Harlequins are reportedly eyeing a sensational move for 6ft8in English lock Junior Kpoku, currently plying his trade at Racing 92, according to Mail Online.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Despite being contracted in Paris until 2027, the teenage powerhouse has been on England coach Steve Borthwick’s radar, sparking speculation about a potential return to the Premiership.
Kpoku, born in the UK, hinted at a future move back home, telling Mail Sport:
“Re-signing for Racing doesn’t mean I’ve binned off playing for Steve Borthwick.
“It’s about how I can improve here so that I will be at the standard he wants me to be at, so I don’t need to play catch-up when I go back to the UK – if that’s next year, the year after, or the year after that.”
If Kpoku decides to activate a break clause in his Racing 92 contract, Harlequins are poised as the frontrunners to secure his highly sought-after signature.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Statement: Newcastle coach departs with immediate effect
- Jonny May will quit rugby for career in the forces
- Statement: England forward signs fresh new contract
- Manu Tuilagi offers support and love to “third gender” sibling
- Exeter Chiefs boss blames players decision for poor form
Jonny Wilkinson Was Voted The Greatest Ever Rugby Player In History
Within the top 20 players voted by the fans, New Zealand have the most representatives with five, including the likes of Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Zinzan Brooke.
The only player to make the list from the amateur era is Wales best ever player, and arguably the best scrum-half of all-time, Gareth Edwards.
Here is the list of the top 20 greatest ever rugby players voted by fans:
Greatest Ever Rugby Playesr: Top 20
20. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Parisse, an Italian rugby legend, is known for his exceptional skills and leadership. He holds numerous records for Italy and has been a key figure in international rugby. Parisse’s passion for the game and dedication to his team have made him an iconic figure in Italian rugby.
19. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Sexton, the talismanic Irish fly-half, has been a pivotal force in Irish rugby. Known for his precise kicking and on-field leadership, he has guided Ireland to numerous victories. His commitment to the sport and unwavering dedication have made him a beloved figure in Irish rugby.
18. Jason Leonard (England)
Leonard, a former England prop, is a true rugby legend. Renowned for his scrummaging prowess and longevity, he earned a record number of caps for England. Leonard’s contributions to English rugby are celebrated, and he remains an inspirational figure in the sport.
17. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
Brooke, a legendary All Blacks No. 8, is celebrated for his dynamic play and versatility. His ability to score drop goals from remarkable distances is iconic. Brooke’s impact on New Zealand rugby is enduring, and he is remembered as one of the greats.
16. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)
Williams is a rugby sensation known for his powerful runs and offloading skills. A dual-code international, he’s achieved success in both rugby union and rugby league. Williams’s athleticism and charisma have made him a global rugby superstar.
15. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
Dallaglio, an MBE and OBE recipient, is a revered figure in English rugby. His leadership and versatility on the field have earned him accolades, including a Rugby World Cup victory. Dallaglio’s commitment to the game and contributions to rugby have left a lasting legacy.
Lawrence Dallaglio facts:
- Already a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours
- Warren Gatland has said that Dallaglio was “The best captain that I’ve ever been involved with.”
- He is one of a very small number of players to have won both the Rugby World Cup and Sevens World Cup
- Dallaglio married his long-time girlfriend, Alice, in 2005. They have two daughters, Ella and Josie, and a son, Enzo
- He has also received an Honorary Doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University for services to sport
14. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Jones, the iconic Welsh lock, is a symbol of leadership and commitment in rugby. He’s led Wales to Grand Slam victories and is celebrated for his tenacity in the scrum and tireless work rate. Jones remains a cornerstone of Welsh rugby’s success.
13. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
Habana, the South African wing, is a try-scoring sensation. His speed and agility have made him one of the all-time greats in rugby. Habana’s impact on South African rugby, including a Rugby World Cup victory, is celebrated worldwide.
12. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
O’Connell, the renowned Irish lock, is a beloved figure in the sport. Honored with the Freedom of Limerick City, he’s known for his inspirational leadership and dedication. O’Connell’s contributions to Irish rugby and the British & Irish Lions are etched in history.
Paul O’Connell facts:
- The lock was given the Freedom of Limerick City in 2012
- O’Connell was awarded Irish Sports Book of the Year in 2016 for The Battle
- He was good at swimming as a child and only turned to rugby at the age of 16
- O’Connell scored eight tries and played 108 Tests for Ireland from 2002 to 2015
- He played on three British & Irish Lions tours and captained the team for the 2009 tour to South Africa. Overall, he played seven Tests across the 2005, 2009 and 2013 tours.
