Ed Slater tops list of five best players who never played for England

Since England’s first international fixture in 1871, over 1400 players have donned the famous white jersey.

Over the years, a number of high profile, talented players have been controversially overlooked, sparking outrage and debate amongst fans and the media alike.

A proud moment and a dream come true for each and every one of them. But for some, that’s all it will ever be, a dream.

Here are our top 5 players to never be capped by England:

The versatile former lock, adept at blindside flanker and number eight positions, forged an unconventional path to success, honing his skills in Australia before a seven-year stint at Leicester.

Despite earning four appearances for the Saxons, Slater's tenure at Welford Road saw him narrowly miss out on a coveted England cap, despite five call-ups. His move to Gloucester, in exchange for Jonny May, endeared him to fans, becoming a cherished figure in the Cherry & Whites.

However, Slater's career took a poignant turn when he revealed his diagnosis of motor neurone disease in July 2022, prompting his immediate retirement from the sport.

Joining the ranks of others affected by the disease like Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, Slater's announcement highlighted the ongoing battles faced by those afflicted with tremendous courage and resolve.

The 4Ed foundation has since been established, raising over £65,000 to help support families in Gloucestershire dealing with MND.

We'd like to see the RFU present Slater with an England cap in the near future.

He joined Gloucester in the summer of 1996 and over the following seven seasons he set standards of full-back play which have never since been consistently equalled for the club.

It's not really clear why he didn't receive full international honours, although he regularly represented England at A level. Catling still occupies a special place in the memories of all those who regularly watched Gloucester in the early years of professionalism

The Exeter Chiefs stalwart has always been a good player but has struck a vintage since hitting his 30s and was the lynchpin behind Exeter’s recent success before hanging up his boots following their Champions Cup and Premiership double.

A reassuming, level-headed figure in any backline and consistently had a better kicking success rate than both Owen Farrell and George Ford.

Steenson qualified for both England and Ireland but hit his peak too late in his career to challenge for international caps.

DID YOU KNOW? Steenson opened an Irish bar named The Stand-Off in the centre of Exeter with fellow rugby footballer Carl Rimmer

Arguably one of the most under-appreciated players in the Gallagher Premiership amassing nearly 200 caps in a tough Saracens backrow.

Wray’s performances have been so impressive that he has managed to fit the enormous hole left by an injured Billy Vunipola with decent effect in recent seasons.

Wray hung up his boots at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The reliable lock was forced to retire with a neck injury at the age of 33. He played all of his professional rugby for Wasps, making his first of 259 appearances in 1999 and going on to win four Premiership titles and a Heineken Cup.