Nick Abendanon
Breaking out onto the Premiership scene for the 2006/07 season, Nick Abendanon lit up the English top division with exhilarating performances for Bath. Flying in for scores from fullback or along the wing, Abendanon scored 10 tries in his inaugural season at the Rec. This prompted the conversation for Abendanon’s England call-up, as he was fast-tracked into Brian Ashton’s wider training squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
However, Abendanon was unable to secure an initial spot for France, missing out to the favoured Josh Lewsey. However, a late injury to Lewsey saw Abendanon called in for the last training week, ahead of the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final. Unfortunatly, the Dutch-born flyer was not included for the match-day squad, as England suffered a 15-6 defeat to the Springboks.
Consistent form within the England Saxons put Abendanon amongst the conversation for inclusion at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. However, despite the public opinion calling for Abendanon’s inclusion, the talented winger was again left out of the squad, with Martin Johnson having the decisive call this time around. Delon Armitage, Chris Ashton, Matt Banahan, Mark Cueto and Ben Foden were all preferred over Abendanon, who missed out on the trip to New Zealand.
Abendanon would not wait to be let down a third time, as he called time on his England career following a move away from the Premiership. The fullback left Bath after over 200 caps in 2014, setting his sights on ventures in France, agreeing a deal with Clermont Auvergne.
Abendanon progressed into the world’s best back-three players, and won the 2015 Champions Cup Player of the Year Award. However, as Abendanon was stationed overseas, he ruled himself out of contention for the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
Steffon Armitage
Considered in the early 2010’s as one of the best back-rowers in the world, it was surprising to see Steffon Armitage miss out on the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup. At the time, Armitage was ineligible to represent his country, as the flanker played in France with Toulon. Had the back-rower stayed for an extra year with London Irish, he would have more than likely made an appearance at the 2011 competition.
Yet Armitage decided to make the move to France, and moved to the South of France after making 136 appearances for the Exiles. Armitage has remained in France for the rest of his career, elapsing 150 caps with Toulon, before moving in 2016 to Pau, and on to Biarritz and currently Stade Nicois. Armitage made five caps for England whilst at London Irish, making his debut in the 2009 Six Nations victory over Italy. Coming off the bench for Lewis Moody, there were high hopes for Armitage in England’s back-row but a career in France took precedence.
