ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The Rugby World Cup's Oldest Players Ever

BY jmcr_91  ·  Thursday Apr 16, 2015

When Nick Easter was recalled to the England squad for the Six Nations at the grand old age of 36, many were doubting whether he still had the legs to play test match rugby. His experience was clearly invaluable amongst the team, and in World Cup year could be key.

The five players below have all featured in rugby’s biggest tournament and with ages of up to 40 still featuring, there is no reason why the old guards shouldn’t have more optimism ahead of September’s World Cup in England.

From the USA’s Mark Williams to Uruguay’s Diego Ormaechea, there is proof that the Nick Easter’s of the rugby world can be full of optimism.

Mark Williams – USA

The American centre, now 53 years old got 37 caps for USA between 1987 and 1999. He retired as the third highest points scorer in his country’s history, with 143 points. Williams is now Head Coach of the USA South as they look to give the sport more depth across the nation, submitting teams to the North American Caribbean Rugby Association Tournaments.

Mario Ledesma – Argentina

The legendary Argentinian hooker is being heavily linked with his first international coaching job. The 41-year-old has been forwards coach at Stade Francais and Montpellier since retiring after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and is now being lined up by Michael Cheika as the man to rectify the Wallabies’ scrum. The pair worked together in Paris and after featuring in four world cup’s, there is no doubt that Ledesma has plenty of experience to pass on.

Vyacheslav Grachev – Russia

The Russian number-eight gained 72 caps for Russia with an international career spanning an impressive 18 years. After earning his club trade in France, Grachev was the oldest player at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, but couldn’t prevent a group stage exit for the Russians.

Mark Cardinal – Canada

Cardinal featured in three world cups for Canada and scored three tries in his 35 caps at hooker. He made his debut in the win over USA back in 1986 and was a regular in the side after then right up until his retirement, making 27 starts for the Maple Leafs.

Diego Ormaechea – Uruguay

Ormaechea is regarded as the greatest player that Uruguay has ever produced and has now had an extreme change of career. After retiring in 1999, the 55-year-old is now a Veterinary Surgeon specialised in Racing Horses.

He is one of the top veterinary surgeons in South America in his discipline, but is still highly regarded for his contribution to rugby. He coached Uruguay at the 2003 World Cup, and his son Agustin now represents his country, with 16 caps to date.

If any coaches needed a reminder about whether to go for the youngster with a bright future or the older more experienced player which may bring instant success, the World Rugby video below may well change their mind!

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face...

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal...

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 DAY AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 21 HOURS AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

View All