Anthony Allen
With just two full first team England caps in 2006, Anthony Allen’s international career never fully took-off.
Shining in the centre at Gloucester, Allen would light up Kingsholm Stadium, and blow the roof of the Shed End with magical performances in the Premiership. As England began building to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Brian Ashton was experimenting with centre partnerships throughout the Autumn Internationals.
Allen partnered up alongside Newcastle Falcons’ Jamie Noon, to take on the All Blacks during the November series.
Allen was injured during the debut, and failed to re-gain his position in the squad. However, Allen’s international career did not end there, as the centre was a starring player in the England Saxons team who won the Churchill Cup in 2008 and 2010.
Thomas Waldrom
A powerful number eight who was a definite fan favourite wherever he played, ‘Thomas the Tank’ qualified for England through residency, after moving over from New Zealand.
Waldrom became eligible to play for England in 2011, after joining Leicester Tigers the previous year. Waldrom was included in the 2011 Rugby World Cup training squad, but was cut from the final 30, as the side departed for New Zealand.
An injury to Andrew Sheridan saw Waldrom recieve a late call-up, with the number eight joining the World Cup squad as forwards cover.
However, the former Exeter Chiefs star did not get on the pitch in his native New Zealand, and was not considered for the following 2015 Rugby World Cup either.