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Player Spotlight

Charlie Hodgson

Charlie started playing rugby when he was at school and has played at every level for club and country. He went to school in Bradford and then went on to play for Durham University and Yorkshire. He suffered from a lot of injuries at the beginning of his career and just missed out on a place in the England under 16 team when he broke his wrist in the final trial. Injuries have continued to be a problem. In 2003/4 he was sidelined because of a ruptured knee and another injury stopped him being chosen to go to the Rugby World Cup in 2003. But today he’s injury free and the future is looking bright.

Hi there rugby fans! Welcome to the JSC Playercam. You can read fascinating facts and exclusive interviews from members of the England squad or this months featured team!

Did you know?
His favourite rugby moment is his first full England cap when he scored a huge 44 points against Romania!

How did you get into rugby?
I’d always been a huge Halifax rugby league fan but I was introduced to union by a friend of my dad when he invited me along one Sunday morning to Old Brodleians rugby club in Bradford. My first game was that day when I played for the opposition because they were one player short! I’ve loved it ever since!

What are your favourite things about playing rugby for England?
The constant excitement and thrill of being chosen to play.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to play rugby for England one day?
Always train hard, never give up and most importantly, enjoy it!

What is your favourite film?
Old Skool – it’s hilarious!

What is your favourite food?
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding

How do you get over losing a game?
No one ever enjoys losing – I tend to watch the game back on video and try to work out what went wrong so that I can improve it next time.

Who is your England rugby hero?
Definitely Jason Robinson – he’s a really dedicated player and plays with real passion.

What is your nickname?
Chuckie the Brow! Don’t ask!

Have you ever played any practical jokes on your England team mates?
Not yet but I might try and think of some!

Martin Corry

Martin Edward Corry has been one of Leicester’s most important forwards for several seasons. He first played for England in 1997 and last year was named England captain which he saw as a huge honour. He was educated at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School and the University of Northumbria and first played rugby for Tunbridge Wells minis before joining Newcastle Falcons, Bristol Shoguns, then finally Leicester Tigers. During the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Martin flew home from Australia for the birth of his first child, a daughter called Eve. It was just a quick visit though, as he rejoined the squad just days later!

Did you know?
Outside rugby, Martin would most like to meet the runner Ed Moses and the French cyclist Lance Armstrong. He’ also doesn’t like cats, which is a bit of a problem as his wife has two!

What is your pre-game routine?
I try to stay as relaxed as possible up until about an hour before kick off. Then I start warming up and focusing on the game ahead.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions?
I always try to wear the same kit. Don’t worry though I wash it in between! I also have a habit of eating custard on a Friday night!

What is the most memorable game that you have ever played in?
Definitely the Lions test in 2001

How did you get into rugby?
My dad took me to play mini rugby when I was 8 and I haven’t stopped since.

What do you eat before a game? (Don’t say custard!)
No! I’m not sure that would give me enough energy to run around a pitch for 80 minutes! I go for sausage, mash and beans!

Who is your rugby hero?
Martin Johnson for his leadership and playing ability. Bath and England lock Danny Grewcock who plays for Bath is definitely my toughest opponent. I prefer it when I’m playing for England so I don’t have to face him on the pitch!

What is your favourite film?
Definitely Godfather 1. Watch it in a few years time and I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.

Do you have any annoying habits?
My Tigers team mate Neil Back and I are always accused of being too tidy. Mind you, it doesn’t go as far as picking up the other player’s dirty socks in the changing room!

Magnus Lund

Magnus is one of England’s bright new hopes for the future. He’s quick and strong and a good footballer. He was born in Manchester and went to school in Lancaster. He’s represented England in both the under-16 and under-18 national sides and made his debut for the Sale Sharks in 2002 against the Bristol Shoguns. In 2002 he represented England at the under-19 World Cup in Italy and the following year he represented the under-21 team at the World Cup in South Africa. This year is his first season in the senior England squad.

So, how does it feel to be in the England squad?
It feels fantastic. Playing in my first game for England is definitely the highlight of my career so far.

