England Prepare for Tough France Test in Toulouse
As England prepare to take on France in Toulouse this weekend, it’s been over a decade since the last time these two sides squared off in the French city. The last encounter between England and France in Toulouse was back in 2008, and it resulted in a resounding 56-8 victory for the English side.
The England squad that day featured some of the greatest players to ever represent the national team. Let’s take a closer look at where that legendary lineup is now:
Fullback Paul Wellens
Paul Wellens, who made his England debut in 2000, went on to win 32 caps and enjoy a decorated club career with St Helens, including winning five Super League titles and two World Club Challenges. Wellens is now the head coach of St Helens.
Winger Ade Gardner
Ade Gardner, capped 10 times for England and Great Britain, joined St Helens in 2002 and won multiple trophies before transitioning into a role as Head of Performance at Warrington Wolves.
Centre Martin Gleeson
Martin Gleeson, who earned 26 international caps, had spells at several clubs, including Huddersfield, St Helens, Warrington, and Wigan, and is now an assistant coach at Warrington.
Centre Keith Senior
Keith Senior, with 43 caps for Great Britain and England, was a key figure in Leeds Rhinos’ success, winning five Super League titles. He is now back at his former club Sheffield Eagles as an assistant coach.
Winger Peter Fox
Peter Fox, who made his England debut in this match, went on to win five more caps and had a journeyman club career before settling into a role as an electrical and mechanical technician.
Halfback Leon Pryce
Leon Pryce, with 24 international caps, had a successful club career, winning four Super League titles, and now works as a TV pundit after a stint in coaching.
Hooker Rob Burrow
Rob Burrow, a Leeds Rhinos legend with 17 England and Great Britain caps, sadly passed away in 2022 after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, but his legacy and incredible fundraising efforts for MND charities will never be forgotten.
Prop Adrian Morley
Adrian Morley, with over 50 caps for England and Great Britain, had a storied career in both Super League and the NRL, winning numerous titles. He has now stepped away from the game to spend more time with his family.
Hooker James Roby
James Roby, who made his England debut in this match, went on to win 39 caps and become a St Helens icon, making over 550 appearances for the club and winning multiple trophies. He has now joined the coaching staff at St Helens.
Captain Jamie Peacock
Jamie Peacock, with 47 England and Great Britain caps, was a dominant prop who won nine Super League titles, four Challenge Cups, and four World Club Challenges. He now works as a motivational speaker and pundit.
Second-rower Gareth Ellis
Gareth Ellis, who earned 20 England caps after representing Great Britain 17 times, had successful spells in both Super League and the NRL, winning several trophies, and is now a coach at Hull FC.
Forward Sam Burgess
Sam Burgess, with 23 England caps, is widely regarded as the best British player to feature in the NRL, winning an NRL Premiership and the Clive Churchill Medal. He is now the head coach at Warrington Wolves.
Halfback Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield, with 40 England and Great Britain caps, was a legendary figure at Leeds Rhinos, winning numerous titles, and is now part of the coaching staff for the England rugby union team.
This England squad featured a wealth of international experience and some of the greatest players to ever don the national jersey. As they prepare to face France in Toulouse once again, the memories of that dominant 2008 victory will undoubtedly provide inspiration and motivation.
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