My favourite rugby players

Hello everyone. I hope you’re all safe and well. Thank you for the feedback regarding last weeks blog, I’m pleased you all enjoyed reading it. This week, I’ve decided to blog about my all time favourite players and some special memories of them in their club and/or country shirt. I’ve been reminiscing a lot since the rugby season has been put on hold so thought I’d share my thoughts with you. Happy reading…

Toby Flood – If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know Toby has had a huge impact on my love for the game from a very young age. My favourite memory was watching him play live for the first time in an England shirt. I was 14. It was against Argentina and England won 31-12. It was a fantastic day and my first experience watching England play at Twickenham. Toby came on as a substitute and I remember the roar I let out when he ran on and the looks the nearby spectators gave me! The atmosphere was spine tingling and it was such a special day. He gave a great boost to the team and delivered a confident performance. I cannot wait until the rugby season resumes and I can see him perform in a Newcastle shirt again when the 2020/21 season begins.
Freddie Burns – When Toby left at the end of the 2013/14 season, I was absolutely heartbroken but also excited about the new signing of Burns arriving at Leicester. I first met Freddie at the Leicester Tigers open day which also happened to be my first time visiting Welford Road. What a special day it was. We sat together in the stands and we had a lengthy conversation. He told me how he was really looking forward to running out in the Tigers shirt. I could understand his excitement. Many people wrote him off when he joined Tigers but I believed in him and by the time he left, after three years, he was a much more established player and received the awards he deserved. My most vivid memory of him in the Tigers shirt was his sublime performance against Sarries back in 2016. He kicked 16 of the 21 points and in my opinion, it was his best game in a Tigers shirt. Everything went right for him that day. He controlled the game beautifully and his confidence grew throughout the second half. He became the first player in 18 years to score the “full house” of try, conversion, penalty and drop goal in a game for Leicester Tigers. I was in bits when I got the news he was heading back home although I totally understood his reasoning for it. I was looking forward to him gaining the recognition he deserved at Bath but unfortunately, he’s hardly had any game time since his arrival. I’m no coach but I’ve been so frustrated by the lack of opportunity he’s had to shine in the Bath shirt. When he played for Leicester, he was unpredictable and had such a good eye for seeing open space. I always felt confident he’d deliver when he was picked at fly half and I loved the unique style he had. At Bath, I thought he’d be able to deliver the same game but he’s not been given the opportunity. Even if they’re losing, he’s not put on for even the last 20 minutes to try and make a difference. Rumour has it, he’s off elsewhere but I hope he continues to play rugby in England and gets the credit he deserves. I’ve met him on a few occasions and he’s charming. He always makes time for the fans and he’s genuine. I wish him every success as he’s got a few more years yet.
Chris Robshaw – I’ve always had a lot of love and respect for Robshaw and was absolutely devastated when he announced he’d be leaving Harlequins earlier this season. I really hope I get to see him play his last game for Harlequins and I hope he continues to play rugby in England because I love watching him play. Whenever I watch, he always gives 110 % and his tackling is sublime. His work rate is second to none and he never seems to run out of steam. When I was growing up, I always remember watching him play for England and thinking how powerful he was. I admired him and have looked up to him as a role model because of the way he plays the game. I think he’s an exceptional leader and always comes across as very calm and confident on the field. I really miss watching him play for England as I rated him highly but understand the squad had to be adapted when Eddie Jones took over from Stuart Lancaster. 

So there you have it, my three favourite players. Who are yours? Thank you for taking time to read my latest blog and feel free to give it a like and a share! Elizabeth x