Rugby Shorts
Jerry Guscott pulled on the England jersey for the last time when he took the pitch against Tonga in a Rugby World Cup pool match on this day in rugby history in 1999. The center ended his career with 65 caps and 143 points for England.
England had an easy time with Tonga winning 101-10 and Guscott scored a brace of tries. It was a late call for Guscott. Head coach Clive Woodward did not include Guscott on the original roster but an injury to Phil de Glanville gave him the chance.
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The most memorable play of the game was a length of the field interception try. After the final whistle the fans at Twickenham gave the player a standing ovation.
Guscott was hampered by injuries and his 1999 Rugby World Cup campaign was cut short due to a groin injury. He officially retired from England before the end of the tournament.
"This is one of the saddest days of my life because I have finally had to accept I've played my last match for England," the 34-year-old Bath center said in his column in the Express. "The groin problem which has already disrupted a part of my career has returned to end it."
Guscott played in three Rugby World Cups – 1991, 1995, and 1999.
1940 – Tommy Bishop, English rugby league player
