ioane]] 80+4' c |
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|con1 = [[Tommaso Allan|Allan]] (2/2) 12', 26'<br />[[Paolo Garbisi|P. Garbisi]] (1/1) 80+5' |
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|pen1 = [[Tommaso Allan|Allan]] (1/2) 4' |
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|try2 = [[Elliot Daly|Daly]] 19' m<br />[[Alex Mitchell (rugby union)|Mitchell]] 44' c |
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|con2 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (1/2) 45' |
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|pen2 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (5/5) 15', 32', 37', 53', 66' |
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|stadium = [[Stadio Olimpico]], [[Rome]] |
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|attendance = 57,000 |
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|referee = [[Paul Williams (referee)|Paul Williams]] ([[New Zealand Rugby|New Zealand]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 10 February 2024 |
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|time = 16:45 [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]] ([[UTC+0]]) |
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|team1 = {{ru-rt|ENG}} |
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|score = 16–14 |
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|report = [https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/matches/2024/england-v-wales-10022024-1645 Report] |
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|team2 = {{ru|WAL}} |
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|try1 = [[Ben Earl|Earl]] 19' m<br />[[Fraser Dingwall|Dingwall]] 62' m |
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|pen1 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (2/2) 47', 71' |
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|try2 = [[Try (rugby)#Penalty try|Penalty try]] 16'<br />[[Alex Mann (rugby union)|Mann]] 37' c |
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|con2 = [[Ioan Lloyd|Lloyd]] (1/1) 38' |
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|stadium = [[Twickenham Stadium]], [[London]] |
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|attendance = 81,596 |
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|referee = [[James Doleman]] ([[New Zealand Rugby|New Zealand]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 24 February 2024 |
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|time = 16:45 [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]] ([[UTC+0]]) |
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|team1 = {{ru-rt|SCO}} |
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|score = 30–21 |
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|report = [https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/matches/2024/scotland-v-england-24022024-1645 Report] |
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|team2 = {{ru|ENG}} |
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|try1 = [[Duhan van der Merwe|Van der Merwe]] (3) 19' c, 29' c, 44' c |
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|con1 = [[Finn Russell|Russell]] (3/3) 20', 30', 46' |
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|pen1 = [[Finn Russell|Russell]] (3/3) 34', 56', 65' |
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|try2 = [[George Furbank|Furbank]] 4' c<br />[[Immanuel Feyi-Waboso|Feyi-Waboso]] 66' m |
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|con2 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (1/1) 6' |
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|pen2 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (2/2) 14', 49' |
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|drop2 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (1/1) 35' |
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|stadium = [[Murrayfield Stadium]], [[Edinburgh]] |
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|attendance = 67,144 |
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|referee = [[Andrew Brace]] ([[Irish Rugby Football Union|Ireland]]) |
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|result = L |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 9 March 2024 |
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|time = 16:45 [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]] ([[UTC+0]]) |
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|team1 = {{ru-rt|ENG}} |
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|score = 23–22 |
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|report = [https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/matches/2024/england-v-ireland-09032024-1645 Report] |
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|team2 = {{ru|IRE}} |
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|try1 = [[Ollie Lawrence|Lawrence]] 4' m<br />[[George Furbank|Furbank]] 48' m<br />[[Ben Earl|Earl]] 60' c |
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|con1 = [[Marcus Smith (rugby union)|Smith]] (1/1) 61' |
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|pen1 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (1/2) 17' |
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|drop1 = [[Marcus Smith (rugby union)|Smith]] (1/1) 80+1' |
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|try2 = [[James Lowe (rugby union)|Lowe]] (2) 44' m, 73' m |
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|pen2 = [[Jack Crowley|Crowley]] (4/4) 3', 20', 35', 40+1' |
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|stadium = [[Twickenham Stadium]], [[London]] |
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|attendance = 81,686 |
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|referee = [[Nika Amashukeli]] ([[Georgian Rugby Union|Georgia]]) |
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|result = W |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 16 March 2024 |
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|time = 21:00 [[Central European Time|CET]] ([[UTC+1]]) |
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|team1 = {{ru-rt|FRA}} |
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|score = 33–31 |
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|report = [https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/matches/2024/france-v-england-16032024-2100 Report] |
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|team2 = {{ru|ENG}} |
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|try1 = [[Nolann Le Garrec|Le Garrec]] 20' c<br />[[Léo Barré|Barré]] 56' c<br />[[Gaël Fickou|Fickou]] 60' c |
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|con1 = [[Thomas Ramos (rugby union)|Ramos]] (3/3) 21', 57', 61' |
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|pen1 = [[Thomas Ramos (rugby union)|Ramos]] (4/5) 17', 31', 35', 79' |
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|try2 = [[Ollie Lawrence|Lawrence]] (2) 40+1' c, 42' c<br />[[Marcus Smith (rugby union)|Smith]] 45' c<br />[[Tommy Freeman (rugby union)|Freeman]] 75' c |
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|con2 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (4/4) 40+2', 43', 47', 76' |
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|pen2 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (1/1) 11' |
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|stadium = [[Parc Olympique Lyonnais]], [[Décines-Charpieu]] |
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|attendance = 60,000 |
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|referee = [[Angus Gardner]] ([[Rugby Australia|Australia]]) |
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|result = L |
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}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
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|date = 22 June 2024 |
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|time = 14:50 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]]) |
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|team1 = {{ru-rt|JPN}} |
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|score = 17–52 |
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|report = [https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/match-centre/summer-series-24-japan-england#report Report] |
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|team2 = {{ru|ENG}} |
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|try1 = [[Koga Nezuka|Nezuka]] 66' c<br />[[Takuya Yamasawa|Yamasawa]] 69' c |
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|con1 = [[Rikiya Matsuda|Matsuda]] (2/2) 67', 70' |
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|pen1 = [[Lee Seung-sin|Lee]] (1/1) 3' |
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|try2 = [[Chandler Cunningham-South|Cunningham-South]] 14' c<br />[[Marcus Smith (rugby union)|M. Smith]] 25' c<br />[[Immanuel Feyi-Waboso|Feyi-Waboso]] 29' c<br />[[Henry Slade (rugby union)|Slade]] 40+2' m<br />[[Alex Mitchell (rugby union)|Mitchell]] 43' c<br />[[Ben Earl|Earl]] 50' m<br />[[Harry Randall (rugby union)|Randall]] 58' c<br />[[Sam Underhill|Underhill]] 77' c |
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|con2 = [[Marcus Smith (rugby union)|M. Smith]] (4/6) 15', 26', 30', 44'<br />[[Henry Slade (rugby union)|Slade]] (2/2) 59', 78' |
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|stadium = [[Japan National Stadium]], [[Tokyo]] |
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|attendance = 44,029 |
|||
|referee = [[Luc Ramos]] ([[French Rugby Federation|France]]) |
|||
|result = W |
|||
}} |
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---- |
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{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
|||
|date = 6 July 2024 |
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|time = 19:05 [[Time in New Zealand|NZST]] ([[UTC+12:00|UTC+12]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|NZL}} |
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|score = |
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|report = |
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|away = {{ru|ENG}} |
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|try1 = |
|||
|con1 = |
|||
|pen1 = |
|||
|drop1 = |
|||
|try2 = |
|||
|con2 = |
|||
|pen2 = |
|||
|drop2 = |
|||
|stadium = [[Forsyth Barr Stadium]], [[Dunedin]] |
|||
|attendance = |
|||
|referee = [[Nika Amashukeli]] ([[Georgian Rugby Union|Georgia]]) |
|||
|result = |
|||
}} |
|||
---- |
|||
{{Rugbybox collapsible2 |
|||
|date = 13 July 2024 |
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|time = 19:05 [[Time in New Zealand|NZST]] ([[UTC+12:00|UTC+12]]) |
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|home = {{ru-rt|NZL}} |
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|score = |
|||
|report = |
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|away = {{ru|ENG}} |
|||
|try1 = |
|||
|con1 = |
|||
|pen1 = |
|||
|drop1 = |
|||
|try2 = |
|||
|con2 = |
|||
|pen2 = |
|||
|drop2 = |
|||
|stadium = [[Eden Park]], [[Auckland]] |
|||
|attendance = |
|||
|referee = [[Nic Berry]] ([[Rugby Australia|Australia]]) |
|||
|result = |
|||
}} |
|||
---- |
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=== Overall === |
|||
{{World Rugby Rankings|England|England|1|9|9|short=yes|history=yes}} |
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When the [[World Rugby Rankings]] were first introduced in early September 2003, England were ranked 1st; they fell to 2nd for a week in November 2003 before regaining 1st place. They again dropped to 2nd in the rankings, and then to 3rd, from mid-June 2004. Following the [[2005 Six Nations Championship]], they fell to 6th in the world rankings, where they remained until moving up to 5th place in December of that year. After a decline in form in 2006, England finished the year ranked 7th; however, they bounced back to 3rd in 2007 due to their good run in that year's [[2007 Rugby World Cup|World Cup]], where they finished runners-up. |
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Their ranking slipped again in 2008 and during the [[2009 Six Nations Championship]] they dropped to their lowest ranking of 8th, where they remained for the duration of the [[2009 end of year rugby tests|2009 Autumn internationals]]. After a brief resurgence that saw them rise to a ranking of 4th in the world, England again slipped following a poor showing at the [[2011 Rugby World Cup]] and were ranked 6th in February 2012. The team entered the [[2015 Rugby World Cup]] ranked 4th, but after failing to progress beyond the pool stage, England again sank to 8th in the world in November 2015. In March 2016, after securing the Grand Slam in the [[2016 Six Nations Championship]], England rose to second place, where they remained the following year after winning the [[2017 Six Nations Championship]]. A poor fifth-place performance in the [[2018 Six Nations Championship]] saw them fall to sixth place. |
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In October 2019, England defeated New Zealand in the semi-final of the [[2019 Rugby World Cup]] to top the World Rugby Rankings for the first time since 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-rankings-england-top-15-years-final-vs-south-africa-new-zealand-all-blacks-a9174251.html|title=England top World Rugby rankings for first time in 15 years ahead of final|date=28 October 2019|website=The Independent|access-date=4 March 2020|archive-date=4 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304084018/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-rankings-england-top-15-years-final-vs-south-africa-new-zealand-all-blacks-a9174251.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After losing the final to South Africa, England were ranked third. In November 2020, they regained second place following New Zealand's loss to Argentina. |
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During the 2021 Six Nations, a fifth place finish saw England fall from second to third after defeats to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. After Australia won 5 matches in a row during the 2021 Rugby Championship, England fell to fourth until defeats of Australia and South Africa in the 2021 Autumn Nations Series saw them regain third place. |
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During the 2022 Six Nations, England again suffered three defeats to Scotland, Ireland and France and fell from third to fifth. |
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{{England Rugby overall record}} |
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== Players == |
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=== Current squad === |
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On 27 May 2024, head coach [[Steve Borthwick]] named a 19-player preliminary training squad, in preparation for the England's [[2024 mid-year rugby union tests|summer test matches]] against [[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]] and [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]]. The squad did not include players from any of the four [[Premiership Rugby|Premiership]] teams competing in the [[2023–24 Premiership Rugby|2023–24 Premiership play-offs]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/summer-tour-24-19-player-squad-named-for-england-training-camp | title=19-player squad named for England training camp | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | date=27 May 2024 | access-date=27 May 2024}}</ref> |
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On 3 June 2024, Borthwick named an updated 33-player training squad, following the Premiership play-off semi-finals.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/summer-series-24-steve-borthwick-names-33-player-squad-for-training-camp | title=33-played squad named for England training camp | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | date=3 June 2024 | access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> |
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On 10 June 2024, Borthwick named the final 36-player squad for the [[2024 England rugby union tour of New Zealand|tour of Japan and New Zealand]], following the conclusion of the Premiership season.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/summer-series-2024-steve-borthwick-names-england-squad | title=England's Summer Series squad announced | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | date=10 June 2024 | access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref> |
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<sup>(1)</sup> On 23 June 2024, [[Charlie Ewels]] was ruled out of the tour, after receiving a red card against [[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]], which resulted in a two-match suspension. He was replaced in the England squad by [[Nick Isiekwe]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jun/23/england-rugby-union-nick-isiekwe-replaces-charlie-ewels-in-squad | title=England call up Nick Isiekwe for New Zealand tour with Charlie Ewels banned | publisher=[[The Guardian]] | date=23 June 2024 | access-date=23 June 2024}}</ref> |
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: <small>'''''Note:''' Caps updated as of 22 June 2024''</small> |
