Loosehead Prop

1.  Jason Leonard

 

Jason Leonard was the youngest man ever to pack down in England's front row when he made his debut aged 22 against Argentina in 1990. Fourteen years later he retired as the only English player to rack up a century of Test appearances, and was for a time the world's most capped player.

 

Leonard's career spanned the amateur and professional eras, and he was successful in both. It is a testament to his skill and commitment that he was able to adapt so easily to the changing rugby environment.  As a raw 22 year old Leonard was a 16 stone, mobile prop. He adapted to the onset of professionalism and the greater physicality of scrum time by bulking up to the gargantuan figure that signed off from rugby in 2004.

 

He was a committed servant of Harlequins during his career, making 290 career appearances for the London club.

 

Jason Leonard is England’s most capped player and still the most capped forward in world rugby.  An institution of English rugby, he is rightfully amongst the game’s elite in the loose-head prop position.  He amassed a mammoth 119 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions.  Leonard’s record-breaking appearance haul is even more remarkable considering the position is the most physically demanding in the sport.