Hooker

4.  Brian Moore

 

Brian Moore built a reputation as one of the hardest players of the amateur era, the snarling 'Pitbull' packing down as England's hooker in 64 Tests.

 

A loyal servant of Harlequins as well as Richmond and Nottingham, Moore trained as a solicitor in Nottingham while pursuing his rugby career. He won Grand Slams with England in 1991, 1992 and 1995 and played at the first three Rugby World Cups, including the final of the 1991 tournament.

 

Moore also ascended to the top of the sport with the British & Irish Lions and played five Tests for the tourists between 1989 and 1993. He played all three Tests against the Wallabies in 1989 as the Lions' took the series.

 

The 'Pitbull' famously read Henry V to team-mates in an attempt to rouse his troops for battle on the pitch. His persona in the scrum was similar to the Shakespearean drama. He antagonised many of his opponents with grace and elegance, a pleasure to watch and behold. Famously against France in the early 90’s, Moore wound up the French players who lost two men to straight reds.

 

He was an inspirational member in the dressing room and on the pitch for England and the Lions; to say the very least.