"One Cap Wonders" - Ultimate XV: England Players Who Only Made One Test Cap

When a player makes their long awaited international debut they wouldn't expect it to be their final run out for their country, yet that was the case for these 15 players.

The only player in the England squad for the 2024 Six Nations with just one cap to his name, is Northampton Saints back-row Tom Pearson. At 24-years-old, Pearson is just beginning his international career, but will be eager to make an early appearence in the competition to move himself on from the club of one-time run-outs.

England take on Italy for their Six Nations opener, and Pearson could well double his caps tally against the Azzurri, should Borthwick try out his younger 'bolters' in Rome.

Pearson has time on his side, and as long as he is plying his trade in the Premiership, remains eligible for future call-ups for England test match appearances. This option has ruled out the likes of former Wasps fly half Jacob Umaga, who takes up a spot on our Ultimate XV of England 'One Cap Wonders'. The sands of time have fallen for the majority of the following playing careers, and will forever be in this group of single-cap holders.

Here is RUCK's Ultimate XV, of players who only achieved one cap for England.

15. Mark Cornelius van Gisbergen - Wasps & Lyon (vs Australia - 2005 Autumn Series)

14. Ollie Thorley - Gloucester Rugby (vs Italy - 2020 Guinness Six Nations)

11. Christian Wade - Racing 92 (vs Argentina - 2013 Summer Tour)

13. Geoff Appleford - London Irish & Northampton Saints (v Argentina - 2002 Summer Tour)

12. Stephen Myler - London Irish, Northampton Saints & Ospreys (v Argentina - 2013 Summer Tour)

10. Jacob Umaga - Benetton Rugby (v United States - 2021 Summer Test)

9. Scott Benton - Gloucester, Leeds Tykes & Sale Sharks (v Australia - 1998 Summer Test)

1. Mark Linnett - Worcester Warriors (v Fiji - 1989 Autumn Series)

2. Matt Cairns - Harlequins, Northampton Saints, Sale Sharks & Saracens (v South Africa - 2007 Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Test)

3. Darren Crompton - Bristol Bears & Richmond (v South Africa - 2007 Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Test)

4. Hugh Vynvyan - Newcastle Falcons & Saracens (v Canada - 2004 Autumn Series)

5. Alex Codling - Bedford Blues, Northampton Saints, Harlequins, Richmond & Saracens (v Argentina - 2002 Summer Tour)

6. Calum Clark - Leeds Tykes, Northampton Saints & Saracens (v France - 2015 Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Test)

7. Bob Mordell - Rosslyn Park (v Wales - 1978 Five Nations Championship)

8. Ben Skirving - Bath Rugby & Saracens (v South Africa - 2007 Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Test)

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This extraordinary feat is as scarce as they come, with only 20 players accomplishing the remarkable three-try milestone since the Championship expanded to six nations in 2000.

Notably, a couple of players have even pulled off this astonishing feat twice, adding an extra layer of prestige to their rugby prowess.

Now, take a moment to rewind and test your memory. Can you recall the names of these exceptional hat-trick heroes?

If you manage a perfect score, you'll undoubtedly be entitled to a celebration on par with the jubilant antics witnessed by some of the stars on this illustrious list.