What do you do before a game?
I always listen to my Ipod while I’m in the changing room. It helps me to relax and focus.

What is your favourite film?
Anchorman – have you seen it?

What do you eat before a game?
I always eat pasta and chicken. The carbs in the pasta give me plenty of energy for the game.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love playing other sports and I really enjoy listening to music.

Do you have a nickname?
Yeah, Maggy. It comes from Magnus but I reckon it makes me sound like a girl!

What is your favourite place to go on holiday?
I love going to Norway – that’s where my Dad’s family is originally from so it’s great to go back and see where my Dad grew up.

How often do you train?
Five days a week.

Earl

Earl is the Captain and leader of the Pack. He’s everybody’s hero! He’s strong and reliable, looks after everybody and always encourages the team to do their best. His determination makes him a great example to the rest of the team and his passion for rugby helps inspire everyone to victory.

FAST FACTS
Favourite food: Sausage and Mash (and chocolate… although not too much!)
Favourite colour: White and Red!
Favourite hobby (after rugby!): Hanging out with Rocket and Brick
England Rugby hero? Martin Johnson
Favourite thing about rugby? Working together as a team

Brick

Brick is the ultimate front row player, he’s short but very powerful. With him in the way there’s no chance of the opposition getting past. Off the pitch his cheeky personality makes him popular amongst his team mates. He’s often been known to play tricks on the opposition!

FAST FACTS
Favourite food: Pasta with loads of veggies
Favourite colour: Blue, although not when England are playing Scotland!
Favourite hobby: Playing computer games, especially ones about sport
England Rugby hero? Jason Leonard, England’s most capped player!
Favourite thing about rugby? I love the team banter and being out in the fresh air

Rocket

He’s a world class winger with the speed of a rocket and a cool head under pressure. When he gets the ball you won’t see him for dust. But he’s always got time to chat to his fans and because of his charming personality he’s become the team pin-up!

FAST FACTS:
Favourite food: Roast Chicken and all the trimmings!
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite hobby: I love all sports
England Rugby hero: Jason Robinson, he’s was awesome!
Favourite thing about rugby: Running around the pitch and getting loads of exercise makes you feel great, especially when the team scores a try and the crowd cheers

Team Talk - England Sevens

What is Sevens ?

Sevens is like normal XV a-side rugby but there are only seven players on each team, although they still play on the same size pitch, making it a very physically tough game. The players are incredibly fit and have to do extra training on top of their usual rugby practice. A sevens rugby match is played in two halves of seven minutes each or ten minutes when it’s a final. The players only have one minute at half time instead of ten.

Why Sevens?

Sevens rugby tends to be very exciting to watch as there are usually lots of tries. As well as being great fun, playing Sevens is also a good way of improving as a player. Lots of young players improve their skills before going on to play for the senior team. In the last few years players like Josh Lewsey, Pat Sanderson, Jamie Noon and Magnus Lund have all played sevens for England and are now playing XVs.

Playing Sevens also helps players to get used to playing in front of big crowds. There are often 40,000 people watching a game and the crowds tend to be very noisy with loads of people dressing up!

Fun Fact

England's David Strettle holds the world record for scoring the most number of tries in one half of a match. In New Zealand in February 2006, David scored five tries within one half (seven minutes) in England's win over Papua New Guinea.

WIN

Win an England Sevens shirt signed by the whole team. Just think, in a couple of years these players might be part of the England XV and you'll already have their autograph.

To enter tell us how many minutes there are in each half of a regular Sevens game.

a: 7
b: 40
c:5

Just email your answer, name and membership number to juniorsupporters@therfu.com

What about England?

England play in the International Rugby Board's World Sevens series. This consists of eight tournaments all around the world. They play in Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand, America, Hong Kong, Australia, England and Scotland. England is one of the best Sevens teams in the world – they are ranked second in the world.

