Born: 12 December, 1965 in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

As England’s youngest captain for 57 years, Will Carling presided over one of the most successful periods in the team’s history.

Choosing Carling as captain in 1988, aged 22 and just 10 months into his international career, was an inspired decision by England head coach Geoff Cooke.

The former Sedburgh pupil and Durham University psychology student led out England in 59 tests, winning 44, with back-to-back Five Nations Grand Slams achieved in 1991 and 1992 and again in 1995.

England also reached the Rugby World Cup 1991 final against Australia and the semi-final in South Africa four years later under his captaincy.

During his time in the test arena, Carling struck up a highly effective midfield partnership with Jerry Guscott, full of pace, strength and skill.

He scored 12 tries in 72 appearances in a nine-year England career, and was also capped on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 1993.