5 England internationals of the last decade who have totally fallen off the radar

The fortunes of most rugby players, even those considered among the best in their country, tend to wax and wane.

Very few are able to perform at a consistently high level for years on end as leading figures on the domestic and international scene. All sorts of factors can intervene to mean they fade from view.

 These five England rugby internationals from the last decade are still active, but nowhere near consideration...

The Gloucester powerhouse has previously featured in Jones’ training squads, but he has not won an England cap since 2015.

Given he is behind Billy Vunipola, Sam Simmonds, Alex Dombrandt and probably Eddie Jones dog in the number eight pecking order, it seems the 33-year-old’s international career is well and truly over.

Great player at his best, but like many, hampered by injury.

Where is he now? Still with Gloucester

DID YOU KNOW? He had been due to qualify for Wales (having lived there for three years) in time for the 2012 Six Nations Championship

He began his League career with Wigan in 2005 and outside of a short stint with the Widnes Vikings in 2007, played with the Warriors until moving to Saracens in 2011.

While Tomkins initially struggled to adapt to union, his form during the beginning of the 2013/14 season saw him earn an England cap against Australia in November 2013.

Although he went on to make two further international appearances, he looked completely out of his depth and returned to league soon after.

Where is he now? Tomkins announced his retirement from professional rugby after stints with Hull KR and Catalan Dragons

One of the Premiership’s most consistent players, Worcester fullback Pennell has not been able to add to the solitary cap he achieved back on the New Zealand tour of 2014. Injury has stalled Pennell’s career in the last few seasons.

Where is he now? Pennell’s glittering career with Warriors came to an end when he left Sixways for one final time at the end of the 2020/21 season. He's now playing for Dallas Jackals.

Stuart Lancaster always heralded the potential of former Leeds player Clark, and capped the flanker in a World Cup warm up match back in 2015.

However, a combination of injuries and inconsistent form meant Clark was never considered for Jones’ squads since 2016.

Where is he now? After finishing up his career at Saracens, he stayed on as a personal development manager

Following a year away from all rugby, the dual-code international joined Leeds Rhinos on a two-year contract in 2021 as he returns to Rugby League having played Rugby Union since 2011. 

He was capped six times by England in Rugby Union between 2013 and 2014, including five starts, three of which were against the All Blacks. 

Where is he now? He hung up his boots in 2021 after just two matches for Leeds Rhinos due to a lack of motivation