11. Tim Horan (Australia)
Horan, an Australian rugby legend, is recognized for his exceptional skills and playmaking abilities. He played a crucial role in Australia’s successes, including World Cup victories. Horan’s contributions to Australian rugby have solidified his place among the sport’s greats.
10. Shane Williams (Wales)
Williams, a Welsh rugby icon, is celebrated for his incredible try-scoring feats and agility on the wing. He’s been a key figure in Wales’ successes, including Grand Slam victories. Williams’s dynamic style of play has made him a fan favorite in Welsh rugby.
9. Martin Johnson (England)
Johnson, an England rugby legend, is revered for his formidable presence as a lock and his leadership as a captain. He led England to World Cup glory and is remembered for his unwavering commitment to the game.
8. Jason Robinson (England)
Robinson, a dynamic English fullback and winger, is celebrated for his electrifying pace and footwork. He played a pivotal role in England’s World Cup win. Robinson’s style of play and versatility have made him a standout figure in English rugby.
7. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Joost van der Westhuizen, a South African scrum-half, is remembered for his exceptional skills and leadership. He played a crucial role in South Africa’s World Cup triumph. His contributions to South African rugby and his fight against ALS are inspirational.
6. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McCaw, an iconic All Blacks openside flanker, is celebrated for his exceptional skills, leadership, and record-breaking achievements. He led New Zealand to multiple World Cup victories and is regarded as one of rugby’s greatest ever players.
5. Gareth Edwards (Wales)
Edwards, a Welsh rugby legend, is renowned for his excellence as a scrum-half. He played a pivotal role in Wales’ Grand Slam successes and is celebrated for his remarkable skills and game-changing performances.
4. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Carter, an All Blacks legend, is known for his unparalleled kicking accuracy and playmaking abilities. He’s been a key figure in New Zealand’s World Cup victories and is considered one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history.
3. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
O’Driscoll, an Irish rugby icon, is celebrated for his brilliant skills and leadership. He’s been a driving force behind Ireland’s success and is known for his wit and wisdom both on and off the field.
Brian O’Driscoll facts:
- He is devoted to Manchester United and his boyhood hero was Mark Hughes
- O’Driscoll’s father, Frank, played two games for Ireland and an uncle, Barry, won four caps
- His final appearance for Leinster, and for any team, was in the 2014 Pro12 Grand Final on 31 May in Leinster’s home ground, the RDS in Dublin, in which Leinster defeated the Glasgow Warriors 34-12
- His most oft-quoted line was delivered at a press conference at Croke Park before an England match in 2009: “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”
- O’Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships.
2. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu, a legendary All Blacks winger, was an extraordinary talent known for his size, speed, and try-scoring ability. He left an indelible mark on rugby and remains an iconic figure in the sport’s history.
Jonah Lomu Facts:
- He weighed 120 kg and was 1.96 metres tall, but could run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds
- In 1996, McDonald’s New Zealand named a burger after Lomu
- He’s the only rugby player ever to feature on the front cover of TIME magazine
- According to the Telegraph, Leeds were ready to make a third bid to attract All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu to England in 2001
- He played 63 tests as an All Black, scoring 37 tries
- In 2001 he helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Wilkinson, a revered English fly-half, is celebrated for his precision kicking and commitment to perfection. He played a pivotal role in England’s 2003 World Cup win and is recognized as one of rugby’s all-time greats.
Jonny Wilkinson facts:
- Wilkinson’s brother, Mark, was also a Newcastle player who made 16 appearances in the Premiership for the side between 2002 and 2005, predominantly as a centre. His father, Phil, was a rugby player and cricketer, and his mother, Philippa, played squash at county level. His grandfather, Phil, also played football for Norwich.
- When former England centre Jeremy Guscott walked into the dressing room on the day of Wilkinson’s international debut, he thought the 18-year-old had won a competition to spend the day with the national team.
- Wilkinson followed Buddhist principles and teachings to help control his perfectionist tendencies, according to an interview he gave with The Times newspaper in 2009.
- Jonny and Shelley became parents for the first time in late 2018. They keep their private life pretty much on lockdown, but according to reports, they had a little boy called James while they were still living in France.
- Wilkinson is currently a studio pundit for ITV Sport, working on their coverage of the Six Nations Championship, Rugby World Cup and other rugby events.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…
This quiz challenges you to identify 10 players who earned the rare distinction of making just one appearance for the England rugby team.
These “one-cap wonders” might have been on the brink of a promising international career, unlucky with competition in their position, or simply never got another chance after their debut.
Test your knowledge and see if you can remember these players who had their brief moment in the England jersey!