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{{nat rs start|hidenote=yes}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name={{sortname|Theo|Dan}}|age={{Birth date and age|2000|12|26|df=y}}|caps=13|club=[[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name={{sortname|Jamie|George}} ([[Captain (sports)|c]])|age={{Birth date and age|1990|10|20|df=y}}|caps=91|club=[[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name={{sortname|Gabriel|Oghre}}|age={{Birth date and age|1998|05|25|df=y}}|caps=0|club=[[Bristol Bears]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name={{sortname|Fin|Baxter}}|age={{Birth date and age|2002|2|12|df=y}}|caps=0|club=[[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name={{sortname|Dan|Cole|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|1987|5|9|df=y}}|caps=113|club=[[Leicester Tigers]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name={{sortname|Joe|Heyes}}|age={{Birth date and age|1999|4|13|df=y}}|caps=7|club=[[Leicester Tigers]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name={{sortname|Joe|Marler}}|age={{Birth date and age|1990|7|7|df=y}}|caps=93|club=[[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name={{sortname|Bevan|Rodd}}|age={{Birth date and age|2000|8|26|df=y}}|caps=6|club=[[Sale Sharks]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name={{sortname|Will|Stuart}}|age={{Birth date and age|1996|7|12|df=y}}|caps=39|club=[[Bath Rugby|Bath]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name={{sortname|Alex|Coles|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|1999|9|21|df=y}}|caps=5|club=[[Northampton Saints]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name={{sortname|Charlie|Ewels}} <sup>(1)</sup>|age={{Birth date and age|1995|6|29|df=y}}|caps=31|club=[[Bath Rugby|Bath]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name={{sortname|Nick|Isiekwe}} <sup>(1)</sup>|age={{Birth date and age|1998|4|20|df=y}}|caps=11|club=[[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name={{sortname|Maro|Itoje}}|age={{Birth date and age|1994|10|28|df=y}}|caps=82|club=[[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name={{sortname|George|Martin|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|2001|6|18|df=y}}|caps=13|club=[[Leicester Tigers]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name={{sortname|Chandler|Cunningham-South}}|age={{Birth date and age|2003|3|18|df=y}}|caps=5|club=[[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name={{sortname|Ben|Curry}}|age={{Birth date and age|1998|6|15|df=y}}|caps=5|club=[[Sale Sharks]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name={{sortname|Tom|Curry|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|1998|6|15|df=y}}|caps=51|club=[[Sale Sharks]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name={{sortname|Alex|Dombrandt}}|age={{Birth date and age|1997|4|29|df=y}}|caps=17|club=[[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name={{sortname|Ben|Earl}}|age={{Birth date and age|1998|1|7|df=y}}|caps=31|club=[[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name={{sortname|Ethan|Roots}}|age={{Birth date and age|1997|11|10|df=y}}|caps=4|club=[[Exeter Chiefs]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name={{sortname|Sam|Underhill}}|age={{Birth date and age|1996|7|22|df=y}}|caps=36|club=[[Bath Rugby|Bath]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name={{sortname|Alex|Mitchell|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|1997|5|25|df=y}}|caps=17|club=[[Northampton Saints]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name={{sortname|Harry|Randall|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|1997|12|18|df=y}}|caps=7|club=[[Bristol Bears]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name={{sortname|Ben|Spencer|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|1992|7|31|df=y}}|caps=5|club=[[Bath Rugby|Bath]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=FH|name={{sortname|Fin|Smith}}|age={{Birth date and age|2002|5|11|df=y}}|caps=3|club=[[Northampton Saints]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=FH|name={{sortname|Marcus|Smith|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|1999|2|14|df=y}}|caps=33|club=[[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name={{sortname|Fraser|Dingwall}}|age={{Birth date and age|1999|4|7|df=y}}|caps=2|club=[[Northampton Saints]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name={{sortname|Ollie|Lawrence}}|age={{Birth date and age|1999|9|18|df=y}}|caps=25|club=[[Bath Rugby|Bath]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name={{sortname|Luke|Northmore}}|age={{Birth date and age|1997|03|16|df=y}}|caps=0|club=[[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name={{sortname|Henry|Slade|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|1993|3|19|df=y}}|caps=63|club=[[Exeter Chiefs]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name={{sortname|Immanuel|Feyi-Waboso}}|age={{Birth date and age|2002|12|20|df=y}}|caps=4|club=[[Exeter Chiefs]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name={{sortname|Tommy|Freeman|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|2001|3|5|df=y}}|caps=9|club=[[Northampton Saints]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name={{sortname|Tom|Roebuck}}|age={{Birth date and age|2001|1|7|df=y}}|caps=1|club=[[Sale Sharks]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name={{sortname|Ollie|Sleightholme}}|age={{Birth date and age|2000|4|13|df=y}}|caps=0|club=[[Northampton Saints]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=FB|name={{sortname|Joe|Carpenter|dab=rugby union}}|age={{Birth date and age|2001|8|19|df=y}}|caps=0|club=[[Sale Sharks]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=FB|name={{sortname|George|Furbank}}|age={{Birth date and age|1996|10|17|df=y}}|caps=10|club=[[Northampton Saints]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs player|pos=FB|name={{sortname|Freddie|Steward}}|age={{Birth date and age|2000|12|5|df=y}}|caps=33|club=[[Leicester Tigers]]|clubnat=ENG}} |
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{{nat rs end}} |
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=== Notable players === |
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<!--This section is to include International Rugby Hall of Fame or IRB Hall of Fame members only. This is consistent with national rugby union team articles that are Featured Articles.--> |
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{{See also|List of England national rugby union players}} |
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Five former England representatives have been inducted into the [[International Rugby Hall of Fame]]: [[Bill Beaumont]], [[Martin Johnson (rugby union)|Martin Johnson]], [[Jason Leonard]], [[Wavell Wakefield]] and [[Jonny Wilkinson]].<ref name="IRHFList">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/brendangallagher/2368372/Joining-the-legends-an-added-bonus-for-Wood.html |title=Joining the legends an added bonus for Wood |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=17 November 2005 |access-date=6 September 2007 |last=Gallagher |first=Brendan |archive-date=26 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126204155/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/brendangallagher/2368372/Joining-the-legends-an-added-bonus-for-Wood.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=IRHF2007>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/2007dinner.htm |title=Sixth Induction Dinner – 2007 |publisher=International Rugby Hall of Fame |access-date=3 October 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629140140/http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/2007dinner.htm |archive-date=29 June 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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Seven former England internationals are also members of the [[IRB Hall of Fame]]. Four of them – Johnson,<ref name="IRB Hall October 2011">{{cite press release|url=http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2060049.html |title=RWC legends inducted into IRB Hall of Fame |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=26 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027230745/http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid%3D2060049.html |archive-date=27 October 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Alan Rotherham]], [[Harry Vassall]]<ref name="Rotherham-Vassall">{{cite press release|url=http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2042507.html |title=Hancock and Cardiff inducted to Hall of Fame |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=6 May 2011 |access-date=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509234411/http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid%3D2042507.html |archive-date=9 May 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> and [[Robert Seddon]]<ref name="2013 IRB HOF">{{cite press release|url=http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2069489.html |title=Legends inducted into IRB Hall of Fame |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=18 November 2013 |access-date=1 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011455/http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid%3D2069489.html |archive-date=3 December 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref> – were inducted for their accomplishments as players. Two other former England players, [[John Kendall-Carpenter]] and [[Clive Woodward]], were inducted into the IRB Hall for non-playing accomplishments in the sport.<ref name="IRB Hall October 2011"/> Another former England player, [[Alfred St. George Hamersley]], was inducted for achievements as both a player and a rugby administrator.<ref name=Hamersley>{{cite press release |url=http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2064884.html |title=Hamersley inducted into IRB Hall of Fame |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=10 January 2013 |access-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123095919/http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid%3D2064884.html |archive-date=23 January 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><!-- |
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Wavell Wakefield represented England in 31 Tests between 1920 and 1927, including 13 Tests as captain. He was involved in three Five Nations Grand Slams in 1921, 1923 and 1924. Playing as [[Flanker (rugby union)|flanker]], Wakefield introduced new elements to back row tactics which beforehand concentrated on the set piece. He became a [[Member of Parliament (UK)|Member of Parliament]] in 1935, and was knighted in 1944. He became the RFU President in 1950 and following his retirement from politics was awarded the title the first [[Peerage|Baron]] Wakefield of Kendal.<ref name="WakefieldIRHF">{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/wakefield1999.htm |title=Wavell Wakefield |publisher=rugbyhalloffame.com |access-date=14 July 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120914081010/http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/wakefield1999.htm |archive-date=14 September 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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Between 1975 and 1982, [[Bill Beaumont]] represented England in 34 Tests. Playing at [[Lock (rugby union)|lock]], he was captain between 1978 and 1982 in 21 Tests including the 1980 Grand Slam – England's first since 1957. Later that year, he captained the [[British & Irish Lions|British Lions]] to [[1980 British Lions tour to South Africa|South Africa]] – the first time an Englishman had captained the Lions since 1930. Furthermore, Beaumont represented the [[Barbarian F.C.|Barbarians FC]] on fifteen occasions.<ref name="BeaumontIRHF">{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/beaumont2003.htm |title=Bill Beaumont |publisher=rugbyhalloffame.com |access-date=14 July 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908101919/http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/beaumont2003.htm |archive-date=8 September 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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At 22 the youngest England captain of modern times was [[Will Carling]] who represented England in 72 Tests, and as captain 59 times between 1988 and 1996. He was best known as a superlative leader, motivating England to a remarkable three Grand Slams in five years, including back to back slams in 1991 and 1992. He also led England to the final of the 1991 World Cup, and captained the [[Barbarian F.C.|Barbarians FC]]. His playing talents were not as flamboyant as some of his colleagues, but his effectiveness cemented him as a first choice at [[Centre (rugby union)|centre]]. It is possible he would already be in the Hall of Fame were it not for outspoken tendencies with respect to the English RFU committee ("Old Farts"), who may, as a result, be reluctant to acknowledge his achievements. He was made an [[OBE]] in 1991. Carling is not, however, the youngest England captain of all time; that honour goes to Frederic Stokes, who captained England against Scotland on 27 March 1871 aged just 20 years and 258 days.<ref name="EnglandStats2">{{cite web |url=http://stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/player/youngest_appearance_captain.html?id=1;type=team |title=International Rugby Union Team Records: Youngest appearance as England captain |website=[[ESPNscrum]] |access-date=2019-11-28 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809021504/http://stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/player/youngest_appearance_captain.html?id=1;type=team |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Described as arguably "the greatest forward" to play for England,<ref name="JohnsonIRHF">{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/johnson2005.htm |title=Martin Johnson |publisher=rugbyhalloffame.com |access-date=14 July 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909030441/http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/johnson2005.htm |archive-date=9 September 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> [[Martin Johnson (rugby union)|Martin Johnson]] played 84 Tests for England, and 8 Tests for the British and Irish Lions.<ref name=JohnsonLions>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsrugby.com/pp_martin_johnson.html |title=Lion Legends: Martin Johnson |publisher=British and Irish Lions |access-date=15 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025014627/http://www.lionsrugby.com/pp_martin_johnson.html|archive-date=25 October 2007}}</ref> He first represented England in 1993, and later that year the Lions. He captained the Lions to [[1997 British Lions tour to South Africa|South Africa]] in 1997, and in 1999 was appointed captain of England. He became England's most successful ever captain. He became the first player to captain two Lions tours when he captained them in [[2001 British Lions tour to Australia|Australia]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onthisdayinsport.com/page/RugbyBio/0,,10301~791164,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121202034442/http://www.onthisdayinsport.com/page/RugbyBio/0,,10301~791164,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 December 2012 |title=Martin Johnson – England's greatest-ever captain |publisher=sportasylum.com |access-date=14 July 2007 }}</ref> He retired from Test rugby after he led England to a Six Nations Grand Slam and [[2003 Rugby World Cup|World Cup]] victory in 2003 and has since become the team Manager.<ref name="JohnsonIRHF"/> At the 2011 [[IRB Awards]] ceremony in Auckland on 24 October 2011, the night after the [[2011 Rugby World Cup final|World Cup final]], Johnson was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame alongside all other World Cup-winning captains from 1987 through 2007 (minus the previously inducted Australian [[John Eales]]).<ref name="IRB Hall October 2011"/> |
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[[Jason Leonard]], also known as "The Fun Bus",<ref name="FunBus">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbynetwork.net/main/s245/st50222.htm |title=England's Jason Leonard OBE – Dossier |publisher=rugbynetwork.net |access-date=24 October 2007 |date=13 April 2004 |archive-date=3 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603200827/http://www.rugbynetwork.net/main/s245/st50222.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> appeared 114 times for England at prop, which was the world record for international appearances for a national team until 2005, when it was surpassed by Australia scrum-half [[George Gregan]].<ref name="LeonardIRHF">{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/leonard2007.htm |title=Jason Leonard |publisher=rugbyhalloffame.com |access-date=24 October 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911120615/http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/leonard2007.htm |archive-date=11 September 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> He was on the England team that finished runners up to [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] in the [[1991 Rugby World Cup]] final, but avenged this 12 years later, coming on as a substitute for [[Phil Vickery (rugby union)|Phil Vickery]] in England's victorious [[2003 Rugby World Cup]] final appearance. He also went on three British and Irish Lions tours where he was capped five times.<ref name="LeonardIRHF"/> |
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[[Alan Rotherham]] and [[Harry Vassall]], both 19th-century greats for [[Oxford University RFC|Oxford]] and England, were inducted into the IRB Hall in April 2011. The IRB recognised them for "their unique contribution to the way that Rugby was played", specifically stating that they "are credited with pioneering the passing game and the three-man backline, which became widespread during the 1880s".<ref name="Rotherham-Vassall"/> |
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Two other England internationals, [[John Kendall-Carpenter]] and [[Clive Woodward]], were inducted into the IRB Hall alongside Johnson at the 2011 IRB Awards. Although both had notable careers for England, they were recognised for accomplishments in other roles in the sport. Kendall-Carpenter was cited as one of four key figures in the creation of the Rugby World Cup, whilst Woodward was inducted as coach of the 2003 World Cup winners, alongside all other World Cup-winning coaches from 1987 to 2007.<ref name="IRB Hall October 2011"/> |
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England's most recent inductees into the IRB Hall are 19th-century internationals [[Alfred St. George Hamersley]] and [[Robert Seddon]], both inducted in 2013. Hamersley played for England in the first rugby union international against [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]] in 1871, and captained England in the last of his four appearances in 1874. He went on to play significant roles in the early development of the sport in both New Zealand and Canada.<ref name=Hamersley/> Seddon, capped three times for England in 1887, was most notable as the captain of the unofficial British side that [[1888 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia|toured Australia and New Zealand in 1888]]; he died in a boating accident during the tour. This venture proved to be the genesis of the modern [[British & Irish Lions|British and Irish Lions]]. The touring team was also inducted alongside Seddon.<ref name="2013 IRB HOF"/>--> |
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== Individual records == |
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=== World Rugby Awards === |
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The following England players have been recognised at the [[World Rugby Awards]] since 2001:<ref name="World Rugby Award winners">{{cite news | url=https://www.world.rugby/tournaments/awards/past-winners | title=Awards Roll of Honour - World Rugby | website=www.world.rugby | access-date=16 March 2024 | language=en}}</ref> |
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{{col-begin}} |
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{{col-break}} |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|+ [[World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year|World Rugby Player of the Year]] |
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|- |
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!width=40| Year |
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!width=150| Nominees |
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!width=150| Winners |
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|- |
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|align=center| 2001 |
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| [[Jonny Wilkinson]] |
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|align=center rowspan=2| — |
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|- |
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|align=center| 2002 |
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| [[Jason Robinson (rugby)|Jason Robinson]] |
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|- |
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|rowspan=2 align=center| 2003 |
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| [[Steve Thompson (rugby union)|Steve Thompson]] |
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|rowspan=2 align=center| '''[[Jonny Wilkinson]]''' |
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|- |
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| [[Jonny Wilkinson]] (2) |
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|- |
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|align=center| 2009 |
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| [[Tom Croft]] |
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|align=center rowspan=9| — |
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|- |
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|align=center| 2012 |
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| [[Owen Farrell]] |
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|- |
|||
|rowspan=3 align=center| 2016 |
|||
| [[Owen Farrell]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Maro Itoje]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Billy Vunipola]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2 align=center| 2017 |
|||
| [[Owen Farrell]] (3) |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Maro Itoje]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2019 |
|||
| [[Tom Curry (rugby union)|Tom Curry]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2021 |
|||
