The Leonard Lounge

Sponsored by McguireWoods LLP

The Leonard Lounge is named in honour of Jason Leonard OBE, one of the World’s most famous players and England’s most capped player of all time and until 17th June 2006 , the World’s most capped player, when overtaken by George Gregan of Australia who went on to win 119 caps.

Leonard has won the highest international accolades in a rugby career that has spanned twenty odd years including the World Cup in 2003, four Grand Slams and a British and Irish Lions Test series in South Africa. He is still England's most capped player with 114 under his belt and five caps for the Lions.

In 15 February 2003, Jason Leonard made history as the first ever front-row forward to make 100 international appearances when he started against France in a Six Nations clash. He was also the first Englishman and overall third (after Philippe Sella and David Campese) to achieve this feat.  That year he went on to play a key role in securing the Grand Slam with a win over Ireland at Landsdowne Road. In August 2003 Leonard captained England for the second time in a crushing 43-9 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, and it was his versatility along with his proven ability and experience which earned him a spot in the World Cup Squad.

Despite being regarded as the third-choice prop behind Phil Vickery and Trevor Woodman in the pecking order Leonard made appearances in all seven matches of the tournament, including the semi-final against France during which he overtook Sella as the world's most-capped player. He appeared in his second World Cup final as an extra-time substitute for Woodman and played a key role in reducing the scrimmage penalty count which was high during normal time. The then coach Clive Woodward would later write in his autobiography that Leonard's introduction was the key substitution which helped England win the match. Having been awarded an MBE for services to Rugby earlier, his award was upgraded to an OBE after the tournament.

Rugby may have made Jason Leonard a household name, and despite the lessons he has learnt from the game, it does not define who he is or what he is all about. His passion for rugby is unquestionable but he is well aware of the bigger picture.

“Physically and emotionally your time on the rugby pitch can be very hard and demanding, however it is just a game,” explains Jason.

“When you lose you are upset, but there are a lot of people out there dealing with very serious problems. You can accept that and try to make a difference and give something back.

“What I would say is that rugby is very special as a sport - not only the people who play it, but the people who support it too.

“The rugby fraternity is very much a family and they do help each other. If one of the family is struggling then the rugby community comes to their aid .”

Interesting Facts: 

• Jason's nickname 'The Fun Bus', was given to him by Martin Bayfield the former England second row - who saw Jason run across the filed in a red shirt and thought he looked like a London Bus.
• He used to be a carpenter before he started playing rugby.
• He has played 24 matches for the British and Irish Lions.
• Jason was 7lbs 8oz when he was born and doubled that weight in a fortnight?
• A class 357 EMU train (number 357 003) has the nameplate "Jason Leonard" and is operated by c2c on the London, Tilbury and Southend line which serves his hometown of Barking, Essex.
  
• Leonard is involved in several charities. In Jan 2009 he became Lead Ambassador of the Wooden Spoon Society, a charity for disadvantaged children and young persons that has its roots founded in rugby.

Quotes:  Sir Clive Woodward   “Jason has played at the top level of the game for his country, the British Lions & Irish Lions and NEC Harlequins with distinction and he will be sorely missed by his team mates in the England squad, the coaches, management and of course the fans". 

Robert Horner, President of the RFU  said, “Jason has been a role model for the game not just in England but around the world. He will be sorely missed by everyone connected with the international game".

Francis Baron, Chief Executive of the RFU said  “The longevity of Jason’s career at club and international level is a tribute to a player and an individual who has always been 100% committed to the sport".