Nigel HORTON

Moseley lock Nigel Horton holds the distinction of being one of the few players to appear for his country in three different decades. Indeed, Nigel first appeared against Ireland in 1969 and ended his career against the same opposition in 1980. He was also exceptional in that he was a dual international, having played water polo for England. Nigel reckoned that his prowess in a different sport aided his rugby 'The water polo definitely helped my ball skills, and I also used to play squash, which improved my acceleration as a rugby player.' Due to his exceptional athleticism and ball skills, Nigel was something of a prototype for the new breed of locks to emerge in the 1990s such as Ian Jones and John Eales, but his qualities were not always recognised by the England management.

However, in 1969 the selectors were in a relatively innovative mood and willing to put their faith in the callow 20 year old. Horton's first game for England saw him line up against Irish legend Willie John McBride, then at the height of his powers, and the match was lost 17-15. Nigel played in the subsequent victories over Scotland and France, but England were hammered 30-9 in their last match of the season against Wales. He next appearance came in 1971 in a narrow victory over Ireland, and he also played in the matches against France and Scotland. Horton next saw action in England's narrow defeat by Scotland in 1974, the only game he played in the campaign. He made a solitary appearance against Wales the year after, and scored England's only try six minutes from time with his side 16-0 down. However, the try sought to spur Wales into further action and they immediately replied through Steve Fenwick to make the score 20-4. (Jon Collins)

Nigel did not feature in the England side during 1976 but became the first choice lock to partner Bill Beaumont the following year, playing in all four matches of the Five Nations. Under the captaincy of Roger Uttley, England started the campaign extremely well, winning their opening two matches against Scotland and Ireland to prompt hopes of a Grand Slam. However, England's new dawn ended abruptly when they were beaten 4-3 by France despite having several chances to win the match. England then missed out on the Triple Crown by losing a tight game to Wales in Cardiff. Despite those disappointments, Nigel enjoyed an excellent season and was selected for the British Lions tour to New Zealand, but had to come home early and was replaced by his future skipper Bill Beaumont.

That year Horton also accepted an invitation from French captain Jean Pierre Rives to join Toulouse and he enjoyed a highly successful playing and coaching career in France. In 1979 Nigel fought off the challenge by Maurice Colclough to partner Bill Beaumont in the second row, but England's promising season ended with a heavy defeat in Cardiff. Nigel then lost out to his rival Colclough for the game against New Zealand the autumn, a match which England lost 10-9. He made just one more appearance for England in their Grand Slam season of 1980 before being replaced by Colclough on a permanent basis.

However, the manner in which Nigel was dropped caused extreme anger amongst the England players due to the fact he was informed of his omission at the post match banquet. Teammate Roger Uttley would later recall 'Nigel's a big bloke, a tough man, but he was totally distraught and actually crying.' In retirement Nigel maintained his links with the game through coaching, player management and his role for a company that make rugby equipment such as the 'Predator' scrummaging machine. (Jon Collins)