| [[Maro Itoje]] (3) |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ [[World Rugby Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year|World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year]] |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=40| Year |
|||
!width=150| Nominees |
|||
!width=150| Winners |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2016 |
|||
| [[Maro Itoje]] |
|||
|align=center| '''[[Maro Itoje]]''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2019 |
|||
| [[Joe Cokanasiga]] |
|||
|align=center rowspan=3| — |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2021 |
|||
| [[Marcus Smith (rugby union)|Marcus Smith]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2022 |
|||
| [[Henry Arundell]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ [[World Rugby Men's 15s Dream Team of the Year|World Rugby Dream Team of the Year]] |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=40| Year |
|||
!width=40| {{abbr|No.|Numbers}} |
|||
!width=150| Players |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2021 |
|||
|align=center| 4. |
|||
| [[Maro Itoje]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2 align=center| 2022 |
|||
|align=center| 1. |
|||
| [[Ellis Genge]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 15. |
|||
| [[Freddie Steward]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-end}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ [[International Rugby Players Men's Try of the Year|World Rugby Try of the Year]] |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=40| Year |
|||
!width=90| Date |
|||
!width=170| Scorer |
|||
!width=160| Match |
|||
!width=150| Tournament |
|||
!width=30| {{abbr|Ref|Reference}} |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| [[2010 in rugby union|2010]] |
|||
|align=center| 13 November |
|||
|align=center| '''[[Chris Ashton]]''' |
|||
|align=center| vs. [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] |
|||
|align=center| [[2010 end-of-year rugby union internationals|Autumn Internationals]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15299862/ashton-wins-irb-try-year-award | publisher = [[ESPN]] | title = Ashton wins Try of the Year award | date = 31 January 2011 | access-date = 30 October 2017 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171030130039/http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15299862/ashton-wins-irb-try-year-award | archive-date = 30 October 2017 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
=== Six Nations Player of the Championship === |
|||
The following England players have been shortlisted for the [[List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners|Six Nations Player of the Championship]] since 2004:<ref>{{cite web |date=19 January 2019 |title=Player of the Championship |url=https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/player-of-the-championship/ |work=Six Nations Rugby |access-date=2 March 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119122648/https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/player-of-the-championship/ |archive-date=19 January 2019 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
|||
{{col-begin}} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ [[List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners#Winners|Six Nations Player of the Year (2004–13)]] |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=40| Year |
|||
!width=150| Nominees |
|||
!width=150| Winners |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=3 align=center| [[2004 Six Nations Championship|2004]] |
|||
| [[Ben Cohen (rugby union)|Ben Cohen]] |
|||
|rowspan=16 align=center| — |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Lawrence Dallaglio]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Danny Grewcock]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2 align=center| [[2005 Six Nations Championship|2005]] |
|||
| [[Martin Corry (rugby union)|Martin Corry]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Josh Lewsey]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2 align=center| [[2006 Six Nations Championship|2006]] |
|||
| [[Martin Corry (rugby union)|Martin Corry]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Charlie Hodgson]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2 align=center| [[2007 Six Nations Championship|2007]] |
|||
| [[Josh Lewsey]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Joe Worsley]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| [[2009 Six Nations Championship|2009]] |
|||
| [[Delon Armitage]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=4 align=center| [[2011 Six Nations Championship|2011]] |
|||
| [[Chris Ashton]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Toby Flood]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[James Haskell]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Tom Palmer (rugby union)|Tom Palmer]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2 align=center| [[2013 Six Nations Championship|2013]] |
|||
| [[Owen Farrell]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Chris Robshaw]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ [[List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners#Winners|Six Nations Player of the Year (2014–19)]] |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=40| Year |
|||
!width=150| Nominees |
|||
!width=150| Winners |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=4 align=center| [[2014 Six Nations Championship|2014]] |
|||
| [[Mike Brown (rugby union)|Mike Brown]] |
|||
|rowspan=4 align=center| '''[[Mike Brown (rugby union)|Mike Brown]]''' |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Danny Care]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Owen Farrell]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Chris Robshaw]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=4 align=center| [[2015 Six Nations Championship|2015]] |
|||
| [[George Ford (rugby union)|George Ford]] |
|||
|rowspan=12 align=center| — |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Jonathan Joseph (rugby union)|Jonathan Joseph]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Billy Vunipola]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Ben Youngs]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=3 align=center| [[2016 Six Nations Championship|2016]] |
|||
| [[Jonathan Joseph (rugby union)|Jonathan Joseph]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Jack Nowell]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Billy Vunipola]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=3 align=center| [[2017 Six Nations Championship|2017]] |
|||
| [[Owen Farrell]] (3) |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Maro Itoje]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Joe Launchbury]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2 align=center| [[2019 Six Nations Championship|2019]] |
|||
| [[Tom Curry (rugby union)|Tom Curry]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Jonny May]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ [[List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners#Winners|Six Nations Player of the Year (2020–)]] |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=40| Year |
|||
!width=150| Nominees |
|||
!width=150| Winners |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2 align=center| [[2020 Six Nations Championship|2020]] |
|||
| [[Maro Itoje]] (2) |
|||
|rowspan=3 align=center| — |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Ben Youngs]] (2) |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| [[2024 Six Nations Championship|2024]] |
|||
| [[Ben Earl]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-end}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ [[List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners#Six Nations Team of the Championship|Six Nations Team of the Championship]] |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=40 rowspan=2| Year |
|||
!colspan=2| Forwards |
|||
!colspan=2| Backs |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=40| {{abbr|No.|Numbers}} |
|||
!width=170| Players |
|||
!width=40| {{abbr|No.|Numbers}} |
|||
!width=170| Players |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| [[2022 Six Nations Championship|2022]] |
|||
|align=center| 4. |
|||
| [[Maro Itoje]] |
|||
|align=center colspan=2 rowspan=2| — |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| [[2024 Six Nations Championship|2024]] |
|||
|align=center| 8. |
|||
| [[Ben Earl]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
=== Rugby Players' Association Player of the Year === |
|||
The following players have been voted as the [[Rugby Players' Association|RPA]] England Player of the Year since 2013:<ref>{{cite web | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/ | title=The RPA Awards – Previous Awards | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
{{col-begin}} |
|||
{{col-3}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ RPA Player of the Year (2013–16) |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=60| Year |
|||
!width=200| Winners |
|||
!width=30| {{abbr|Ref|References}} |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2013 |
|||
| [[Joe Launchbury]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2013/ | title=2013 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2014 |
|||
| [[Mike Brown (rugby union)|Mike Brown]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2014/ | title=2014 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2015 |
|||
| [[Jonathan Joseph (rugby union)|Jonathan Joseph]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2015/ | title=2015 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2016 |
|||
| [[Billy Vunipola]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2016/ | title=2016 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ RPA Player of the Year (2017–20) |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=60| Year |
|||
!width=200| Winners |
|||
!width=30| {{abbr|Ref|References}} |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2017 |
|||
| [[Owen Farrell]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2017/ | title=2017 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2018 |
|||
| [[Mako Vunipola]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2018/ | title=2018 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2019 |
|||
| [[Jonny May]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2019/ | title=2019 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2020 |
|||
| [[Tom Curry (rugby union)|Tom Curry]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2020/ | title=2020 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ RPA Player of the Year (2021–24) |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=60| Year |
|||
!width=200| Winners |
|||
!width=30| {{abbr|Ref|References}} |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2021 |
|||
| [[Tom Curry (rugby union)|Tom Curry]] (2) |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2021/ | title=2021 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2022 |
|||
| [[Freddie Steward]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2022/ | title=2022 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2023 |
|||
| [[Freddie Steward]] (2) |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/rpa-awards/previous-awards/2023/ | title=2023 – The RPA | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | access-date=30 December 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2024 |
|||
| [[Ben Earl]] |
|||
|align=center| <ref>{{cite news | url=https://therpa.co.uk/news/2024/5/the-rpa-awards-2024-winners/ | title=The RPA Awards: 2024 Winners | website=therpa.co.uk | publisher=[[Rugby Players' Association]] | date=29 May 2024 | access-date=29 May 2024 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-end}} |
|||
=== Statistical leaders === |
|||
{{main|List of England national rugby union team records}} |
|||
* [[Ben Youngs]] holds the record for most appearances for England, with 127 caps – placing him [[List of rugby union test caps leaders|joint 14th all-time]] in international rugby.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/countries/england-countries/ben-youngs-becomes-englands-most-capped-mens-player-138140 | title=Ben Youngs becomes England's most-capped men's player | website=www.rugbyworld.com | publisher=[[Rugby World]] | date=26 February 2022 | access-date=26 February 2022 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
* [[Owen Farrell]] holds the record for most points scored for England, with 1,237 points – placing him [[List of leading rugby union test point scorers|second all-time]] in international rugby.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/12978369/owen-farrell-becomes-englands-top-points-scorer-relive-his-international-career-highlights | title=Owen Farrell becomes England's top-points scorer | website=www.skysports.com/rugby-union | publisher=[[Sky Sports]] | date=7 October 2023 | access-date=7 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
* [[Rory Underwood]] holds the record for most tries scored for England, with 49 tries – placing him [[List of leading rugby union test try scorers|sixth all-time]] in international rugby.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/rugby-positions/wings/rory-underwood-65372 | title=The greatest wingers of all time: Rory Underwood | website=www.rugbyworld.com | publisher=[[Rugby World]] | date=18 August 2016 | access-date=7 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
==== Summary ==== |
|||
{{Updated|21 June 2024}}<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/england/player-records#men | title=Player Records | website=www.englandrugby.com | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | access-date=27 May 2024 | language=en-GB}}</ref> |
|||
<small>Players active at international level as of May 2024 are listed in '''''bold italics'''''.</small> |
|||
{{col-begin}} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+'''Most Caps''' |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=35| Rank |
|||
!width=140| Player |
|||
!width=40| Caps |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=Gold| '''1.''' || [[Ben Youngs]] ||align=center| '''127''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=Silver| '''2.''' || [[Jason Leonard]] ||align=center| '''114''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=#cc9966| '''3.''' || '''''[[Dan Cole (rugby union)|Dan Cole]]''''' ||align=center| '''113''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''4.''' || [[Owen Farrell]] ||align=center| '''112''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''5.''' || [[Courtney Lawes]] ||align=center| '''105''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''6.''' || [[Danny Care]] ||align=center| '''101''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''7.''' || [[Dylan Hartley]] ||align=center| '''97''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''8.''' || '''''[[George Ford (rugby union)|George Ford]]''''' ||align=center| '''96''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''9.''' || '''''[[Joe Marler]]''''' ||align=center| '''94''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center rowspan=2| '''10.''' || '''''[[Jamie George]]''''' ||align=center rowspan=2| '''91''' |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Jonny Wilkinson]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+'''Most Points''' |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=35| Rank |
|||
!width=140| Player |
|||
!width=40| Points |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=Gold| '''1.''' || [[Owen Farrell]] ||align=center| '''1,237''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=Silver| '''2.''' || [[Jonny Wilkinson]] ||align=center| '''1,179''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=#cc9966| '''3.''' || '''''[[George Ford (rugby union)|George Ford]]''''' ||align=center| '''414''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''4.''' || [[Paul Grayson (rugby union)|Paul Grayson]] ||align=center| '''400''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''5.''' || [[Rob Andrew]] ||align=center| '''396''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''6.''' || [[Toby Flood]] ||align=center| '''301''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''7.''' || [[Jonathan Webb]] ||align=center| '''296''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''8.''' || [[Charlie Hodgson]] ||align=center| '''269''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''9.''' || [[Dusty Hare]] ||align=center| '''240''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''10.''' || [[Rory Underwood]] ||align=center| '''210''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+'''Most Tries''' |
|||
|- |
|||
!width=35| Rank |
|||
!width=140| Player |
|||
!width=40| Tries |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=Gold| '''1.''' || [[Rory Underwood]] ||align=center| '''49''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=Silver| '''2.''' || [[Jonny May]] ||align=center| '''36''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center bgcolor=#cc9966 rowspan=2| '''3.''' || [[Ben Cohen (rugby union)|Ben Cohen]] ||align=center rowspan=2| '''31''' |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Will Greenwood]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''5.''' || [[Jeremy Guscott]] ||align=center| '''30''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''6.''' || [[Jason Robinson (rugby)|Jason Robinson]] ||align=center| '''28''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''7.''' || [[Dan Luger]] ||align=center| '''24''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''8.''' || '''''[[Anthony Watson (rugby union)|Anthony Watson]]''''' ||align=center| '''23''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''9.''' || [[Josh Lewsey]] ||align=center| '''22''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| '''10.''' ||align=center| ''Four players tied'' ||align=center| '''20''' |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
{{col-end}} |
|||
== Coaches == |
|||
=== Current coaching staff === |
|||
The following table outlines the current England senior coaching team, as of the [[2024 England rugby union tour of New Zealand|2024 summer tour of Japan and New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/england-coaching-team-confirmed-for-rugby-world-cup | title=England coaching team confirmed for Rugby World Cup | website=www.englandrugby.com | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | date=7 May 2023 | access-date=30 June 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref><ref name="Current England coaches">{{cite news | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/six-nations-2024-andrew-strawbridge-joins-england-rugby-as-consultant-coach | title=Andrew Strawbridge joins England Rugby as consultant coach | website=www.englandrugby.com | publisher=[[Rugby Football Union|England Rugby]] | date=4 January 2024 | access-date=4 January 2024 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Nationality !! Name !! Role |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] || [[Steve Borthwick]] || Head Coach / Lineout Coach |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] || [[Richard Wigglesworth (rugby union)|Richard Wigglesworth]] || Attack Coach |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|Ireland|rugby union}} [[Irish people|Ireland]] || [[Felix Jones (rugby union)|Felix Jones]] || Defence Coach |
|||
|- |
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| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] || [[Kevin Sinfield]] || Skills & Kicking Coach |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] || Tom Harrison || Scrum Coach |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|Wales}} [[Welsh people|Wales]] || Aled Walters || Head of Strength & Conditioning |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] || Tom Tombleson || Strength & Conditioning Coach |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] || [[Richard Hill (rugby union, born 1973)|Richard Hill]] || Team Manager |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[New Zealanders|New Zealand]] || Andrew Strawbridge || Coaching Consultant |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] || [[George Kruis]] || Lineout Consultant |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] || [[Jonny Wilkinson]] || Kicking Consultant |