Ones to Watch

Other than the captain Simon Amor, who also plays for London Wasps, England Sevens Coach Mike Friday says you should look out for…

• Mike Brown (NEC Harlequins)
• Shane Geraghty (London Irish)
• James Haskell (London Wasps)

Watch England vs Sevens

In December the England Sevens compete in the IBS Sevens tournament against Dubai and South Africa.

Take a look at the fixtures list in Press Pack to see when the games are on TV.

There is only one tournament in England which is at Twickenham on 26th and 27th May 2007. Sixteen teams take part in the two day tournament with England being one of the favourites to win.

Ask Earl

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Meet the Team

George Chuter
Position: Hooker
Born: 9th July 1976, Greenwich
Height: 1.79 m
Weight: 101 kg
Total Caps: 2
Club: Leicester Tigers

Andy Farrell
Position: Centre/ Back Row
Born: 30th May 1975, Wigan
Height: 1.90 m
Weight: 102 kg
Total Caps: Uncapped
Club: Saracens

James Forrester
Position: Back row
Born: 9th February 1981, Oxford
Height: 1.95 m
Weight: 99 kg
Total Caps: Uncapped
Club: Gloucester Rugby

Michael Lipman
Position: Flanker
Born: 16th January 1980, London
Height:  1.82 m
Weight: 100 kg
Total Caps: 1
Club: Bath Rugby

Magnus Lund
Position: Flanker
Born: 25th June 1983, Manchester
Height: 1.90 m
Weight: 105 kg
Total Caps: Uncapped
Club: Sale Sharks

Lee Mears
Position: Hooker
Born: 5th March 1979, Torquay
Height: 1.75 m
Weight: 100 kg
Total Caps: 5
Club: Bath Rugby

Tim Payne
Position: Prop
Born: 29th April 1979, Swindon
Height: 1.85 m
Weight: 116 kg
Total Caps: Uncapped
Club: London Wasps

Shaun Perry
Position: Scrum-half
Born: 4th May 1978, Coventry
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 95 kg
Total Caps: Uncapped
Club: Bristol Rugby

Pete Richards
Position: Scrum-half
Born:  10th March 1978, Portsmouth
Height: 1.75m
Weight: 92 kg
Total Caps: 2
Club: Gloucester

Mathew Tait
Position: Centre wing
Born: 6th February 1986, County Durham
Height: 1.80 m
Weight: 82 kg
Total Caps: 3
Club: Newcastle Falcons

Stuart Abbott
Position: Centre
Born: Saturday, 3rd June 1978. Cape Town, South Africa
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 90 kg
Total Caps: 9
Club: NEC Harlequins

Iain Balshaw
Position: Full Back/Winger
Born: Saturday, 14th April 1979. Lancashire
Height: 1.82 m
Weight: 83 kg
Total Caps: 26
Club: Gloucester Rugby

Olly Barkley
Position: Full Back/Fly Half/Centre
Born: Saturday, 28th November 1981, London
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 92 kg
Total Caps: 16
Club: Bath Rugby

Steve Borthwick
Position: Lock
Born: 12th October 1979, Carlisle
Height: 1.98 m
Weight: 111 kg
Total Caps: 27
Club: Bath Rugby

Mike Catt
Position: Fly-half/Centre
Born: 17th September 1971. Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 87 kg
Total Caps: 67
Club: London Irish

Ben Cohen
Position: Wing 
Born: 14th September 1978, Northampton
Height: 1.87 m
Weight: 100 kg
Total Caps: 67
Club: Northampton Saints

Martin Corry
Position: Flanker/Number 8
Born: 12th October 1973. Birmingham
Height: 1.95 m
Weight: 112 kg
Total Caps: 45
Club: Leicester Tigers

Mark Cueto
Position: Winger
Born: 26th December 1979, Cumbria
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 93 kg
Total Caps: 16
Club: Sale Sharks

Lawrence Dallaglio
Position: Flanker/Number 8
Born:10th August 1972. London
Height: 1.90 m
Weight: 111 kg
Total Caps: 77
Club: London Wasps

