National League 2 South Bury St Edmunds RUFC have confirmed the signing of former England international Tom Varndell as a coach and player for next season.
Still the Premiership’s record try-scorer with 92 from 180 appearances, primarily from spells at Leicester and Wasps – two of the most successful clubs in the modern era – the 34-year-old had looked to have played his last game after departing Yorkshire Carnegie.
His friendship with Bury performance director Terry Sands led to him agreeing to drop down two levels to commence cutting his teeth as a coach, while also finishing his playing career off
DID YOU KNOW? In November 2004, in only his second appearance with the Tigers senior side, Varndell recorded the fastest hat-trick of tries in Premiership history, doing so in a 13-minute span against Worcester.
LIST | 6 internationals you didn’t know were still playing
Below, we have rounded up five internationals that we are certain you will be surprised to learn are still playing.
Did we miss anybody particularly noteworthy? Make sure you let us know in the comments below.
1. Kane Thompson
A real journeyman if there ever was one, Thompson has played for multiple teams around the world including stints in France, New Zealand, Japan, England and now America. The Samoa international had stints at the Highlanders and Chiefs in Super Rugby, as well as six different Mitre 10 Cup sides before rocking up in Major League Rugby to play for New Orleans Gold.
2. Dave Ward
The Premiership stalwart joined Ampthill's Championship squad for 2019-20 as Player/Coach. At international level he has represented the England under-18s, under-21s and Saxons.
3. Mike Tindall
England legend and World Cup winner Mike Tindall plays a selection of matches for Minchinhampton, the club close to his home. The centre played outside centre for Bath and Gloucester, and won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011. He was a member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup.
4. Alex Lutui
Lutui is an incredibly well-travelled player, having played in Super Rugby, the Premiership and PRO12 in his career. The hooker racked up 115 points in 181 appearances for Worcester Warriors between 2006-2013, so he certainly knows his way to the try line. Incredibly, the hooker still turns out for Ampthill aged 40.
5. Patrick Ah Van
The Super League legend, who starred for Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings between 2011 and 2018, made a late cross-code switch at the tailend his career, joining Sale FC in National League one. The winger, who played five times for Samoa, is still scoring regularly with Sale placed 11th before the season ended.
6. Shane Williams
The Wales legend made a return to Welsh rugby in 2017, coming out of retirement to play for his beloved Amman United. The former Wales and British Lions star stunned spectators as he took the field for his home town side in the National League 3 West B match against Burry Port. He then played for them in a final at the Millenium Stadium. He's since played a further handful of games for the club.
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