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|- |
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|} |
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=== History of head coaches === |
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{{main article|Category:England national rugby union team coaches}} |
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The following is a list of all England head coaches. The first appointed coach was [[Don White (footballer)|Don White]] in 1969. The most recent former coach was [[Eddie Jones (rugby union)|Eddie Jones]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/news/eddie-jones-appointed-england-head-coach/|title=Eddie Jones appointed England Head Coach|work=RFU|date=20 November 2015|access-date=20 November 2015|archive-date=22 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122133235/http://www.englandrugby.com/news/eddie-jones-appointed-england-head-coach/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jones took over from [[Stuart Lancaster (rugby union)|Stuart Lancaster]] a week after the latter's resignation, and he became the first foreigner to coach the English national side. Jones' winning percentage of 73% is the highest of any England coach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eddie Jones |url=https://wallabies.rugby/players/eddie-jones |website=Wallabies |publisher=Rugby Australia |access-date=20 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fontaine |first1=Angus |title=Return of the prodigal son: can Eddie Jones unleash Wallabies' missing X factor? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jan/16/return-of-the-prodigal-son-can-eddie-jones-unleash-wallabies-missing-x-factor |website=The Guardian |date=16 January 2023 |access-date=20 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=73% - Eddie Jones' 73% win rate is the highest of any @EnglandRugby men's head coach - Jones was also the first coach to guide England to a 100% Test record in a calendar year since Geoff Cooke in 1992 (6/6), winning all 13 Tests during his first year in charge in 2016. Legacy. |url=https://twitter.com/OptaJonny/status/1600088673113907201 |website=X |publisher=OptaJonny |access-date=20 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bendon |first1=Philip |title=Former England Boss Eddie Jones Returns To Australian Rugby |url=https://www.florugby.com/articles/10369951-former-england-boss-eddie-jones-returns-to-australian-rugby |website=Flo Rugby |date=16 January 2023 |access-date=20 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Eddie Jones appointed Wallabies head coach |date=15 January 2023 |url=https://australia.rugby/news/eddie-jones-appointed-wallabies-head-coach-2023115 |publisher=Rugby Australia |access-date=20 August 2023}}</ref> |
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<small>'''Updated to''': 16 March 2024</small> |
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{| class="sortable wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Name |
|||
! Tenure |
|||
! Tests |
|||
! Won |
|||
! Drew |
|||
! Lost |
|||
! Win Percentage |
|||
|- |
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| {{flagicon|England}} [[Don White (rugby union)|Don White]] |
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| 20 December 1969 – 17 April 1971<ref name="GuardianObit">{{cite news |url=http://sport.guardian.co.uk/rugbyunion/story/0,,2097134,00.html |title=Don White |work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=4 July 2007 |date=7 June 2007 |last=Stephens |first=Paul |archive-date=24 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024194553/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/rugbyunion/story/0,,2097134,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
{{WDL|decimals=1|11|3|1|7}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[John Elders]] |
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| 18 October 1971 – 16 March 1974<ref name="Elders Appointed">{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000560/19711019/212/0027 |title=England go for 'Quiet Man' Elders' |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |access-date=10 March 2021 |date=19 October 1971 }}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|16|6|1|9}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[John Burgess (rugby union coach)|John Burgess]] |
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| 18 January 1975 – 31 May 1975 |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|6|1|0|5}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Peter Colston (rugby union)|Peter Colston]] |
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| 3 January 1976 – 17 March 1979 |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|18|6|1|11}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Mike Davis (rugby union)|Mike Davis]] |
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| 24 November 1979 – 6 March 1982 |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|16|10|2|4}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Dick Greenwood]] |
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| 15 January 1983 – 20 April 1985 |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|17|4|2|11}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Martin Green (rugby union coach)|Martin Green]] |
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| 1 June 1985 – 8 June 1987 |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|14|5|0|9}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Geoff Cooke (rugby union)|Geoff Cooke]] |
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| 16 January 1988 – 19 March 1994 |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|50|36|1|13}} |
|||
|- |
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| {{flagicon|England}} [[Jack Rowell]] |
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| 4 June 1994<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-bath-coach-rowell-to-be-cooke-s-successor-changes-at-the-top-on-the-cards-as-the-man-behind-the-most-successful-club-in-england-gets-national-recognition-1430269.html | title=Rugby Union: Bath coach Rowell to be Cooke's successor | website=www.independent.co.uk/sport | publisher=[[The Independent]] | date=19 March 1994 | access-date=28 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> – 31 August 1997<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rowell-calls-it-a-day-with-england-1.98889 | title=Rowell calls it a day with England | website=www.irishtimes.com/sport | publisher=The Irish Times | date=21 August 1997 | access-date=28 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|29|21|0|8}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} Sir [[Clive Woodward]] |
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| 15 November 1997<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/oct/06/rugbyworldcup2003.rugbyunion5 | title=Clive Woodward's career at a glance | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=5 October 2003 | access-date=4 January 2024 | language=en-UK}}</ref> – 2 September 2004<ref name="WoodwardTenure">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3613610.stm |title=Woodward quits England |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=4 July 2007 |date=3 September 2004 |archive-date=15 November 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115171908/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3613610.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|83|59|2|22}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Andy Robinson]] |
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| 15 October 2004<ref name="RobinsonAppointed">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3746700.stm |title=Robinson named new England coach |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=4 July 2007 |date=15 October 2004 |archive-date=27 April 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427122529/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3746700.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> – 29 November 2006<ref name="RobinsonResigned">{{cite web|url=http://www.rfu.com/News/2006/November/News%20Articles/PressStatementFromAndyRobinsonObe |title=Press Statement from Andy Robinson OBE |publisher=[[Rugby Football Union]] |website=rfu.com |access-date=4 July 2007 |date=29 November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603122700/http://www.rfu.com/news/2006/november/news%20articles/pressstatementfromandyrobinsonobe |archive-date=3 June 2013 }}</ref> |
|||
{{WDL|decimals=1|22|9|0|13}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Brian Ashton (rugby union)|Brian Ashton]] |
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| 20 December 2006<ref name="Ashton Appointed">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6189565.stm |title=England appoint Ashton to the top job |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=4 July 2007 |date=20 December 2006 |archive-date=11 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111161131/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6189565.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> – 1 June 2008<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15403242/ashton-axed-england-shake-up | title=Ashton axed in England shake-up | website=www.espn.co.uk/rugby | publisher=[[ESPN]] | date=16 April 2008 | access-date=28 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|22|12|0|10}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Rob Andrew]]{{ref label|a|a}} |
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| 1 June 2008 – 30 June 2008<ref name="Johnson Appointed">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/7349845.stm |title=Johnson named as England supremo |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=18 April 2008 |date=16 April 2008 |archive-date=22 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422185147/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/7349845.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|2|0|0|2}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Martin Johnson (rugby union)|Martin Johnson]] |
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| 1 July 2008<ref name="Johnson Appointed"/> – 16 November 2011<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-rugby-england-johnson-story/england-manager-martin-johnson-resigns-idUKTRE7AF1L320111116 | title=England manager Martin Johnson resigns | website=www.reuters.com | publisher=[[Reuters]] | date=16 November 2011 | access-date=28 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|38|21|1|16}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Stuart Lancaster (rugby union)|Stuart Lancaster]] |
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| 8 December 2011<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/29/rugby-union-england-stuart-lancaster-rfu-head-coach | title=Stuart Lancaster appointed England head coach | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=29 March 2012 | access-date=28 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> – 11 November 2015<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/stuart-lancaster-resigns-england-head-coach-quits-after-rugby-world-cup-failure-a6729986.html | title=Stuart Lancaster resigns: England head coach quits after Rugby World Cup failure | website=www.independent.co.uk/sport | publisher=[[The Independent]] | date=11 November 2015 | access-date=28 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|46|28|1|17}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Eddie Jones (rugby union)|Eddie Jones]] |
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| 20 November 2015<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34875741 | title=Eddie Jones: Australian appointed England head coach | website=www.bbc.co.uk/sport | publisher=[[BBC Sport]] | date=20 November 2015 | access-date=28 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> – 6 December 2022<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kelleher |first1=Will |last2=Lowe |first2=Alex |title=Eddie Jones sacked as England head coach |newspaper=[[The Times]] |language=en-GB |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eddie-jones-set-to-be-sacked-as-england-head-coach-wdtj6669p |access-date=6 December 2022 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|81|59|2|20}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Steve Borthwick]] |
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| 19 December 2022 – ''present''<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12762882/steve-borthwick-confirmed-as-eddie-jones-replacement-as-england-mens-head-coach | title=Steve Borthwick confirmed as Eddie Jones' replacement as England men's head coach on five-year deal | website=www.skysports.com/rugby-union | publisher=[[Sky Sports]] | date=19 December 2022 | access-date=28 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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{{WDL|decimals=1|21|12|0|9}} |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
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<span style="font-size:90%">{{note label|a|a}}[[Rob Andrew]] coached the team for the [[2008 mid-year rugby test series|2008 summer tests]] in New Zealand in [[Martin Johnson (rugby union)|Martin Johnson]]'s absence.</span> |
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<small>Note 1: [[Richard Cockerill]] served briefly as interim head coach in December 2022, between the dismissal of [[Eddie Jones (rugby union)|Eddie Jones]] and appointment of [[Steve Borthwick]]. No test matches were played during his tenure.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/six-nations-england-richard-cockerill-b2277289.html | title=England coach Richard Cockerill to step down after Six Nations | website=www.independent.co.uk/sport | publisher=[[The Independent]] | date=7 February 2023 | access-date=17 July 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref></small> |
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<small>Note 2: Between September 2015 and March 2017, England won 18 test matches in a row – equalling the record for a top tier nation – 17 of which occurred under [[Eddie Jones (rugby union)|Eddie Jones]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/18890282/how-record-equalling-run-unfolded | title=England's 18 in a row: How the record-equalling run unfolded | website=www.espn.co.uk/rugby | publisher=[[ESPN]] | date=13 March 2017 | access-date=17 July 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref></small> |
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==== World Rugby Coach of the Year ==== |
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Two former England head coaches have been named [[World Rugby Coach of the Year]] since the award's inception in 2001:<ref name="World Rugby Award winners"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/11145973/englands-eddie-jones-named-world-rugby-coach-of-the-year | title=England's Eddie Jones named World Rugby Coach of the Year | website=www.skysports.com/rugby-union | publisher=[[Sky Sports]] | date=26 November 2017 | access-date=17 July 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Year |
|||
! Nationality |
|||
! Coach |
|||
|- |
|||
|align=center| 2003 |
|||
| {{flagicon|England}} [[English people|England]] |
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| Sir [[Clive Woodward]] |
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|- |
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|align=center| 2017 |
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| {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Australians|Australia]] |
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| [[Eddie Jones (rugby union)|Eddie Jones]] |
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|- |
|||
|} |
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=== Former assistant coaches === |
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The following names represent a list of previous assistant coaches for the England men's senior squad:<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/oct/03/rugbyworldcup2003.rugbyunion3 | title=England's other XV – Rugby World Cup 2003 | website=www.theguardian.com/sport | publisher=[[The Guardian|The Guardian Sport]] | date=2 October 2003 | access-date=17 July 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-rugby-coaches-eddie-jones-assistants-team-2023-world-cup-1293873 | title=England rugby coaches: All the key figures in Eddie Jones' assistants team ahead of Rugby World Cup 2023 | first=Hugh | last=Godwin| website=inews.co.uk/sport | publisher=iNews | date=20 November 2021 | access-date=17 July 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eddie-joness-changing-lieutenants-the-17-assistants-england-head-coach-has-had-in-seven-years-mtghq36bs | title=Eddie Jones's changing lieutenants: The 17 assistants England head coach has had in seven years | website=www.thetimes.co.uk | publisher=[[The Times]] | date=22 March 2022 | access-date=17 July 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/dec/20/steve-borthwick-looks-to-backroom-staff-to-help-give-england-attacking-edge | title=Steve Borthwick looks to backroom staff to help give England attacking edge | website=www.theguardian.com/sport | publisher=[[The Guardian|The Guardian Sport]] | date=20 December 2022 | access-date=17 July 2023 | language=en-UK}}</ref> |
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{{Div col|colwidth=20em}} |
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* {{flagicon|England}} Dave Alred |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Simon Amor]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Mike Catt]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Jon Clarke (rugby league)|Jon Clarke]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Richard Cockerill]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Alex Codling]] |
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* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Glen Ella]] |
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* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Nick Evans (rugby union)|Nick Evans]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Andy Farrell]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Mike Ford (rugby)|Mike Ford]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Martin Gleeson (rugby league)|Martin Gleeson]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Joe Gray (rugby union)|Joe Gray]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Paul Gustard]] |
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* {{flagicon|South Africa}} [[Neal Hatley]] |
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* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Brett Hodgson]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Phil Keith-Roach]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Danny Kerry (field hockey)|Danny Kerry]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Phil Larder]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Joe Lydon (rugby)|Joe Lydon]] |
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* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[John Mitchell (rugby union)|John Mitchell]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Phil Pask]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} Ian Peel |
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* {{flagicon|South Africa}} [[Matt Proudfoot]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Tony Roques]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Graham Rowntree]] |
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* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Jason Ryles]] |
