Julian White was part of the England side that won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, but the former prop is now more likely to be found tending to his farm
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer
07:00, 02 Nov 2025
Julian White played for England’s World Cup-winning side in 2003(Image: Getty)
Former England rugby star Julian White has traded the rugby pitch for the farmyard since retiring from the sport. The ex-England and Leicester Tigers prop, who was part of the triumphant 2003 Rugby World Cup team and earned 51 caps for his country, now spends his days tending to his 600 sheep and 90 cows rather than scrumming down on the field.
White, who started against Samoa in the tournament and came on as a substitute against Uruguay, was awarded an MBE for services to rugby union in 2004 following his role in the spectacular victory.
Now aged 52, the star, who could’ve played for Wales, is more likely to be found on his expansive Leicestershire farm, Crabtree Farm, which he runs with his partner Sara and their three children.
In an interview with The Telegraph from earlier this year, White reflected on his decision to move into farming. “It was fantastic at Leicester, but I started thinking about life after rugby,” he said.
“I rented a field, had a few sheep. And if you just have one thing to focus on – just rugby – it’s not healthy.” However, White admitted that he had to overcome certain assumptions made by other farmers due to his sporting past, reports the Express.
He continued: “A lot of them are quite cagey. And, because I was a rugby player, they have this bizarre idea that I’m some sort of multi-millionaire, but I’m nowhere near that.”
Julian White now owns a farm(Image: Instagram/whitey.southdevons)
Despite finding satisfaction in his farming work, the former front row forward spoke openly about the challenges he encounters. “There have been huge setbacks,” he admitted.
“We had the ‘Beast from the East’ during lambing season and suddenly all my lambs were frozen in the pens, stuff like that.
“You were struggling to break even anyway and then you have that to deal with. Floods. It can be an absolute b*****d.”
England prop Julian White passes the ball during a training session at Scotch College October 21, 2003(Image: David Rogers, Getty Images)
Speaking about the pressure he’s experienced, he added: “If it wasn’t for Sara… it’s tough now: bills to pay. We have a wood-burner, some little heaters. Not centrally heated. We have WiFi because Sara works. It’s 4G, not cable.
“I’ve had alopecia through stress. People say. ‘You’re a tough rugby player’, but after a while it gets you. It grinds you down. If I wasn’t so bloody stubborn and determined, I’d have given up.
“We are lucky in that we bought some land and it has a value; we could sell it and I’d go and do something else. But that’s not me.
“I get p****d off, but I’m determined to try to make this work. I don’t want to sound like one of these moany farmers. I love what I do. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be doing it.”