Jason Leonard (Ex England and Lions Rugby Player) becomes WorKingOptions Ambassador

Harlequins, England RFU & British Lions

Prop Jason Leonard became England's most capped player ever back in 2000, a significant achievement given the rigours of front-row play. He is an ‘immovable object' in the scrum and he was the rock on which successive England teams have been built since making his debut against Argentina back in 1990.

Jason tried his hand at all sports whilst at Warren Comprehensive, in Essex. He represented the school at football, cricket, athletics and of course, rugby. Rugby became the obvious choice for him, as it allowed his boisterous nature to shine through.

He joined Barking Rugby Club at the age of 15, when one of the teachers from Warren Comprehensive was invited along. Whilst still only aged 15, he represented the under 19’s. He left school and started to work on building sites with his father, all the while still representing Barking and then progressing to County and international level, when in 1987 he represented England at under 19 level.

From Barking, he then joined North London club Saracens before beginning his long association with Harlequins in 1990, which acted as a launch pad to international honours.
His achievements are even more remarkable in light of the serious neck injury he suffered just two years after his debut. A piece of hip bone was removed and placed at the top of his neck, enabling the former carpenter to continue his rugby career.
Leonard first became a Lion in 1993 on the tour of New Zealand, switching from his accustomed position of loosehead to appear in the Second and Third Tests as tighthead. He was also a Lion in 1997, appearing in one Test during the series victory against South Africa and was selected for his third tour in 2001 against the then World Champion Australian team.

A cult figure amongst England fans for his durability, tenacity, good humour and sportsmanship. In June 2002 Jason was recognised for his professional achievement and awarded a MBE.
In February 2003, he achieved the milestone of his 100th cap against France at Twickenham. Jason reached his 103rd cap whilst winning his second Grand Slam and RBS 6 Nations Championship against Ireland in Dublin in March 2003.
He played a major part in the 2003 England World Cup team featuring in every game, and his appearance as a substitute against France in the semi-final made him the world’s most capped player ever. He reached 113 caps by playing for the duration of extra-time against Australia in the Final to become a World Champion. His MBE became an OBE in the New Years Honours of 2004. He gained one more cap taking his final tally to 114, and retired from the international game in March 2004.
He has since decided to retire from club rugby, but finished on a high winning the Parker Pen Cup with Quins and had his final game at Twickenham for the Barbarians against England, which culminated in a try-scoring “Man of the Match” winning performance.

In January ’04 he was rewarded for his services to rugby with a “Special Award” from the Rugby Writers’ Club.

Since retirement from playing professional rugby, Jason continues to be heavily involved in the game.
He carries out endless charity work, for the RPA (and many other charities) and in the last 3 years has been part of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s RugbyForce campaign, which sees Jason nominate and then re-develop a clubhouse of a minor rugby team, which is in complete need of renovation.

He currently sits on the council of the RFU which controls all levels in rugby in England and the Professional Game Board (PGB) which develops the professional game. Away from the game, he enjoys new past times such as golf and is an accomplished speaking entertainer at dinners or lunches.