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* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Anthony Seibold]] |
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* {{flagicon|England}} Paul Stridgeon |
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Sam Vesty]] |
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* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Scott Wisemantel]] |
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{{div col end}} |
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=== Club versus country === |
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[[File:All Blacks England.jpg|thumb|England versus [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] in 2006.]] |
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Although the England team is governed by the [[Rugby Football Union]] (RFU), players have been contracted to their clubs since the advent of professionalism in late 1995. Since then, players have often been caught in a "power struggle" between their clubs and the RFU; this is commonly referred to as a "club versus country" conflict.<ref name="Tuck195">Tuck (2003), pg 195.</ref> The first major dispute between England's top clubs (who play in the [[English Premiership (rugby union)|English Premiership]]) and the RFU occurred in 1998, when some of the clubs refused to release players to tour Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.<ref name="NonRelease98">{{cite news |title=Woodward embroiled in club v country spat rears its face again |work=The Independent |location=London |last=Hewett |first=Chris |date=3 March 1998 |page=27}}</ref> The tour became known as the "Tour from hell" after an England squad of second-string players were defeated in all four Tests, including a 76–0 defeat by Australia.<ref name="Burnt">{{cite news |title=Tour from Hell that left some players burnt |work=The Times |location=London |date=2 November 2002 |page=40 |last=Baldwin |first=Mark}}</ref> The clubs also withdrew from the [[1998–99 Heineken Cup]].<ref name="Morgan56">Morgan (2002), pg 56.</ref> |
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In 2001, the top clubs and the RFU formed "England Rugby" to help govern the club and international game. The parties agreed to restrict the number of matches at club and international level that elite players (a group of 50 or 60 players selected by the RFU) could play in order to reduce player burnout and injuries.<ref name="EnglandRugby2001">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/1454059.stm |title=New deal to protect England stars |date=24 July 2001 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=31 August 2007 |archive-date=15 December 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031215005814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/1454059.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In return for releasing players from club commitments, the clubs were to receive compensation from the RFU. This agreement was considered central to the England victory in the [[2003 Rugby World Cup|2003 World Cup]]. Clive Woodward, England coach from November 1997, resigned in 2004 because he was unable to get the access to the players that he wanted: "I wanted more from the union – more training days with the players, more influence over the way they were treated – and ended up with less."<ref name="Woodwardquits">{{cite news |title=I wasn't ready to compromise. I wanted more and I got less... |work=The Independent |location=London |last=Hewett |first=Chris |page=76 |date=4 September 2004}}</ref> [[Andy Robinson]], Woodward's successor, blamed the lack of control over players for his team's unsuccessful record.<ref name="AndyInterview">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby/article2198977.ece |title=The Big Interview: Andy Robinson |work=The Times |location=London |access-date=31 August 2007 |date=5 August 2007 |first=David |last=Walsh |archive-date=20 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020034759/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Brian Ashton (rugby player)|Brian Ashton]], who took over from Robinson, intentionally named his playing squad for Six Nations matches in 2007 early in the hope that their clubs would not play them in the weekend prior to a Test.<ref name="SquadsEarly">{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/2007/0213/214443-england/ |publisher=rte.ie |title=Ashton set to name side for Croker |date=14 June 2007 |access-date=31 August 2007 |archive-date=30 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930092503/http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/2007/0213/214443-england/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The RFU and the Premiership clubs are negotiating a similar deal to the one in 2001 that will enable international players to be released into the England squad prior to international matches.<ref name="NewDeal">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby/article1977476.ece |title=Peace deal agreed in club v country row |work=The Times |location=London |access-date=31 August 2007 |date=24 June 2007 |last=Cain |first=Nick |archive-date=20 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020034729/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Training === |
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[[Pennyhill Park Hotel]] in [[Bagshot]], [[Surrey]], is the chosen training base for the team in the [[2015 Rugby World Cup]]. [[Loughborough University]], [[Bisham Abbey]] and the [[University of Bath]] grounds served as training bases prior to this agreement. [[Martin Johnson (rugby union)|Martin Johnson]] noted the hotel's facilities and its proximity to Twickenham and Heathrow as deciding factors in this decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE_HOTELS/pdf/England%20based%20at%20Pennyhill%20Park.pdf |title=England choose Pennyhill Park |publisher=Pennyhill Park Hotel's website |access-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005074452/http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE_HOTELS/PDF/England%20based%20at%20Pennyhill%20Park.pdf |archive-date=5 October 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The team had their own pitchside gym and fitness rooms constructed on the hotel premises at the start of the long-term arrangement. Since its completion in 2010 the team also regularly use [[Surrey Sports Park]] at the [[University of Surrey]] in nearby [[Guildford]] for much of their training.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.surreysportspark.co.uk/news/newsandpress/2012/76182_two_england_wins_over_welsh_rivals.htm |title=Two of the three England teams to train at Surrey Sports Park managed emphatic victories over Wales in the RBS 6 Nations |publisher=Surrey Sports Park's Website |access-date=9 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801024215/http://www.surreysportspark.co.uk/news/newsandpress/2012/76182_two_england_wins_over_welsh_rivals.htm |archive-date=1 August 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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== Media coverage == |
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England's [[Mid-year rugby union internationals|summer internationals]] are televised live on [[Sky Sports]], while their [[Autumn rugby union internationals|autumn internationals]] are televised live by [[TNT Sports (United Kingdom)|TNT Sports]]. Highlights of the autumn tests are currently not shown by a free-to-air broadcaster. As of 2024, all Six Nations games are broadcast free-to-air on the BBC and [[ITV Sport|ITV]]. |
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== See also == |
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{{col-break}} |
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* [[England A national rugby union team|England A]] |
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* [[England national rugby sevens team|England Sevens]] |
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* [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England Under 20s]] |
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* [[England national under-18 rugby union team|England Under 18s]] |
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{{col-break}} |
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* [[England women's national rugby union team|England Women]] |
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* [[England women's national rugby sevens team|England Women Sevens]] |
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* [[English rugby union system]] |
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* [[Rugby union in England]] |
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{{col-end}} |
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== Bibliography == |
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* {{cite book |last=Bowker |first=Barry |year=1978 |title=England Rugby |publisher=Cassell |isbn=978-0-304-30214-7 }} |
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* {{cite book |last=Collins |first=Tony |year=2009 |title=A Social History of English Rugby Union |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-47660-7 }} |
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* {{cite book |last=Farmer |first=Stuart |year=2006 |title=The Official England Rugby Miscellany |publisher=Vision Sports Publishing |isbn=978-1-905326-12-9 }} |
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* {{cite journal |last=Morgan |first=Michael |title=Optimizing the structure of elite competitions in professional sport – lessons from Rugby Union |journal=Managing Leisure |volume=7 |pages=41–60 |year=2002 |doi=10.1080/13606710110117023 |s2cid=153521834 }} |
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* {{cite book |last=Palenski |first=Ron |year=2003 |title=Century in Black – 100 Years of All Black Test Rugby |publisher=Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers |isbn=978-1-86958-937-0 }} |
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* {{cite journal |last=Tuck |first=Jason |title=The Men in White: Reflections on Rugby Union, the Media and Englishness |journal=[[International Review for the Sociology of Sport]] |volume=38 |issue=2 |pages=177–199 |year=2003 |doi=10.1177/1012690203038002003 |s2cid=143294820 }} |
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== References == |
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{{Reflist|30em}} |
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== External links == |
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{{Wikiquote|England national rugby union team|England}} |
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{{Commons category}} |
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* {{Official website}} |
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|title=[[Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year|Laureus World Team of the Year]] |
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{{s-end}} |
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{{England national rugby union team}} |
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{{Rugby union in England}} |
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{{Six Nations Championship}} |
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{{national sports teams of England}} |
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<!--As featured article--> |
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[[Category:England national rugby union team| ]] |
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[[Category:Rugby union in England]] |
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[[Category:Laureus World Sports Awards winners]] |
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Revision as of 20:00, 23 June 2024
![]() | |||
Emblem | Red Rose | ||
---|---|---|---|
Union | Rugby Football Union | ||
Head coach | Steve Borthwick[1] | ||
Captain | Jamie George[2] | ||
Most caps | Ben Youngs (127) | ||
Top scorer | Owen Farrell (1,237) | ||
Top try scorer | Rory Underwood (49) | ||
Home stadium | Twickenham Stadium[3] | ||
| |||
World Rugby ranking | |||
Current | 5 (as of 18 March 2024) | ||
Highest | 1 (2003, 2019) | ||
Lowest | 8 (2009, 2015, 2023) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Edinburgh, Scotland; 27 March 1871) | |||
Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (London, England; 17 November 2001) | |||
Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Brisbane, Australia; 6 June 1998) | |||
World Cup | |||
Appearances | 10 (First in 1987) | ||
Best result | Champions (2003) | ||
Website | englandrugby.com |
The England men's national rugby union team represents the Rugby Football Union in men's international rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. England have won the championship on 29 occasions (as well as sharing 10 victories), winning the Grand Slam 14 times and the Triple Crown 26 times, making them the most successful outright winners in the tournament's history. They are currently the only team from the Northern Hemisphere to win the Rugby World Cup, having won the tournament in 2003, and have been runners-up on three further occasions.
The history of the team extends back to 1871 when the English rugby team played their first official test match, losing 1–0 to Scotland. England dominated the early Home Nations Championship (now the Six Nations) which started in 1883. Following the schism of rugby football in 1895 into union and league, England did not win the Championship again until 1910. They first played against New Zealand in 1905, South Africa in 1906, and Australia in 1909. England was one of the teams invited to take part in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 and progressed to the final in the second tournament in 1991, losing 12–6 to Australia. Following their Grand Slam in 2003, England went on to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup, defeating Australia 20–17 in extra time. They contested the final again in 2007 in defence of their title, losing 15–6 to South Africa, and reached the final for the fourth time in 2019, once again losing to South Africa, 32–12.
England players traditionally wear a white shirt with a rose embroidered on the chest, white shorts, and navy blue socks with a white trim. England's home ground is Twickenham Stadium where they first played in 1910. The team is administered by the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Four former players have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame; one of these is also a member of the IRB Hall of Fame. Seven other former players are members of the IRB Hall – four solely for their accomplishments as players, two solely for their achievements in other roles in the sport, and one for achievements both as a player and administrator.
History
Early years
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/England_1871_first.jpg/220px-England_1871_first.jpg)
The expansion of rugby in the first half of the 19th century was driven by former pupils from many of England's public schools, especially Rugby, who, upon finishing school, took the game with them to universities, to London, and to the counties.[4] England's first international match was against Scotland on 27 March 1871; not only was this England's first match, but it is also noted as being the first rugby union international.[5] Scotland won the match by one goal and a try to England's one unconverted try,[6][7] in front of a crowd of 4,000 people at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh.[8] A subsequent international took place at the Oval in London on 5 February 1872, when England defeated Scotland by a goal, a drop goal and two tries to Scotland's one drop goal.[9][10] The early matches did not use a structured points system; this would not be introduced until after 1890 when a suitable format for the scoring system had been devised.[7] Up until 1875, international rugby matches were decided by the number of goals scored (conversions and dropped goals), but from 1876 the number of tries scored could be used to decide a match if the teams were level on goals.[11]
In 1875, England played their first game against Ireland at the Oval, winning by one goal, one drop goal and one try to nil;[7] this was Ireland's first test match.[12][13] England defeated Scotland in 1880 to become the first winners of the Calcutta Cup.[14][15] Their first match against Wales was played on 19 February 1881 at Richardson's Field in Blackheath,[15][16] where England recorded their largest victory, winning by seven goals, six tries, and one drop goal to nil,[7] and scoring 13 tries in the process.[16] The subsequent meeting the following year at St. Helen's in Swansea was a closer contest, with England defeating Wales by two goals and four tries to nil.[7][17] Two years later, England emerged as the inaugural winners at the first Home Nations championship.[18] In 1889, they played their first match against a non-home nations team when they defeated the New Zealand Natives at Rectory Field in Blackheath[19][20] by one goal and four tries to nil.[7] England shared the Home Nations trophy with Scotland in 1890.[21]
England first played New Zealand (known as the "All Blacks") in 1905 at Crystal Palace in London. New Zealand scored five tries, worth three points at the time, to win 15–0.[22] England played France for the first time in March 1906 in Paris, winning 35–8, and later that year they first faced South Africa (known as the "Springboks"), again at Crystal Palace. James Peters was withdrawn from the England squad when the South Africans refused to play against a black player;[23] the match was drawn 3–3. England first played Australia (known as the "Wallabies") in January 1909 at Blackheath's Rectory Field, where they were defeated 9–3.[24]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/England_vs_allblacks_Gillett_1905.jpg/220px-England_vs_allblacks_Gillett_1905.jpg)
The year 1909 saw the opening of Twickenham Stadium as the RFU's new home, heralding a golden era for English rugby union. England's first international at Twickenham in 1910 brought them victory over Wales on their way to winning the International Championship (known from then as the Five Nations) for the first time since 1892. Although England did not retain the Five Nations title in 1911, they did share it (with Ireland) in 1912. England then achieved their first Five Nations Grand Slam in 1913, another in 1914, and a third in 1921 after the First World War. A further two consecutive Grand Slams followed for the England team in 1924 and 1925,[25] this despite having started 1925 with an 17–11 loss to the "Invincibles" in front of 60,000 fans at Twickenham.[26]
After winning a sixth Grand Slam in 1928, England were subjected to a 7–0 defeat by the Springboks in front of 70,000 spectators at Twickenham in January 1932. Following the expulsion of France from the International Championship in 1931 due to professionalism, which reverted the Five Nations tournament back to the Home Nations,[27] England proceeded to win the 1934 and 1937 championships with a Triple Crown, and achieved their first victory over the All Blacks at Twickenham in January 1936.[28][29]
When the Five Nations resumed with the readmission of France in 1947 after the Second World War, England shared the championship with Wales. The early Five Nations competitions of the 1950s were unsuccessful for England, winning one match in the 1950 and 1951 championships.[25] England won the 1953 Five Nations, and followed this up with a Grand Slam in 1957, and win in 1958. England broke France's four-championship streak by winning the 1963 Championship.[25] After this victory, England played three Tests in the Southern Hemisphere and lost all three: 21–11 and 9–6 against the All Blacks, and 18–9 against Australia.[30] England did not win a single match in 1966, and managed only a draw with Ireland. They did not win another Championship that decade.
