Neil Back Rugby player
Neil Antony Back MBE (born 16 January 1969) is a former international rugby union footballer for England and the British and Irish Lions who also played for Nottingham RFC, Leicester Tigers, and captained both England and Leicester during his career.Post World Cup victory with England in 2003 he took on the role of Player/Defensive Coach for Leicester Tigers until he decided to retire following an illustrious 17 year first class playing career. One of his final games saw him become the oldest Test British Lion in the history of the game in the 1st Test Match verses New Zealand whilst on the 2005 Tour.During his international career he played in three World Cups - SA'95, FR'99 & AUS'03 where he was an integral part of the 2003 World Cup winning side. He also went on three British and Irish Lions Tours - SA'97 Winners, AUS'01 & NZ'05. He gained 66 caps for England, captaining them to victory four times, scored 16 tries and 1 drop goal (the only England Forward to do so in a Test Match in the history of the game). He played as an openside flanker. He is married to Alison who together have a daughter, Olivia who joined him on the winning podium in 2003 & a son, Finley.Retirement from playing allowed him to concentrate on his future, seeing him continue his role as Assistant Coach at Leicester Tigers whilst gaining all of the RFU Coaching Awards and now has over a decade of coaching experience.
