Lawrence Bruno Nero Dallaglio, the current England captain, is one of the most striking stalwarts in the England side and during the 2003 Rugby World Cup he was on the pitch for every minute of every England match. His distinguished career now spans 70 caps including 14 as captain between 1997 and 1999. Dallaglio was Clive Woodward’s first ever captain, leading the side out against Australia for the first time in 1997. He captained England on a further 13 occasions between 1998 and 1999, before handing over to Martin Johnson. A leader by example, Dallaglio also played in all of England’s games during the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

A powerful and forthright back row ‘Lol’ came to prominence as a member of the 1993 Rugby World Cup winning England Sevens side before making his full England debut in 1995 as a replacement against South Africa. As a Lion in 1997 he played in all three tests against South Africa. Dallaglio recovered from a serious knee injury picked up during the 2001 Lions tour that threatened his future playing prospects. Despite losing the England captaincy in 1999, it is testament to his character that he came through
that period and his long term injury absence much stronger, fitter and faster. He was educated at Ampleforth College and Kingston University.