Tighthead Prop

5.  David Sole

 

Edinburgh prop David Sole has entered Scottish rugby folklore as one of his countries best captains and the man who wrested the Grand Slam from England in 1990.  Aside from his habitual headband, the trademarks of Sole's game were his superb handling ability and tenacity in the loose.  Smaller than average for a prop, David was sometimes criticised for his scrummaging, though he would counter this by saying that he never conceded a single pushover try in his career.

 

Sole made his debut for Scotland in 1986 against France and went on to accrue 44 caps for the national side including 25 appearances as captain. His impressive form was rewarded with a call-up to the British & Irish Lions side which toured Australia in 1989. Starting all three Test on the tour - with the Lions taking the series 2-1 - Sole formed a formidable partnership with Brian Moore and Dai Young. He had the honour of captaining the side on two occasions on the tour acting as Finlay Calder's deputy.

 

However - in 1990 - the grudge match between England and Scotland went down in Scottish folklore. Sole led his side to a hard-fought 13-7 win and denied England their hopes of a Grand Slam in the process.

 

Sole went on to lead the Barbarians on several occasions and in 1992 captained a World Invitation XV to victory over the All Blacks.  He registered his final Test for Scotland two years later against Australia.