Will Skinner (rugby union) explained

Will Skinner
Birth Name:William Skinner
Birth Date:1984 2, df=yes
Birth Place:Northampton, England
Height:1.8m (05.9feet)
Weight:97kg (214lb) [1]
School:Bedford School
Ru Position:Flanker
Ru Amateurclubs:Olney Rugby Club
Ru Clubyears:
2002 - 06
2006 - 13
Ru Proclubs:
Leicester Tigers
Harlequins
Ru Clubcaps:
34
149
Ru Clubpoints:
(20)
(15)
Ru Nationalyears:2007 - 08
Ru Nationalteam:England Saxons
Ru Nationalcaps:10
Ru Nationalpoints:(0)
Repsevensyears1:2003
Repsevensteam1:England
Repsevenscomp1:2

William John Skinner (born 8 February 1984 in Northampton) is an English former rugby union player who played openside flanker for Leicester Tigers and Harlequins.

He began his rugby career at Bedford School before representing England at U-16, U-18 and U-21 level. He came through the Leicester Tigers youth setup where many drew comparison between the small, blond, pacy openside and his mentor, Tigers legend Neil Back. Long-term injury and lack of versatility, however, saw him leave Tigers in the summer of 2006 to move to Quins where he linked up with former Tigers' Director of Rugby and back row legend Dean Richards.[2]

Skinner represented the England Sevens team at Brisbane in early 2003.[3] Skinner represented England Saxons at the 2007 Churchill Cup.[4]

Skinner was called into the England Saxons side that defeated Ireland A on 1 February 2008.[5] [6] [7]

He captained the England Saxons to victory at the 2008 Churchill Cup.[8]

Injury forced his retirement in 2013.[9]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Harlequins biography . 2013 . web page . Harlequins . 7 July 2013.
  2. Web site: Skinner leaving . BBC . 2006-04-25 . 2009-08-02.
  3. News: Sevens: Sparkling England leave New Zealand and Fiji in their wake. . 2003-02-03 . 2009-08-02 . London . Nigel . Starmer-Smith.
  4. News: England Saxons 17–13 NZ Maori . BBC . 2007-06-02 . 2009-08-02.
  5. Web site: England Saxons squad for Ireland A match. RFU. 2008-01-23. 2008-02-05.
  6. News: Varndell shines in Saxons victory. BBC. 2008-02-02. 2008-02-05.
  7. Web site: Will Skinner looks towards tonight's clash with Ireland A. Quins. 2008-02-01. 2008-02-05.
  8. Web site: England Saxons put Scots to sword to retain Barclays Churchill Cup . RFU . 2008-06-21 . 2009-08-02.
  9. Web site: Ollie Kohn & Will Skinner: Harlequins duo forced to retire. BBC Sport. 7 July 2013. 5 July 2013.