Two of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup winners are still playing rugby

This England rugby legend is also lending his support to an England Rugby campaign aimed at encouraging more players to return to the sport.

The pandemic caused a significant disruption to grassroots fifteen-a-side rugby, resulting in an 18-month hiatus. Although much of the sport has resumed its normal operations, research indicates that social players in men's rugby have not returned to their pre-COVID levels. Similar to athletes in other sports, some rugby players have lost the habit of representing their local teams every weekend.

As he prepared for a midweek training session at Minchinhampton, where he occasionally takes the field for the 2nd and 3rd XVs, Mike expressed his thoughts: “It’s important that we try to get more people back at clubs. It’s such a great game and the values are so good. 

"You can fall into not playing after covid, because you’ve had a break and it’s then hard to re-engage. I’d say just get back out there, go and see your mates, build up gradually and throw the ball around.”

“The social aspect is why we play rugby, why we get involved in our local club, it’s the end of season tours, the midweek curries, the post-training beers, that’s what rugby is, it drives communities,” said Mike.

To find your nearest rugby club and ‘Get Back In The Game’ visit findrugby.com

In a sensational move, two-time Rugby World Cup champion Nonu has inked a new contract with San Diego Legion that paves the way for his illustrious career to stride into 2024.

Although it's been since 2015 that Nonu showcased his skills in the iconic black jersey, the 41-year-old maestro remains resolute in prolonging his playing journey, proving age is just a number for this All Blacks legend.

He's the only player who appeared at the 2003 Rugby World Cup to be still playing professional.

“The Legend is back for another year,” head coach and director of rugby Danny Lee said in a statement confirming Nonu’s signing.

“We are thrilled to have Ma’a back for the 2024 MLR season after an outstanding 2023. Ma’a had a major influence on our team last season on and off the field and was a major factor in us having a very successful season, playing in the MLR final and us breaking Club and League records along the way. We go again.”

The World Cup-winning tighthead has played in four or five charity games this season and doesn't appear to have lost a step.

He retired with 73 England caps and five Test appearances for the Lions, three of them against Australia in 2001 and two versus the Springboks in 2009.

Although he missed the 2003 Grand Slam campaign through injury, the 48-year-old returned to play a key role in England's World Cup triumph in Australia and captained the side four years later during the 2007 rugby World Cup.

The former Ireland and Lions back-rower will be joined his boyhood club Tullow RFC in Division 1A of the Leinster League at the start of the 2023/24 season.

Having concluded his professional career at the end of the 2021/22 season with London Irish, the former Ireland back-rower initially faced a setback when his request to play for his hometown club was denied due to Leinster Branch player safety regulations. Consequently, he played for Naas RFC in Division 1B of the All Ireland League with hopes of eventually transferring to Tullow to compete for the Town's Cup.

Originally anticipated to sit out two seasons from professional rugby, Leinster has granted him a dispensation, allowing him to return to competitive play for Tullow. This marks his first competitive appearance for the club since his teenage years when he moved to UCD.

Alongside his playing commitments, the 'Tullow Tank' has been balancing his role as Leinster's contact skills coach, a position he took up last season.

Hogg has suggested a possible return to the rugby field, expressing his keenness to wear his hometown team’s jersey once more.

Speaking on ‘The Big Jim Show’ podcast as a guest, the 100-cap former Scotland full-back, Hogg, found himself in the hot seat when the host, and former Scotland second-row, Jim Hamilton, posed the question: “Are you completely retired from rugby?”

Hogg responded: "I think I’ll play [but] I don’t think I’ll play professional. I might have a little run-out for Hawick next season and see how that goes.”

In a stunning comeback, 41-year-old rugby stalwart Matt Giteau is set to grace the professional rugby scene once again, having recently inked a deal with the American club San Diego Legion for the upcoming 2024 Major League Rugby (MLR) season.

Having previously played for the now-defunct MLR club LA Giltinis, Giteau had humorously declared his retirement in February, quipping about having "milked the game and contracts dry."

San Diego Legion's coach, Danny Lee, expressed sheer delight in securing Giteau's services for the forthcoming season, declaring their elation in a statement released on Wednesday.

"He is a world-class player who will bring an incredible wealth of knowledge, a competitive attitude, and a drive to succeed with him that will no doubt spread throughout the squad."