Durable English tighthead prop who has served Leicester Tigers and England with distinction across 15 years, a reliable scrummager and cult figure in English club rugby.
Dan Cole is England's experienced tighthead prop, a workhorse scrummager whose consistent technical excellence in the set-piece has been central to England's forward dominance for over a decade. Despite never being the most dynamic player with ball in hand, Cole's exceptional scrummaging has made him one of the most reliable and valued props in English rugby history.
Playing in three Rugby World Cups and earning over 90 caps for England as a front-row forward.
How They Played
Cole was renowned for his exceptional scrummaging technique and solid lineout throwing, making him one of the most reliable hookers in international rugby. His low center of gravity and technical proficiency in the set-piece made him particularly effective in tight situations and crucial matches.
Lasting Impact
Cole's consistency and longevity helped establish England as a dominant force in international rugby during the 2010s, setting standards for technical excellence in the front row.
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup Winner 2003 (squad member, uncapped)
- Six Nations Championship 2011
- Six Nations Grand Slam 2016
- Six Nations Championship 2017
- British & Irish Lions Tour 2013
- British & Irish Lions Tour 2017
- Premiership Winner with Leicester Tigers 2009-10
- Premiership Winner with Leicester Tigers 2010-11
- Heineken Cup Winner with Leicester Tigers 2013
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester Tigers | 2007–2024 | 345 |
 England | — | 95 |