Don White was appointed as England's first coach in 1969. According to former Northampton player Bob Taylor, "Don was chosen because he was the most forward-thinking coach in England".[31] His first match in charge was an 11–8 victory over South Africa at Twickenham in 1969.[citation needed] Of the eleven games England played with White in charge they won three, and drew one and lost seven. He resigned as England coach in 1971.[citation needed]
England had wins against Southern Hemisphere teams in the 1970s; with victories over South Africa in 1972, New Zealand in 1973 and Australia in 1973 and 1976. The 1972 Five Nations Championship was not completed due to the Troubles in Northern Ireland when Scotland and Wales refused to play their Five Nations away fixtures in Ireland. England played in Dublin in 1973 and were given a standing ovation lasting five minutes. After losing 18–9 at Lansdowne Road, the England captain, John Pullin famously stated, "We might not be very good but at least we turned up."[32]
England started the following decade with a Grand Slam victory in the 1980 Five Nations – their first for 23 years.[33] However in the 1983 Five Nations Championship, England failed to win a game and picked up the wooden spoon.[34] In the first Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, England were grouped in pool A alongside Australia, Japan and the United States. England lost their first game 19–6 against Australia. They went on to defeat Japan and the United States, and met Wales in their quarter-final, losing the match 16–3.[35]
In 1989, England won matches against Romania and Fiji, followed by victories in their first three Five Nations games of 1990. They lost to Scotland in their last game however, giving Scotland a Grand Slam. England recovered in the following year by winning their first Grand Slam since 1980. England hosted the 1991 World Cup and were in pool A, along with the All Blacks, Italy and the United States. Although they lost to the All Blacks in pool play, they qualified for a quarter-final going on to defeat France 19–10. England then defeated Scotland 9–6 to secure a place in the final against Australia which they lost 12–6.[36]
The next year, England completed another Grand Slam and did not lose that year, including a victory over the Springboks. In the lead up to the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, England completed another Grand Slam – their third in five years. In the World Cup, England defeated Argentina, Italy and Samoa in pool play and then defeated Australia 25–22 in their quarter-final. England's semi-final was dominated by the All Blacks and featured four tries, now worth five points each, by Jonah Lomu; England lost 45–29.[37] They then lost the third-place play-off match against France.[38]
Professional era
England won their 20th Triple Crown title in 1997, but came second in the championship after a narrow 23–20 defeat against France at Twickenham. Sir Clive Woodward replaced Jack Rowell as the England head coach later that year. On 6 December 1997, England drew 26–26 with New Zealand at Twickenham, after being heavily defeated (29–11) by South Africa at the same venue the week before and by New Zealand (25–8) in Manchester two weeks previously. In 1998, England toured Australia, New Zealand and South Africa; many of the experienced players were unavailable for what was to become nicknamed the "Tour from Hell" during which England lost all of their matches including a punishing 76–0 defeat by the Wallabies.[39][40] In the last Five Nations match on 11 April 1999, with England poised to win the championship, Welsh centre Scott Gibbs sliced through six English tackles to score a try in the last minute, and the ensuing conversion by Neil Jenkins handed the final Five Nations title to Scotland.[citation needed]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/England_world_cup.jpg/220px-England_world_cup.jpg)
England commenced the new millennium by winning the inaugural Six Nations Championship, although they lost their last match to Scotland.[41] They successfully defended their title the following year, but missed out on the Grand Slam by losing 20–14 to Ireland in a postponed match at Lansdowne Road.[42] Although France won the 2002 Six Nations Championship, England defeated the other Home Nations teams to win the Triple Crown.[43] In 2002, England beat Argentina 26–18 in Buenos Aires,[44] and in the Autumn internationals they defeated New Zealand 31–28,[45] Australia 32–31,[46] and South Africa 53–3 at Twickenham.[47] At the 2003 Six Nations Championship, England won the Grand Slam for the first time since 1995,[citation needed] followed by wins over Australia and the All Blacks on their June summer tour.[citation needed]
Going into the 2003 World Cup as one of the tournament favourites,[48] England reached the final on 22 November 2003 against host Australia. The game went into extra time with the score tied at 14–14; after one penalty apiece and with just seconds to spare, a match-winning drop goal by fly-half Jonny Wilkinson brought the final score to 20–17, making England rugby world champions for the first time. Not only was this England's first Rugby World Cup victory, but it was the nation's first world cup since the England national football team won the 1966 FIFA World Cup. On 8 December, the England team were greeted by 750,000 supporters on a victory parade through London before meeting Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.[49]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/England_rugby_training_at_bath_arp.jpg/220px-England_rugby_training_at_bath_arp.jpg)
England finished third in the 2004 Six Nations Championship after losing their matches to both France and Ireland.[50] Clive Woodward resigned as head coach on 2 September and Andy Robinson was appointed to replace him.[51] Robinson's first Six Nations campaign in 2005 resulted in fourth place for England,[52] and although they defeated Australia 26–16 at Twickenham in the Autumn internationals,[53] this was followed by a 23–19 loss to the All Blacks.[54]
A 25–14 loss to South Africa in the 2006 Autumn internationals[55] was England's eighth defeat in nine test matches, their worst losing streak. Andy Robinson resigned as head coach after this run, and attack coach Brian Ashton was appointed as his replacement in December.[56] England started the 2007 Six Nations Championship with a Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland.[57] That year's championship included a historic match at Croke Park which England lost 43–13, their heaviest defeat against Ireland.[58]
At the 2007 World Cup, England were grouped in Pool A with Samoa, Tonga, South Africa, and the United States. They progressed to the knockout stage despite a heavy 36–0 loss to South Africa, and narrowly defeated Australia 12–10 in the quarter-finals. England then faced hosts France in the semi-finals and triumphed 14–9 to qualify for the final, where they were subjected to a second defeat by the Springboks at this World Cup, losing the match 15–6. England followed up their World Cup disappointment with two consecutive second-place finishes in the Six Nations Championship, behind Wales (2008) and Ireland (2009). Former England team captain Martin Johnson took up the job of head coach in July 2008 but, unable to replicate his on-field success in the management role, he resigned in November 2011 following a miserable Rugby World Cup which featured a series of on- and off-field controversies and ended in quarter-final defeat by France.[citation needed]
In March 2012, the Rugby Football Union appointed Stuart Lancaster, the former Elite Rugby Director at Leeds Carnegie, as England's head coach.[59] He had previously been employed in the position on a short-term basis, assisted by existing forwards coach Graham Rowntree, and Andy Farrell. Lancaster was considered a success in his first campaign as head coach: defending champions England took second place in the 2012 Six Nations Championship after losing 19–12 to Wales at Twickenham, but successfully defended the Calcutta Cup by defeating Scotland 13–6 at Murrayfield. England finished the year on a high when they beat World Cup holders New Zealand 38–21 at Twickenham in the Autumn internationals; the England team dominated the match and completely outplayed the All Blacks, who had been unbeaten in 20 matches.[60]
At the 2013 Six Nations Championship, England again finished in second place behind Wales, and were deprived of the opportunity to win the Grand Slam for the first time since 2003 when defeated by Wales in Cardiff 30–3. It was the first time since 1974 that every team in the Six Nations managed to win at least three competition points (the equivalent of a win and a draw, or three draws). However, England retained the Calcutta Cup by defeating Scotland 38–18 at Twickenham. Lancaster took an experimental side on a summer tour of Argentina in 2013; after beating a South American select XV on 2 June, England achieved a 2–0 series victory over Argentina, their first away series win against the Pumas for 32 years.[61]
In 2015, England hosted the Rugby World Cup, but were eliminated in the pool stage.[62] Despite this setback, and following the appointment of new head coach Eddie Jones, England won the Grand Slam in the 2016 Six Nations Championship, and remained unbeaten for the whole of 2016, including a series whitewash of Australia in Sydney. They went on to equal the world record of 18 consecutive test wins with an impressive 61–21 victory over Scotland in securing the 2017 Six Nations Championship.[citation needed]
2018 began well for England, seeing off a spirited challenge from Italy 46–15, and winning a tight contest against Wales 12–6 in the first two rounds of the Six Nations. However, it wasn't until June before England recorded another win, as the team lost their remaining games against Scotland (25–13), France (22–16) and eventual Grand Slam winners Ireland (24–15) at home at Twickenham. A non-test loss against the Barbarians (63–45) followed.[63]
On their summer tour of South Africa, England lost the first two matches 42–39 and 23–12, after leading both early in the first half, before winning the third test 25–10 against a mostly second-string Springbok side. That autumn, after adding former New Zealand and United States coach John Mitchell to the coaching setup, England won the return match against South Africa by a single point at 12–11, and lost an equally close contest with New Zealand 16–15, both in controversial circumstances.[64][65] England rounded out the year with wins over Japan (35–15) and Australia (37–18). The win over Australia continued an unbroken run of victories over the Wallabies under former Australia coach Eddie Jones.[citation needed]
England finished second in the 2019 Six Nations Championship having lost to Wales in Cardiff and drawn 38-38 with Scotland at Twickenham after leading 31-0. In the 2019 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches they defeated Wales 33-19 at Twickenham before losing 13-6 in Cardiff. They then recorded their largest win over Ireland with a 57-15 victory at Twickenham before defeating Italy 37-0 at St James' Park. In the 2019 Rugby World Cup, England became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals following a 39-10 win over Argentina in Chōfu. After their final match was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis, England topped Pool C and faced Australia in the quarter-finals. England won the quarter-final 40-16, recording a seventh successive victory over Australia in the Wallabies' largest-ever Rugby World Cup defeat. England then defeated New Zealand in the semi-final, equalling their largest Rugby World Cup defeat with a 19-7 victory in which the All Blacks were kept scoreless for 57 minutes. On 2 November 2019, England were defeated 12-32 by South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
In the 2020 Six Nations Championship, England were defeated 24-17 in their opening game against France in Paris before recording victories against Scotland at Murrayfield and Ireland and Wales at Twickenham. The tournament was then halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed with the matches played in empty stadia in October. In the postponed matches, England recorded a bonus point win over Italy in Rome before France's defeat of Ireland by eight points meant that England won the championship on points difference. Due to the pandemic, the scheduled 2020 Autumn Internationals were replaced by the Autumn Nations Cup. England defeated Georgia, Wales and Ireland before facing France in the final match, winning 22-19 after extra time at Twickenham to secure the tournament.
England finished fifth in the 2021 Six Nations Championship, beating France and Italy but losing to all three home nations for the first time since 1976 and conceding defeat to Scotland at Twickenham for the first time since 1983. In the 2021 autumn internationals England played three matches at Twickenham. They secured a 69-3 victory over Tonga, recorded their eighth successive victory against Australia and defeated world champions South Africa 27-26.
England finished third in the 2022 Six Nations Championship after defeating Italy and Wales but losing to Ireland, France and Scotland.
England ended fourth in the 2023 Six Nations Championship. England defeated Italy (31-14) and Wales (10-20) but was beaten by Scotland (23-29), France (10-53) and Ireland (29-16).
Home stadium
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Stade_de_Twickenham_%C3%A0_Londres.jpg/220px-Stade_de_Twickenham_%C3%A0_Londres.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Twickenham_Rugby_Pitch_-_England_vs_Australia.png/220px-Twickenham_Rugby_Pitch_-_England_vs_Australia.png)
Twickenham is the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world. In the early years, the English rugby team used a number of venues in several different locations around England before settling at Twickenham Stadium in 1910. After sell-out matches at Crystal Palace against New Zealand in 1905 and South Africa in 1906, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) decided to invest in their own ground and arranged for sportsman and entrepreneur Billy Williams to find a home ground for English Rugby. The land for the ground was purchased in 1907 for £5,572 12s and 6d, and construction began the following year.[66]
The first international match at Twickenham took place on 15 January 1910 between England and Wales. The home team ran out winners 11–6, beating Wales for the first time since 1898.[67] The stadium was expanded in 1927 and again in 1932, but there were no further upgrades until 1981 when a new South stand was built[68] and the 1990s when new North, East and West stands were built;[66] the South stand was replaced in 2005 and 2006 to make the stadium into a complete bowl. England played their first test match at the redeveloped Twickenham on 5 November 2006 against the All Blacks,[69] who won the match 41–20, dominating the England team in front of a record crowd of 82,076.[70]
The pitch at Twickenham was replaced in June 2012 with a hybrid 'Desso' type, which uses artificial fibres entwined with real grass. This type of pitch surface is particularly hard wearing in wet conditions.[71]
England home matches outside Twickenham
Although England have played home matches almost exclusively at Twickenham since 1910, they have occasionally used alternative English venues. England home matches have been hosted at Leicester's Welford Road (1923), London's Wembley Stadium (1992), Old Trafford (1997 and 2009), Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium (twice in 1998),[72] Manchester's Etihad Stadium (2015), and St James' Park in Newcastle upon Tyne (2019).
Date | Team | Result | Venue | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2nd December 1905 | ![]() |
0–15 | Crystal Palace, London | [73] |
10 February 1923 | ![]() |
23–5 | Welford Road, Leicester | [74] |
17 October 1992 | ![]() |
26–13 | Wembley Stadium, London | [75] |
22 November 1997 | ![]() |
8–25 | Old Trafford, Manchester | [76] |
14 November 1998 | ![]() |
110–0 | McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield | [77] |
22 November 1998 | ![]() |
23–15 | McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield | [77] |
6 June 2009 | ![]() |
37–15 | Old Trafford, Manchester[a] | [76] |
10 October 2015 | ![]() |
60–3 | Etihad Stadium, Manchester[b] | [78] |
6 September 2019 | ![]() |
37–0 | St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne | [79] |
a The first of a two-test series, this match was originally scheduled to be held in Argentina but moved by the Argentine Rugby Union for financial reasons.[80]
b This was a Pool A match at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
England also played a Five Nations match against Wales at Wembley Stadium on 11 April 1999. Wales was the "home team" on this occasion because Wembley was being used as a temporary base while their new stadium in Cardiff was being constructed. Wales won the match 32–31.[81][82]
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is commonly sung at England fixtures – especially at Twickenham. In the last match of the 1988 season, against Ireland, three of England's tries were scored by Chris Oti. A group of boys from the Benedictine school Douai, following a tradition at their school games, sang the song on his final try, and other spectators around the ground joined in.[83][84] Since then "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" became a song to sing at England home games.[85] In 1991, the RFU marketing director Mike Coley for the team to launch a song leading up to that year's Rugby World Cup. He had wanted to use "Jerusalem", but it was used in the Rugby League Challenge Cup final that year, so the song was changed at short notice to "Swing Low".[citation needed] There were a number of versions recorded and the version released did reach the top 40 in the UK Singles Chart during the competition.[86]
Playing kit
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Tom_Palmer_2011_cropped.jpg/150px-Tom_Palmer_2011_cropped.jpg)
England rugby union players typically wear all-white jerseys and white shorts, with predominantly navy blue socks. The emblem on the jerseys is a red rose. As of July 2023, the strip is manufactured by Umbro and the shirt sponsor is O2. The away strip is usually red or dark grey (described as "anthracite");[87] prior to the introduction of the grey strip, red was the traditional change colour. Navy blue has also been used in the past and was reintroduced for the 2016–17 and 2020–21 seasons.[88] Purple was used during the 2009 autumn internationals, reflecting the traditional colour of the original England tracksuits from the 1960s until the 1980s.[89] The away strip was black for the first time during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. About that kit, the RFU stated that they had requested approval from the New Zealand Union, which said "it has no qualms with England wearing the strip".[90]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/England_rugby_shirt_rose_1871.svg/100px-England_rugby_shirt_rose_1871.svg.png)
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) had created the national side's emblem prior to an English team being sent to Edinburgh to play a Scottish side. A red rose was chosen to be the side's emblem.[91] The white kit worn by the national team was taken from the kit used at Rugby School.[91] Alfred Wright, an employee of the Rugby Football Union, is credited with the standardisation and new design of the rose, which up until 1920 had undergone many variations in its depiction.[91] The Wright design is thought to have been used without minor alteration until the late 1990s.[91] It was not until 1997 that the rose was modernised,[92] when Nike became the official strip supplier (with the stem section of the rose being green rather than brown as previously).[93]
In 2003, England first used a skin-tight strip. This was intended to make it more difficult for the opposition to grasp the shirt when tackling.[94]
Kit providers
Year | Kit manufacturer | Main shirt sponsor |
---|---|---|
1960s | ![]() |
— |
1970s–1983 | ![]() |
— |
1984–1990 | ![]() |
— |
1991–1997 | ![]() |
BT Cellnet (1996–June 2002) |
1997–2012 | ![]() |
O2 (June 2002–present) |
2012–2020 | ![]() | |
2020–present | ![]() |
Performances
Six Nations
England competes annually in the Six Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations: France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. The Six Nations started out as the Home Nations Championship in 1883 which England won with a Triple Crown. England have won the title outright 29 times (a record for the tournament) and shared victory ten times. Their longest wait between championships was 18 years (1892–1910). During the Six Nations, England also contests the Calcutta Cup with Scotland (which England first won in 1880) and the Millennium Trophy with Ireland (which England first won in 1988). The matches between England and France are traditionally known as "Le Crunch".
