England Saxons

Ugo Monye

Key Facts

Squad	Harlequins
Position	Wing
Age	30
Height	1.86m (6'1")
Weight	92kg (14st 6lb)
Caps	14

Test caps have become a thrilling extension of a successful IRB World Sevens career for Ugo Monye, whose blistering pace in tournaments from 2002-05 swept him along the way to Saxons accolades and into the full England side when he excelled against the Pacific Islanders back in November 2008.

His ebullient form in six appearances convinced the British & Irish Lions of his capabilities and he figured in two Test matches for them in South Africa three years ago. Ugo celebrated his latest Test appearance and his return to England’s side after a 31-month absence with a try in the opening QBE International against Fiji at Twickenham this November.

He had poached a 70-metre interception try in the Lions’ 28-9 win over the Springboks in the final Test which added to the one he scored for England during a 26-12 victory in the Scotland game at Twickenham in March 2009. A back injury had made him unavailable for the first three RBS 6 Nations Championship matches and in June 2012, a hamstring problem ruled him out of contention for selection for the first two Tests in South Africa.

His first tour appearance in the 57-31 win over the South African Barbarians North at Potchefstroom then ended his chances of figuring in the third and final Test. He went through the concussion protocols after being carried off midway through the first half.

He first played for Harlequins in the friendly against Glasgow Warriors in August 2002 and began the following season with five tries in two games including a hat trick against Rotherham Titans at Millmoor.

His scent of the line is something to which Exeter Chiefs would testify. He scored five tries against them when Harlequins won 70-5 at Twickenham Stoop as the side roared straight back to the Guinness Premiership after a season in National One during which Ugo scored 16 tries. By mid November this year, he had run in 79 in 191 games for the club and shared in their Amlin Cup triumph in May last year, having played in England’s 28-28 draw with the Australian Barbarians at Perth in June 2010.

He had earlier represented England U19 and U21 after being educated at Lord Wandsworth College, the alma mater of Jonny Wilkinson and scored a try in both of the Saxons matches in the winter of 2011against Italy A and Ireland Wolfhounds.

Looking back, Tim Richards, Ugo's former sports master, put him in touch with Colin Osborne, then the Harlequins U19 coach, and the club soon offered him a professional contract. He switched to rugby from athletics, having achieved a 100-metre personal best of 10.6 seconds at the age of 16.