Les CUSWORTH

Les Cusworth was a legend for Leicester but endured something of a mixed international career, winning just 12 caps spread over nine years. Cusworth was a classic running fly-half, but his style of play was never really put to full effect by England and he often received unjustified criticism for his performances. His debut came in England's 10-9 defeat by New Zealand in 1979 but he failed to form an effective partnership with scrum-half Steve Smith and was frequently snuffed out by the All Black loose forwards. He then had to wait almost three years for his next two caps, appearing in victories over France and Wales in the 1982 season. England began their 1983 campaign badly by conceding three tries to France at Twickenham in a 19-15 defeat, with Les getting on the score sheet with a drop goal.

He dropped another goal against Wales at Cardiff a couple of weeks later and set up England's only try scored by John Carleton in a Leicester move called the "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" which also involved Paul Dodge and Dusty Hare. He was then dropped for England's remaining two fixtures, but returned for the 15-9 victory against New Zealand in the autumn. The following year Les played in all four matches of the Championship, but it was a poor campaign and England only managed to win one game, against Ireland at Twickenham. From 1985 onwards the fly-half spot was dominated by Rob Andrew, though Cusworth earned a recall in 1988 against France and Wales. The match against France was a close affair which England were unlucky to lose, but they were well beaten by Wales at Twickenham. That proved to be Les's last appearance for England, but he became involved again as a coach during the Jack Rowell era. (Jon Collins).

1979 v New Zealand (Twickenham) L 10-9

1982 v Wales (Twickenham) W 17-7 (FN)

1983 v New Zealand (Twickenham) W 15-9

1984 v Wales (Twickenham) L 24-15 (FN)