English rugby has witnessed some of the most electrifying and agile wingers in the history of the sport. These players possess remarkable speed, dazzling footwork, and the ability to light up the field with their try-scoring prowess. In this article, we will delve into the careers of the 10 best English wingers of all time, exploring their physical attributes, career statistics, unforgettable moments, and what made each of them truly exceptional.
- Jason Robinson
Physical Stats:
- Height: 5’8″ (173 cm)
- Weight: 13st 2lb (84 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Sale Sharks, Wigan Warriors (rugby league)
- International Appearances: 51 caps for England, 3 caps for the British and Irish Lions
Best Moments:
- Robinson’s stunning try in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final against Australia showcased his pace, footwork, and ability to shine on the biggest stage.
- His transition from rugby league to union and his impact on both codes have cemented his status as one of England’s greatest wingers.
What Made Him Special:
- Jason Robinson’s elusive running style and ability to beat defenders one-on-one made him a nightmare for opposition defenses.
- His fearless approach and composure in pressure situations earned him a place among the all-time greats.
- Rory Underwood
Physical Stats:
- Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
- Weight: 13st 6lb (86 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Leicester Tigers, Bedford Blues
- International Appearances: 85 caps for England, 6 caps for the British and Irish Lions
Best Moments:
- Underwood’s incredible consistency and try-scoring ability earned him a reputation as one of the most prolific wingers in international rugby.
- His role in helping England secure the Grand Slam in the 1992 Five Nations championship stands out as a defining moment in his career.
What Made Him Special:
- Rory Underwood’s incredible speed and finishing prowess made him a deadly finisher.
- He combined his rugby acumen with a background in the Royal Air Force, which contributed to his discipline and tactical awareness on the field.
- Ben Cohen
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
- Weight: 15st 6lb (98 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Northampton Saints, Brive (France)
- International Appearances: 57 caps for England, 1 cap for the British and Irish Lions
Best Moments:
- Cohen’s exceptional try-scoring ability was on full display in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where he helped England clinch their first-ever world title.
- His consistency as a top-class winger earned him a place among the best in English rugby history.
What Made Him Special:
- Ben Cohen’s combination of size and speed made him a formidable presence on the wing.
- He was known for his powerful running, defensive prowess, and finishing ability, making him a complete winger.
- Will Greenwood
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’4″ (193 cm)
- Weight: 15st 3lb (97 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Harlequins, Leicester Tigers
- International Appearances: 55 caps for England, 2 caps for the British and Irish Lions
Best Moments:
- Although primarily a center, Greenwood’s versatility allowed him to excel as a winger, particularly during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
- His involvement in England’s World Cup triumph, including a crucial try in the final, is a testament to his skill and adaptability.
What Made Him Special:
- Will Greenwood’s exceptional rugby intelligence, handling skills, and vision made him a valuable asset on the wing.
- He had an uncanny ability to read the game, create opportunities for his teammates, and finish with precision.
- Josh Lewsey
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Weight: 14st 8lb (93 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Wasps, London Wasps (formerly), Bristol, NEC Green Rockets (Japan)
- International Appearances: 55 caps for England, 5 caps for the British and Irish Lions
Best Moments:
- Lewsey’s versatility allowed him to thrive in various positions, including fullback and wing, during his international career.
- His performance in England’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2003, including a crucial try in the final, remains a standout moment.
What Made Him Special:
- Josh Lewsey’s exceptional work rate, defensive prowess, and physicality set him apart.
- He was a fearless competitor who consistently delivered in high-pressure situations.
- Chris Ashton
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Weight: 14st 9lb (93 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Northampton Saints, Saracens, Toulon (France)
- International Appearances: 44 caps for England, 1 cap for the British and Irish Lions
Best Moments:
- Ashton’s remarkable try-scoring ability earned him recognition as one of the most prolific wingers in modern rugby.
- His memorable try against Australia in 2010, featuring a length-of-the-field sprint, is etched in rugby history.
What Made Him Special:
- Chris Ashton’s incredible pace and anticipation of play allowed him to finish tries from seemingly impossible positions.
- He possessed an innate ability to sniff out scoring opportunities, making him a constant threat.
- Jeremy Guscott
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Weight: 14st 8lb (93 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Bath, Bath Rugby
- International Appearances: 65 caps for England, 8 caps for the British and Irish Lions
Best Moments:
- Guscott’s versatility and creative brilliance allowed him to thrive in multiple positions, including center and wing.
- His iconic drop goal in the 1997 British and Irish Lions series against South Africa secured a historic series win.
What Made Him Special:
- Jeremy Guscott’s silky running, exquisite footwork, and exceptional vision made him a devastating attacker.
- He had the ability to produce magic moments and create scoring opportunities out of thin air.
- Ben Smith
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Weight: 14st 3lb (91 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Bedford Blues, Northampton Saints, Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks
- International Appearances: 55 caps for England
Best Moments:
- Smith’s uncanny ability to score tries with remarkable consistency made him a standout winger during his era.
- His performances in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, including crucial tries in the knockout stages, were vital to England’s triumph.
What Made Him Special:
- Ben Smith’s acceleration, agility, and finishing ability made him a potent attacking threat.
- He was a superb reader of the game, often positioning himself perfectly to exploit defensive weaknesses.
- Anthony Watson
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
- Weight: 15st 6lb (98 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Bath Rugby
- International Appearances: Over 50 caps for England, 2 caps for the British and Irish Lions
Best Moments:
- Watson’s electric pace and ability to score from anywhere on the field have made him a key asset for England.
- His performance in the 2017 British and Irish Lions series against New Zealand showcased his world-class potential.
What Made Him Special:
- Anthony Watson’s speed, agility, and finishing prowess make him a modern winger to be reckoned with.
- He has the ability to change the course of a game with his attacking brilliance and defensive solidity.
- Chris Oti
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 13st 6lb (86 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Wasps, Harlequins
- International Appearances: 13 caps for England
Best Moments:
- Oti’s remarkable hat-trick against Ireland in the 1988 Five Nations championship remains one of the most iconic moments in English rugby history.
- His ability to score tries with flair and finesse made him a fan favorite.
What Made Him Special:
- Chris Oti’s speed, balance, and natural try-scoring ability set him apart as a dynamic winger.
- He possessed a natural gift for finding the try line and exciting crowds with his exploits.
Conclusion
The history of English rugby is punctuated by the exploits of these exceptional wingers. From the raw speed of Jason Robinson to the prolific try-scoring of Rory Underwood, the versatility of Josh Lewsey to the creativity of Jeremy Guscott, each player brought a unique set of skills to the field.
Their physical attributes, career statistics, and memorable moments are a testament to their enduring legacy in the world of rugby. These wingers not only thrilled fans with their dazzling performances but also contributed significantly to the success of the English national team, earning their places among the greatest wingers of all time.