![]() England |
![]() France |
![]() Ireland |
![]() Italy |
![]() Scotland |
![]() Wales | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tournaments | 128 | 95 | 130 | 25 | 130 | 130 |
Outright wins (shared wins) | ||||||
Home Nations | 5 (4) | — | 4 (3) | — | 9 (2) | 7 (3) |
Five Nations | 17 (6) | 12 (8) | 6 (5) | — | 5 (6) | 15 (8) |
Six Nations | 7 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Overall | 29 (10) | 18 (8) | 16 (8) | 0 (0) | 14 (8) | 28 (11) |
Grand Slams | ||||||
Home Nations | — | — | — | — | — | 2[100] |
Five Nations | 11 | 6 | 1 | — | 3 | 6 |
Six Nations | 2 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Overall | 13 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 12 |
Triple Crowns | ||||||
Home Nations | 5 | — | 2 | — | 7 | 6 |
Five Nations | 16 | — | 4 | — | 3 | 11 |
Six Nations | 5 | — | 7 | — | 0 | 5 |
Overall | 26 | — | 13 | — | 10 | 22 |
Wooden Spoons | ||||||
Home Nations | 7 | — | 10 | — | 5 | 6 |
Five Nations | 10 | 12 | 15 | — | 15 | 10 |
Six Nations | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 2 |
Overall | 17 | 13 | 25 | 18 | 24 | 18 |
Note: England are the only team to have won more than two successive grand slams, on more than one occasion, doing so in 1913–1914, 1923–1924 and 1991–1992; while Wales and France the only other teams to have done so twice, in 1908–1909 for Wales and 1997–1998 for France.
Test series victories
Australia – 2016, 2022
Argentina – 1981, 2002, 2013, 2017
Japan – 1971, 1979
Fiji – 1973, 1989, 1991
United States – 2001
Canada – 2001
Romania – 1989
Ceylon – 1971
England have previously played one or more series against these nations, but have never won an overall test series against them:
Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup record | Qualification | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | Squad | Head coach | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | |
![]() ![]() |
Quarter–finals | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 103 | 48 | Squad | M. Green | Invited | |||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Runners–up | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 119 | 61 | Squad | G. Cooke | Automatically qualified | |||||||
![]() |
Fourth place | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 158 | 146 | Squad | J. Rowell | Automatically qualified | |||||||
![]() |
Quarter–finals | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 250 | 115 | Squad | C. Woodward | 1st | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 133 | 15 | |
![]() |
Champions | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 327 | 88 | Squad | C. Woodward | Automatically qualified | |||||||
![]() |
Runners–up | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 140 | 122 | Squad | B. Ashton | Automatically qualified | |||||||
![]() |
Quarter–finals | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 149 | 53 | Squad | M. Johnson | Automatically qualified | |||||||
![]() |
Pool stage | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 133 | 75 | Squad | S. Lancaster | Automatically qualified | |||||||
![]() |
Runners–up | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 190 | 75 | Squad | E. Jones | Automatically qualified | |||||||
![]() |
Third place | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 221 | 102 | Squad | S. Borthwick | Automatically qualified | |||||||
![]() |
Automatically qualified | ||||||||||||||||
![]() |
To be determined | ||||||||||||||||
Total | — | 57 | 42 | 0 | 15 | 1790 | 885 | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 133 | 15 | |
|
England have contested every Rugby World Cup since the tournament began in 1987, reaching the final four times and winning the title in 2003.
In the inaugural tournament, England finished second in their pool before losing to Wales in the quarter-finals. They again finished pool runners-up in 1991 but recovered to beat France in the quarter-finals, and then Scotland in the semi-finals, en route to a 12–6 final defeat to Australia at Twickenham on 2 November 1991.
In 1995, England topped their pool and defeated Australia 25–22 at the quarter-final stage before being beaten by the All Blacks in the semi-final. Their third-place play-off match against France was lost 19–9.
In the 1999 tournament, England again finished second in their pool. Although they proceeded to win a play-off game against Fiji, they went out of the tournament in the quarter-finals, losing 44–21 to South Africa.
England came top of their pool in 2003 and progressed to the final, beating Wales and France in the quarter- and semi-finals. With a drop goal in the last minute of extra time, England won the final 20–17 against Australia in Sydney on 22 November 2003.
England made a poor start to their defence of the World Cup in 2007, with a below par victory over the United States and a heavy 36–0 defeat to South Africa, leaving the title holders on the brink of elimination at the pool stage. Improved performances against Samoa and Tonga ensured that England again reached the knockout stage as pool runners-up, before a surprise 12–10 defeat of Australia in the quarter-finals followed by a narrow 14–9 victory over the host nation carried England to a second successive final appearance. In the final, held in Paris on 20 October, England lost 15–6 to South Africa, their second defeat by the Springboks during the 2007 tournament.
England reached the quarter-final stage in 2011, losing 19–12 to France.
In 2015, England became the first sole host nation to fail to qualify for the knockout stage, after losing to Wales and Australia in the pool stage.
In 2019, England finished top of their pool before defeating Australia and New Zealand in the knockout stage. On 2 November 2019, they suffered a 32–12 final defeat to South Africa in Yokohama, becoming World Cup runners-up for the third time.
England's Jonny Wilkinson is the highest points scorer in the Rugby World Cup, having scored 277 points between 1999 and 2011. England have the fourth most points and the fourth most tries scored in the Rugby World Cup.
Recent results
The following is a list of England's recent match results, as well as upcoming scheduled fixtures, during the 12 months up to September 2024:
Win Draw Loss Fixture
9 September 2023 | England ![]() |
27–10 | ![]() |
Stade Vélodrome, Marseille | |
21:00 CEST (UTC+2) | Pen: Ford (6/6) 10', 46', 54', 59', 66', 75' Drop: Ford (3/3) 27', 31', 37' |
Report | Try: Bruni 79' c Con: Boffelli (1/1) 80' Pen: Boffelli (1/2) 5' |
Attendance: 63,118 Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France) |
17 September 2023 | England ![]() |
34–12 | ![]() |
Allianz Riviera, Nice | |
21:00 CEST (UTC+2) | Try: Ludlam 24' c Lawes 56' c Steward 66' c Marchant 80+1' c Con: Ford (4/4) 26', 56', 67', 80+1' Pen: Ford (2/3) 4', 42' |
Report | Pen: Matsuda (4/4) 15', 23', 32', 54' |
Attendance: 30,500 Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) |
23 September 2023 | England ![]() |
71–0 | ![]() |
Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq | |
17:45 CEST (UTC+2) | Try: Arundell (5) 20' m, 30' m, 48' c, 60' c, 69' m Dan (2) 24' c, 45' c Rodd 35' c Smith (2) 40' c, 77' c Willis 80' c Con: Farrell (8/11) 25', 36', 40+2', 46', 49', 62', 78', 80+1' |
Report | Attendance: 44,315 Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa) |
7 October 2023 | England ![]() |
18–17 | ![]() |
Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq | |
17:45 CEST (UTC+2) | Try: Chessum 9' m Care 73' c Con: Farrell (1/2) 74' Pen: Farrell (2/3) 18', 58' |
Report | Try: Ah Wong (2) 22' c, 29' c Con: Sopoaga (2/2) 24', 30' Pen: Sopoaga (1/2) 48' |
Attendance: 47,891 Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland) |
15 October 2023 | England ![]() |
30–24 | ![]() |
Stade Vélodrome, Marseille | |
17:00 CEST (UTC+2) | Try: Tuilagi 14' m Marchant 23' c Con: Farrell (1/2) 23' Pen: Farrell (5/6) 11', 34', 38', 54', 78' Drop: Farrell (1/1) 72' |
Report | Try: Mata 28' c Ravai 64' c Botitu 68' c Con: Lomani (1/1) 29' Kuruvoli (2/2) 65', 70' Pen: Lomani (1/3) 20' |
Attendance: 61,863 Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France) |
21 October 2023 | England ![]() |
15–16 | ![]() |
Stade de France, Saint-Denis | |
21:00 CEST (UTC+2) | Pen: Farrell (4/4) 3', 10', 24', 39' Drop: Farrell (1/1) 53' |
Report | Try: Snyman 69' c Con: Pollard (1/1) 70' Pen: Libbok (1/1) 21' Pollard (2/2) 35', 78' |
Attendance: 78,098 Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand) |
27 October 2023 | Argentina ![]() |
23–26 | ![]() |
Stade de France, Saint-Denis | |
21:00 CEST (UTC+2) | Try: Cubelli 36' c S. Carreras 42' c Con: Boffelli (2/2) 37', 43' Pen: Boffelli (2/2) 24', 50' Sánchez (1/2) 68' |
Report | Try: Earl 8' c Dan 44' c Con: Farrell (2/2) 9', 45' Pen: Farrell (4/4) 3', 13', 30', 65' |
Attendance: 77,674 Referee: Nic Berry (Australia) |
3 February 2024 | Italy ![]() |
24–27 | ![]() |
Stadio Olimpico, Rome | |
15:15 CET (UTC+1) | Try: A. Garbisi 10' c Allan 25' c Ioane 80+4' c Con: Allan (2/2) 12', 26' P. Garbisi (1/1) 80+5' Pen: Allan (1/2) 4' |
Report | Try: Daly 19' m Mitchell 44' c Con: Ford (1/2) 45' Pen: Ford (5/5) 15', 32', 37', 53', 66' |
Attendance: 57,000 Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) |
10 February 2024 | England ![]() |
16–14 | ![]() |
Twickenham Stadium, London | |
16:45 GMT (UTC+0) | Try: Earl 19' m Dingwall 62' m Pen: Ford (2/2) 47', 71' |
Report | Try: Penalty try 16' Mann 37' c Con: Lloyd (1/1) 38' |
Attendance: 81,596 Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand) |
24 February 2024 | Scotland ![]() |
30–21 | ![]() |
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh | |
16:45 GMT (UTC+0) | Try: Van der Merwe (3) 19' c, 29' c, 44' c Con: Russell (3/3) 20', 30', 46' Pen: Russell (3/3) 34', 56', 65' |
Report | Try: Furbank 4' c Feyi-Waboso 66' m Con: Ford (1/1) 6' Pen: Ford (2/2) 14', 49' Drop: Ford (1/1) 35' |
Attendance: 67,144 Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland) |
9 March 2024 | England ![]() |
23–22 | ![]() |
Twickenham Stadium, London | |
16:45 GMT (UTC+0) | Try: Lawrence 4' m Furbank 48' m Earl 60' c Con: Smith (1/1) 61' Pen: Ford (1/2) 17' Drop: Smith (1/1) 80+1' |
Report | Try: Lowe (2) 44' m, 73' m Pen: Crowley (4/4) 3', 20', 35', 40+1' |
Attendance: 81,686 Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) |
16 March 2024 | France ![]() |
33–31 | ![]() |
Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu | |
21:00 CET (UTC+1) | Try: Le Garrec 20' c Barré 56' c Fickou 60' c Con: Ramos (3/3) 21', 57', 61' Pen: Ramos (4/5) 17', 31', 35', 79' |
Report | Try: Lawrence (2) 40+1' c, 42' c Smith 45' c Freeman 75' c Con: Ford (4/4) 40+2', 43', 47', 76' Pen: Ford (1/1) 11' |
Attendance: 60,000 Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia) |
22 June 2024 | Japan ![]() |
17–52 | ![]() |
Japan National Stadium, Tokyo | |
14:50 JST (UTC+09) | Try: Nezuka 66' c Yamasawa 69' c Con: Matsuda (2/2) 67', 70' Pen: Lee (1/1) 3' |
Report | Try: Cunningham-South 14' c M. Smith 25' c Feyi-Waboso 29' c Slade 40+2' m Mitchell 43' c Earl 50' m Randall 58' c Underhill 77' c Con: M. Smith (4/6) 15', 26', 30', 44' Slade (2/2) 59', 78' |
Attendance: 44,029 Referee: Luc Ramos (France) |
6 July 2024 | New Zealand ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin | |
19:05 NZST (UTC+12) | Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) |
13 July 2024 | New Zealand ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Eden Park, Auckland | |
19:05 NZST (UTC+12) | Referee: Nic Berry (Australia) |
Overall
[101] | Top 20 as of 12 August 2024|||
---|---|---|---|
Rank | Change* | Team | Points |
1 | ![]() |
![]() |
93.11 |
2 | ![]() |
![]() |
92.12 |
3 | ![]() |
![]() |
88.37 |
4 | ![]() |
![]() |
86.96 |
5 | ![]() |
![]() |
85.40 |
6 | ![]() |
![]() |
83.64 |
7 | ![]() |
![]() |
82.82 |
8 | ![]() |
![]() |
79.98 |
9 | ![]() |
![]() |
78.96 |
10 | ![]() |
![]() |
77.44 |
11 | ![]() |
![]() |
76.04 |
12 | ![]() |
![]() |
74.10 |
13 | ![]() |
![]() |
73.65 |
14 | ![]() |
![]() |
71.63 |
15 | ![]() |
![]() |
70.61 |
16 | ![]() |
![]() |
68.66 |
17 | ![]() |
![]() |
67.39 |
18 | ![]() |
![]() |
66.29 |
19 | ![]() |
![]() |
66.01 |
20 | ![]() |
![]() |
62.62 |
* Change from the previous week | |||
England's historical rankings | |||
See or edit source data. | |||
Source: World Rugby[101] Graph updated to 12 August 2024 |
When the World Rugby Rankings were first introduced in early September 2003, England were ranked 1st; they fell to 2nd for a week in November 2003 before regaining 1st place. They again dropped to 2nd in the rankings, and then to 3rd, from mid-June 2004. Following the 2005 Six Nations Championship, they fell to 6th in the world rankings, where they remained until moving up to 5th place in December of that year. After a decline in form in 2006, England finished the year ranked 7th; however, they bounced back to 3rd in 2007 due to their good run in that year's World Cup, where they finished runners-up.
