Five England Players You Didn't Know Are Still Playing - Ruck
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Five England Players You Didn’t Know Are Still Playing

16 December 2024
Steven

You might think their days in the spotlight are over, but these former England internationals are still lacing up their boots and making waves in rugby.

From Championship clubs to overseas adventures, here are five players you didn’t know were still playing the game they love.

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Semesa Rokoduguni

Still soaring with Doncaster Knights

Former England winger Semesa Rokoduguni is back on English soil after signing with Doncaster Knights last summer. The 36-year-old spent the past two seasons in France with Montauban, competing in the Pro D2 league.

Before his French stint, Rokoduguni was a stalwart at Bath Rugby, where he spent 10 years, made 194 appearances, and scored an impressive 71 tries. Born in Fiji, Rokoduguni’s rugby journey is as fascinating as it is inspiring. A Lance Corporal in the British Army, he served in Afghanistan before earning four England caps, scoring four tries, and last representing his country in 2017.

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“He’s an incredible player, and we are so excited to introduce him to the rest of the boys,” said Doncaster head coach Joe Ford.

Matt Kvesic

Coventry’s Championship stalwart

Flanker Matt Kvesic is keeping busy in the Championship, representing Coventry Rugby. A product of Swanage and Wareham RFC, Kvesic joined Worcester Warriors’ academy as a teenager and became the club’s youngest professional-era debutant in 2009.

Kvesic’s career took him to Gloucester in 2013, where he earned his first of four England caps against Argentina. The 31-year-old has continued to thrive at club level, adding experience and leadership to Coventry’s ranks.

Jonathan Joseph

Bringing flair to Biarritz

Jonathan Joseph, the silky-smooth centre, left Bath last summer after a decade to join French Pro D2 side Biarritz. The 32-year-old signed a deal until 2025, bringing a wealth of experience, including 54 England caps and a British and Irish Lions tour in 2017.

Joseph scored 41 tries in 176 games for Bath after joining from London Irish in 2013. While injuries and reduced opportunities limited his appearances in recent years, he’s now relishing his role in France, aiming to help Biarritz return to the top tier.

Nathan Hughes

Still smashing it in Japan

Former England No. 8 Nathan Hughes may not have been selected for Fiji’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, but the powerhouse back-rower isn’t slowing down. Now representing the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan, Hughes continues to bring his trademark physicality to the field.

Hughes earned 22 England caps, with his last coming during the 2019 Six Nations. Eligible for Fiji under World Rugby’s revised rules, he’s expressed a desire to represent his homeland in the future.

Ollie Devoto

Reigniting his career with Chicago Hounds

Exeter Chiefs favourite Ollie Devoto isn’t done with rugby just yet. After leaving the Chiefs last summer, the 31-year-old joined fourth-tier Taunton Titans in National League 2. Now, he’s set for an exciting new chapter in Major League Rugby, signing with the Chicago Hounds for 2024.

During an eight-year spell at Exeter, Devoto made 127 appearances and played a key role in their Premiership and Champions Cup triumphs. Reflecting on his injury struggles, Devoto said: “I had some big injuries and was sat on the fence—do I continue to play or not? Right now, the body feels really good, and I’m really excited to play.”

EDITORS PICKS:

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!

More Quizzes:

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