Louis Deacon
Position: Number 8/ Lock
Born: 7th October 1980, Leicester
Height: 1.98 m
Weight: 115kg
Total Caps: 1
Club: Leicester Tigers

Harry Ellis
Position: Scrum Half
Born: 17th May 1982, Leicestershire
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 86 kg
Total Caps: 13
Club: Leicester Tigers

Andy Goode
Position: Fly Half
Born: 3rd April 1980. Coventry
Height: 1.80 m
Weight: 95 kg
Total Caps: 7
Club: Leicester Tigers

Danny Grewcock
Position: Lock
Born: 7th November 1972. Coventry
Height: 1.98 m
Weight: 117 kg
Total Caps: 64
Club: Bath Rugby

Charlie Hodgson
Position: Fly Half
Born:12th November 1980. Halifax
Height: 1.77 m
Weight: 82 kg
Total Caps: 26
Club: Sale Sharks

Chris Jones
Position: Flanker 
Born: 24th June 1980. Manchester
Height: 1.98 m
Weight: 95 kg
Total Caps: 8
Club: Sale Sharks

Ben Kay
Position: Lock
Born: 14th December 1975. Liverpool 
Height: 1.98 m
Weight: 120 kg
Total Caps: 41
Club: Leicester Tigers

Josh Lewsey
Position: Full Back/Winger
Born: 30th November 1976. Bromley
Height: 1.80 m
Weight: 86 kg
Total Caps: 40
Club: London Wasps

Lee Mears
Position: Hooker
Born: 5th March 1979. Torquay, England
Height: 1.75 m
Weight: 100 kg
Total Caps: 7
Club: Bath Rugby

Lewis Moody
Position: Flanker
Born: 12th June 1978, Ascot
Height: 1.93 m
Weight: 105 kg
Total Caps: 7
Club: Leicester Tigers

Jamie Noon
Position: Centre 
Born: 9th May 1979. Goole
Height: 1.80 m
Weight: 86 kg
Total Caps: 19
Club: Newcastle Falcons

Pat Sanderson
Position: Flanker
Born: 6th September 1977, Chester
Height: 1.90 m
Weight: 93 kg
Total Caps: 19
Club: Worcester Warriors

Simon Shaw
Position: Lock
Born: 1st September 1973. Nairobi, Kenya
Height: 2.05 m
Weight: 120 kg
Total Caps: 34
Club: London Wasps

Andy Sheridan
Position: Prop
Born: 1st November 1979. Bromley
Height: 1.95 m
Weight: 119 kg
Total Caps: 9
Club: Sale Sharks

James Simpson-Daniel
Position: Winger
Born: 30th May 1982. Stockton-on-Tees
Height: 1.82 m
Weight: 79 kg
Total Caps: 9
Club: Gloucester Rugby

Steve Thompson
Position: Hooker
Height: 1.88 m
Weight: 115 kg
Born: 15th July 1978. Hemel Hempstead
Total Caps: 47
Club: Northampton Saints

Mike Tindall
Position: Centre
Born: 18th October 1978. Wakefield
Height: 1.85 m
Weight: 99 kg
Total Caps: 49
Club: Gloucester Rugby

Mark Van Gisbergen
Position: Full back
Born: 30th June 1977
Height: 1.80 m
Weight: 1.80 kg
Total Caps: 1
Club: London Wasps

Phil Vickery
Position: Prop
Born: 14th March 1976. Barnstaple
Height: 1.90 m
Weight: 115 kg
Total Caps: 47
Club: London Wasps

Julian White
Position: Prop
Born: 14th May 1973. Plymouth
Height: 1.85 m
Weight: 119 kg
Total Caps: 34
Club: Leicester Tigers

Jonny Wilkinson
Position: Fly Half/Centre
Born: 25th May 1979. Frimley
Height: 1.77 m
Weight: 86 kg
Total Caps: 52
Club: Newcastle Falcons

Joe Worsley
Position: Flanker
Born: 14th June 1977. Redbridge, Hants
Height: 1.95 m
Weight: 111 kg
Total Caps: 51
Club: London Wasps