Their ranking slipped again in 2008 and during the 2009 Six Nations Championship they dropped to their lowest ranking of 8th, where they remained for the duration of the 2009 Autumn internationals. After a brief resurgence that saw them rise to a ranking of 4th in the world, England again slipped following a poor showing at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and were ranked 6th in February 2012. The team entered the 2015 Rugby World Cup ranked 4th, but after failing to progress beyond the pool stage, England again sank to 8th in the world in November 2015. In March 2016, after securing the Grand Slam in the 2016 Six Nations Championship, England rose to second place, where they remained the following year after winning the 2017 Six Nations Championship. A poor fifth-place performance in the 2018 Six Nations Championship saw them fall to sixth place.
In October 2019, England defeated New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup to top the World Rugby Rankings for the first time since 2004.[102] After losing the final to South Africa, England were ranked third. In November 2020, they regained second place following New Zealand's loss to Argentina.
During the 2021 Six Nations, a fifth place finish saw England fall from second to third after defeats to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. After Australia won 5 matches in a row during the 2021 Rugby Championship, England fell to fourth until defeats of Australia and South Africa in the 2021 Autumn Nations Series saw them regain third place.
During the 2022 Six Nations, England again suffered three defeats to Scotland, Ireland and France and fell from third to fifth.
England have won 444 of their 797 Test Matches, with a winning record of 55.71%. Below is a summary table of capped England matches up to 14 July 2024. Only fixtures recognised as test matches by the RFU are included.
Opponent | Pld | W | D | L | Win % | PF | PA | PD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
27 | 21 | 1 | 5 | 77.78% | 730 | 436 | 294 |
![]() |
55 | 28 | 1 | 26 | 50.91% | 1034 | 1,155 | −121 |
![]() |
7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 343 | 87 | 256 |
![]() |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 71 | 0 | 71 |
![]() |
9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 88.89% | 355 | 163 | 192 |
![]() |
111 | 60 | 7 | 44 | 54.05% | 1,795 | 1,490 | 305 |
![]() |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 165 | 16 | 149 |
![]() |
142 | 81 | 8 | 53 | 56.74% | 1,763 | 1,314 | 449 |
![]() |
31 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 1,224 | 380 | 844 |
![]() |
5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 233 | 64 | 169 |
![]() |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 110 | 0 | 110 |
![]() |
45 | 8 | 2 | 35 | 17.78% | 651 | 1057 | −406 |
New Zealand Natives | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 7 | 0 | 7 |
Pacific Islanders | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 39 | 13 | 26 |
Presidents XV | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.00% | 11 | 28 | −17 |
![]() |
5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 335 | 24 | 311 |
![]() |
9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 310 | 131 | 179 |
![]() |
142 | 76 | 19 | 47 | 53.52% | 1,754 | 1,321 | 433 |
![]() |
46 | 16 | 2 | 28 | 34.78% | 784 | 988 | −204 |
![]() |
4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 241 | 36 | 205 |
![]() |
7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 341 | 88 | 253 |
![]() |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% | 171 | 16 | 155 |
![]() |
142 | 69 | 12 | 61 | 48.59% | 1,926 | 1,783 | 143 |
Total | 797 | 444 | 52 | 301 | 55.71% | 14,393 | 10,590 | +3,803 |
Players
Current squad
On 27 May 2024, head coach Steve Borthwick named a 19-player preliminary training squad, in preparation for the England's summer test matches against Japan and New Zealand. The squad did not include players from any of the four Premiership teams competing in the 2023–24 Premiership play-offs.[103]
On 3 June 2024, Borthwick named an updated 33-player training squad, following the Premiership play-off semi-finals.[104]
On 10 June 2024, Borthwick named the final 36-player squad for the tour of Japan and New Zealand, following the conclusion of the Premiership season.[105]
(1) On 23 June 2024, Charlie Ewels was ruled out of the tour, after receiving a red card against Japan, which resulted in a two-match suspension. He was replaced in the England squad by Nick Isiekwe.[106]
- Note: Caps updated as of 22 June 2024
Notable players
Five former England representatives have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame: Bill Beaumont, Martin Johnson, Jason Leonard, Wavell Wakefield and Jonny Wilkinson.[107][108]
Seven former England internationals are also members of the IRB Hall of Fame. Four of them – Johnson,[109] Alan Rotherham, Harry Vassall[110] and Robert Seddon[111] – were inducted for their accomplishments as players. Two other former England players, John Kendall-Carpenter and Clive Woodward, were inducted into the IRB Hall for non-playing accomplishments in the sport.[109] Another former England player, Alfred St. George Hamersley, was inducted for achievements as both a player and a rugby administrator.[112]
Individual records
World Rugby Awards
The following England players have been recognised at the World Rugby Awards since 2001:[113]
|
|
|
Year | Date | Scorer | Match | Tournament | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | 13 November | Chris Ashton | vs. Australia | Autumn Internationals | [114] |
Six Nations Player of the Championship
The following England players have been shortlisted for the Six Nations Player of the Championship since 2004:[115]
|
|
Year | Forwards | Backs | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Players | No. | Players | |
2022 | 4. | Maro Itoje | — | |
2024 | 8. | Ben Earl |
Rugby Players' Association Player of the Year
The following players have been voted as the RPA England Player of the Year since 2013:[116]
|
|
|
Statistical leaders
- Ben Youngs holds the record for most appearances for England, with 127 caps – placing him joint 14th all-time in international rugby.[129]
- Owen Farrell holds the record for most points scored for England, with 1,237 points – placing him second all-time in international rugby.[130]
- Rory Underwood holds the record for most tries scored for England, with 49 tries – placing him sixth all-time in international rugby.[131]
Summary
- As of 21 June 2024[132]
Players active at international level as of May 2024 are listed in bold italics.
|
|
|
Coaches
Current coaching staff
The following table outlines the current England senior coaching team, as of the 2024 summer tour of Japan and New Zealand.[133][134]
Nationality | Name | Role |
---|---|---|
![]() |
Steve Borthwick | Head Coach / Lineout Coach |
![]() |
Richard Wigglesworth | Attack Coach |
![]() |
Felix Jones | Defence Coach |
![]() |
Kevin Sinfield | Skills & Kicking Coach |
![]() |
Tom Harrison | Scrum Coach |
![]() |
Aled Walters | Head of Strength & Conditioning |
![]() |
Tom Tombleson | Strength & Conditioning Coach |
![]() |
Richard Hill | Team Manager |
![]() |
Andrew Strawbridge | Coaching Consultant |
![]() |
George Kruis | Lineout Consultant |
![]() |
Jonny Wilkinson | Kicking Consultant |
History of head coaches
The following is a list of all England head coaches. The first appointed coach was Don White in 1969. The most recent former coach was Eddie Jones.[135] Jones took over from Stuart Lancaster a week after the latter's resignation, and he became the first foreigner to coach the English national side. Jones' winning percentage of 73% is the highest of any England coach.[136][137][138][139][140]
Updated to: 16 March 2024
Name | Tenure | Tests | Won | Drew | Lost | Win Percentage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
20 December 1969 – 17 April 1971[31] | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 27.3 |
![]() |
18 October 1971 – 16 March 1974[141] | 16 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 37.5 |
![]() |
18 January 1975 – 31 May 1975 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 16.7 |
![]() |
3 January 1976 – 17 March 1979 | 18 | 6 | 1 | 11 | 33.3 |
![]() |
24 November 1979 – 6 March 1982 | 16 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 62.5 |
![]() |
15 January 1983 – 20 April 1985 | 17 | 4 | 2 | 11 | 23.5 |
![]() |
1 June 1985 – 8 June 1987 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 35.7 |
![]() |
16 January 1988 – 19 March 1994 | 50 | 36 | 1 | 13 | 72.0 |
![]() |
4 June 1994[142] – 31 August 1997[143] | 29 | 21 | 0 | 8 | 72.4 |
![]() |
15 November 1997[144] – 2 September 2004[145] | 83 | 59 | 2 | 22 | 71.1 |
![]() |
15 October 2004[146] – 29 November 2006[147] | 22 | 9 | 0 | 13 | 40.9 |
![]() |
20 December 2006[148] – 1 June 2008[149] | 22 | 12 | 0 | 10 | 54.5 |
![]() |
1 June 2008 – 30 June 2008[150] | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 |
![]() |
1 July 2008[150] – 16 November 2011[151] | 38 | 21 | 1 | 16 | 55.3 |
![]() |
8 December 2011[152] – 11 November 2015[153] | 46 | 28 | 1 | 17 | 60.9 |
![]() |
20 November 2015[154] – 6 December 2022[155] | 81 | 59 | 2 | 20 | 72.8 |
![]() |
19 December 2022 – present[156] | 21 | 12 | 0 | 9 | 57.1 |
a Rob Andrew coached the team for the 2008 summer tests in New Zealand in Martin Johnson's absence.
Note 1: Richard Cockerill served briefly as interim head coach in December 2022, between the dismissal of Eddie Jones and appointment of Steve Borthwick. No test matches were played during his tenure.[157]
Note 2: Between September 2015 and March 2017, England won 18 test matches in a row – equalling the record for a top tier nation – 17 of which occurred under Eddie Jones.[158]
World Rugby Coach of the Year
Two former England head coaches have been named World Rugby Coach of the Year since the award's inception in 2001:[113][159]
Year | Nationality | Coach |
---|---|---|
2003 | ![]() |
Sir Clive Woodward |
2017 | ![]() |
Eddie Jones |
Former assistant coaches
The following names represent a list of previous assistant coaches for the England men's senior squad:[160][161][162][163]
Dave Alred
Simon Amor
Mike Catt
Jon Clarke
Richard Cockerill
Alex Codling
Glen Ella
Nick Evans
Andy Farrell
Mike Ford
Martin Gleeson
Joe Gray
Paul Gustard
Neal Hatley
Brett Hodgson
Phil Keith-Roach
Danny Kerry
Phil Larder
Joe Lydon
John Mitchell
Phil Pask
Ian Peel
Matt Proudfoot
Tony Roques
Graham Rowntree
Jason Ryles
Anthony Seibold
Paul Stridgeon
Sam Vesty
Scott Wisemantel
Club versus country
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/All_Blacks_England.jpg/220px-All_Blacks_England.jpg)
Although the England team is governed by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), players have been contracted to their clubs since the advent of professionalism in late 1995. Since then, players have often been caught in a "power struggle" between their clubs and the RFU; this is commonly referred to as a "club versus country" conflict.[164] The first major dispute between England's top clubs (who play in the English Premiership) and the RFU occurred in 1998, when some of the clubs refused to release players to tour Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.[165] The tour became known as the "Tour from hell" after an England squad of second-string players were defeated in all four Tests, including a 76–0 defeat by Australia.[166] The clubs also withdrew from the 1998–99 Heineken Cup.[167]
In 2001, the top clubs and the RFU formed "England Rugby" to help govern the club and international game. The parties agreed to restrict the number of matches at club and international level that elite players (a group of 50 or 60 players selected by the RFU) could play in order to reduce player burnout and injuries.[168] In return for releasing players from club commitments, the clubs were to receive compensation from the RFU. This agreement was considered central to the England victory in the 2003 World Cup. Clive Woodward, England coach from November 1997, resigned in 2004 because he was unable to get the access to the players that he wanted: "I wanted more from the union – more training days with the players, more influence over the way they were treated – and ended up with less."[169] Andy Robinson, Woodward's successor, blamed the lack of control over players for his team's unsuccessful record.[170] Brian Ashton, who took over from Robinson, intentionally named his playing squad for Six Nations matches in 2007 early in the hope that their clubs would not play them in the weekend prior to a Test.[171] The RFU and the Premiership clubs are negotiating a similar deal to the one in 2001 that will enable international players to be released into the England squad prior to international matches.[172]
Training
Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, is the chosen training base for the team in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Loughborough University, Bisham Abbey and the University of Bath grounds served as training bases prior to this agreement. Martin Johnson noted the hotel's facilities and its proximity to Twickenham and Heathrow as deciding factors in this decision.[173] The team had their own pitchside gym and fitness rooms constructed on the hotel premises at the start of the long-term arrangement. Since its completion in 2010 the team also regularly use Surrey Sports Park at the University of Surrey in nearby Guildford for much of their training.[174]
Media coverage
England's summer internationals are televised live on Sky Sports, while their autumn internationals are televised live by TNT Sports. Highlights of the autumn tests are currently not shown by a free-to-air broadcaster. As of 2024, all Six Nations games are broadcast free-to-air on the BBC and ITV.
See also
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Bibliography
- Bowker, Barry (1978). England Rugby. Cassell. ISBN 978-0-304-30214-7.
- Collins, Tony (2009). A Social History of English Rugby Union. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-47660-7.
- Farmer, Stuart (2006). The Official England Rugby Miscellany. Vision Sports Publishing. ISBN 978-1-905326-12-9.
- Morgan, Michael (2002). "Optimizing the structure of elite competitions in professional sport – lessons from Rugby Union". Managing Leisure. 7: 41–60. doi:10.1080/13606710110117023. S2CID 153521834.
- Palenski, Ron (2003). Century in Black – 100 Years of All Black Test Rugby. Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers. ISBN 978-1-86958-937-0.
- Tuck, Jason (2003). "The Men in White: Reflections on Rugby Union, the Media and Englishness". International Review for the Sociology of Sport. 38 (2): 177–199. doi:10.1177/1012690203038002003. S2CID 143294820.
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