Culture
With over two million registered players through over 2000 clubs England is numerically the biggest rugby nation. It is because of England that many of Rugby's culture and values originated. Rugby football began back in the winter of 1823, in a private school in the town of Rugby, England. Since then it has traditionally held a spot as a popular winter sport throughout the country. Although rugby has grown a lot since 1823 and anyone can play it, rugby still manages to be more popular with the higher classes of private schools than the more middle class public schools; this is due to the amount of organisation and tradition involved in the sport. It is because of this fact that rugby is often referred to as the gentleman's game due to being popular with upper class families. Finally England is also the main reason for the spread of rugby due the colonists taking the sport around the Empire.
Edd Armitage
Fast Facts:
Players: 2,028,348 RWC Results: World Champions 2003, Runners up 1991,2007, Fourth, 1995, Quarters 1987, 1999, 2011 IRB World Ranking: 3rd 85.68 Best result 2014: vs Wales 29-18 Coach: Stuart Lancaster Captain: David Robshaw
Coach: Stuart Lancaster
Rob Masefield
Play Style
Being the birth place of the sport England have a generally play a very traditionalist style of play, in which the forwards make the hard yards up front and centre, and the backs exploit any gaps created. It’s not the most interesting game plan, however they do it proudly and they do it well. England has proven themselves in the tight encounters by sticking to their systems and outmuscling opposition. When the opponent is a little softer then they open up and have the potential to play a very entertaining brand of rugby. The English coaching staff has done a superb job in preparing for the big games in the past few years, and this English team now plays with some real spirit and commitment. On the other hand they are not unbeatable and have proven to be a little less fit then some would think when the pace of the game is lifted out of the control of their pack; losses at the hands of the All blacks (36-13) and Wales (30-3) stand out as blemishes on an overall very successful record.