England winger and the most prolific try-scorer in English rugby history at the time of his retirement, a devastating finisher who translated blistering pace into a phenomenal international try-scoring record.
Rory Underwood was England's greatest winger of the amateur era, a record-breaking try scorer whose pace and finishing ability produced 49 international tries — a record that stood for years. An RAF pilot whose competitive career included multiple World Cups, Underwood's pace and reliable finishing made him one of England's most dangerous attacking threats throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.
Holding the England rugby union try-scoring record with 49 tries in 85 international appearances.
How They Played
Underwood was renowned for his exceptional pace and ability to finish tries from wide positions. His acceleration and footwork made him a constant threat on the wing, capable of beating defenders in tight spaces. He possessed excellent positional sense and was particularly effective at exploiting gaps in opposition defenses.
Lasting Impact
Underwood's try-scoring record for England stood as a benchmark for future generations and helped establish England as a major force in international rugby during the late 1980s and 1990s.
Career Honours
- Five Nations Championship 1991
- Five Nations Grand Slam 1991
- Five Nations Championship 1992
- Five Nations Grand Slam 1992
- Five Nations Championship 1995
- British & Irish Lions Tour 1989
- British & Irish Lions Tour 1993
- RAF Rugby Union representative honours
- Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to rugby union
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester Tigers | 1983–1997 | 236 | 40 | #11 |
 England | — | 85 | 49 | — |