Golden Oldies! The Ultimate Starting XV of Players Aged 35+ in World Rugby
Rugby NewsTuesday, 03 October 2017 at 19:43
Dan Carter, Adam Jones and Peter Stringer all feature in our 35 and over all-
Here is the best starting XV of 35-year-old's + in rugby...
Fullback: Isa Nacewa - Leinster, 35
Originally retiring in 2013, the utility back returned to Leinster in 2015, initially signing a one-year-deal with the Irish province before penning a two-year extension, which means his deal ends at the end of the current season. A strong leader, powerful runner and quality kicker means he's well worth his spot in this XV.
Winger: Vincent Clerc - Toulon, 36
Traditionally a young mans position, Les Bleus legend Clerc is still hugging the touchline for three-time European champions Toulon. The speedster is France's second top all-time try-scorer with 34 scores in 64 Test caps with only legendary Serge Blanco ahead of him. He is a great try-scorer who can also assist other players with his eye for a pass.
Centre: Gavin Henson - Dragons, 35
Wales' double Grand Slam winner Gavin Henson joined the Dragons from Bristol in the summer on a two-year contract. Henson won the last of his 33 Wales caps against England in 2011 and also played one Test for the British and Irish Lions in 2005. A wonderful talent, his creativity and bit of class make him a welcome addition to the Golden Oldies midfield.
Centre: Juan Martin Hernandez - Jaguares, 35
Known to his many fans as "El Mago", or "the magician", the versatile Argentinean back has dazzled opponents the world over with his pace and arsenal of kicking skills. At 35, he's still playing for Jaguares in Argentina after succesful spells with both Toulon and Racing 92.
Winger: David Lemi - Bristol, 35
Weighing 75 kg and only 1.75m tall, he is one of the smaller professional rugby players. However, his electric pace and low centre of gravity have ensured the Samoan has remained a mainstay of British rugby for 12 years. The Bristol legend has also won 51 caps for his country, scoring 13 tries.
Fly-half: Dan Carter - Racing Metro, 35
This man really needs no introduction. He is a true legend world rugby and is one of the sports most decorated players, winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups and is the all-time top point scorer in test rugby. Need I say more? Well, except for his three world player of the year awards, four Super Rugby titles and nine Rugby Championship wins, nothing really.
Scrum-half: Peter Stringer - Worcester Warriors, 39
Another outstandingly decorated player makes our team, Peter Stringer. Munster's most capped player ever, Stringer won two Heineken Cups during his time with the province while also winning the Six Nations Grand Slam with Ireland in 2009, there first since 1948. At 39, he's still playing with Worcester in the Premiership and is a true legend.
The 129-time capped prop, who is still keen for a Wales recall, is still an instrumental part of the Cardiff Blues pack aged 36. He holds the record as the most capped player for Wales and the fourth most-capped player in rugby union history. Renowned for his scrummaging prowess, he was selected for three British & Irish Lions tours, so we couldn't really leave him out of our selection.
Hooker: Schalk Brits - Saracens, 36
Could have easily picked Rory Best, but the Saracens flanker is arguably the best foreign import in Premiership history. When he retires at the end of this season, the hooker deserves to be acclaimed as the greatest import in the history of the league. He is that good. Joining the club in 2009, he has helped to redefine the role of the hooker with his pragmatic style of play, making over 200 appearances for the club, winning a heap of trophies. In fine form, he’ll be hoping to win a bit more silverware before he hangs up his boots.
Prop: Adam Jones - Harlequins, 36
95 Wales appearances and five British & Irish Lions caps shows how Jones has established himself on the international scene since making his debut in 2003. He is one of a small group of Welsh players to have won three Grand Slams and at 36, despite the tighthead edging towards retirement, he can still put in the odd world-class performance for Harlequins when needed.
Lock: Donncha O'Callaghan - Worcester Warriors, 38
Following on from Stringer earlier, the 38-year-old is another Irish veteran still plying his trade in the Premiership at Worcester and is the clubs current captain. O'Callaghan, who was a part of the 2005 and 2009 British & Irish Lions tours, is an efficient line-out operator who can still put in a big hit when required.
Lock: Tom Palmer
Tom Palmer took the road less travelled to England honours, beginning his career with a second division Leeds in 1997. He then went onto play for Wasps and Gloucester, winning 42 caps in the process. Unknown to most, the lock is still lacing up his boots in France with Bordeaux Begles in the Top 14, where he is also a coach.
Flanker: Kai Horstmann - Exeter Chiefs, 36
Winning the Aviva Premiership last season, the veteran back-rower remain an influential squad member down at Sandy Park. He formerly played for Worcester Warriors and Harlequins and has now made over 170 Premiership appearances to date. He'd definietly not let us down.
Flanker: George Smith - Suntory Sungoliath, 37
he industrious George Smith was 'Mr Consistent' for Australia from his debut against France in 2000 to his last appearance in the green and gold against Wales in 2009. In the process he became the Wallabies' most capped forward, eclipsing the mark of the legendary John Eales. Since then he's continued to excel and was even brought in to work with the England players during the 2016 Six Nations.
Number 8: Nili Latu - Newcastle Falcons, 35
The Tongan powerhouse was an instant hit with the Falcons supporters for his destructive and prolific approach to back-row play. Named as 2015-16 players’ player of the season after a sensational debut campaign, Latu finished the season as the club’s top try-scorer. He's recently recovered from a serious injury but is already looking back to his old self with a monstrous, all-action display against London Irish .
Is this how your team would look? Are there any improvements to make? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
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