2003 Rugby World Cup winner's son makes move to Major League Rugby

Rugby News
Thursday, 30 November 2023 at 21:37
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San Diego Legion secures the signing of former England age-grade back, Ethan Grayson, for the upcoming 2024 Major League Rugby season.
The 21-year-old centre (turning 22 in April) stands at an impressive 6’4” and weighs in at 205 lbs.
Hailing from Northampton, United Kingdom, Ethan boasts a rich rugby heritage as the son of Paul Grayson, the renowned flyhalf for England's 2003 Rugby World Cup Championship Team.
Paul, with 32 caps for England and 259 for the Northampton Saints, has also served as an Assistant Coach for the Saints.
Ethan's academic years at Northampton School for Boys were marked by his versatile sporting prowess, excelling in rugby, basketball, and cricket.
His international representation includes stints with England’s U18s and the U20s in 2022. In 2019, he showcased his skills with the Northampton Saints in the Premiership 7s.
Subsequently, from 2020 to 2023, Ethan donned the Bedford Blues jersey and made notable appearances for the Northampton Saints between 2021 and 2023, adding valuable experience to his burgeoning career.

 Can you name every player from England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup squad?

This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.
Some of these are significantly easier than others.

ENGLAND'S 2003 FINAL RATINGS:

Josh Lewsey: Again proved his worth in the number 15 jersey. Made some dynamic runs and kept the pressure on the Aussie midfield. 7
Jason Robinson: Always looked dangerous with the ball. Had little chance stopping Australia's try, but did his job at the other end touching down. 8
Will Greenwood: Handled the ball well with some creative touches and put in some big tackles but ultimately failed to shine. 6
Mike Tindall: More direct than creative, but did the job he was asked to do. Produced a vital clearance in the second half before making way for Mike Catt. 7
Ben Cohen: Worked tirelessly off the ball and did little wrong. Was given little opportunity to show his class with the ball. 6
Jonny Wilkinson: Signalled his intent early on with a tremendous 50 yard kick and came through in style with a last-gasp three-pointer. 9
Matt Dawson: Looked dangerous in patches and moved the ball out of the contact area effectively. A workmanlike display. 7
Phil Vickery: Struggled in the scrum - according to referee Andre Watson - and cost England a late penalty. Ran himself ragged in the second half. 6
Steve Thompson: Solid in the pack and around the park - but again showed his weakness with a number of shaky lineout throws. 7
Trevor Woodman: Another solid display but a number of erratic decisions in open play. Replaced by Jason Leonard after regular time. 6
Martin Johnson: Led from the front and a contender for man-of-the-match. Supreme in line-outs. A true presence on the field. 9
Ben Kay: A performance he will want to forget. Knocked on in front of the line and uncharacteristically struggled in the line-out. 5
Richard Hill: Did not enjoy his greatest performance but was there when he was needed. Replaced by Lewis Moody in extra time. 7
Neil Back: High work rate in the loose and caused problems for Australia when it mattered most. Blotted his copy book with some wayward passing. 7
Lawrence Dallaglio: Showed early match nerves, but soon got into his stride. Made the crucial break which resulted in England's only try. 8

Rugby Quiz:

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