International retirement doesn’t always mean retirement, full stop. While some former England stars fade quietly into coaching, punditry or the after-dinner circuit, others simply crack on—often overseas, sometimes back where it all began, and occasionally just for the love of it.

From World Cup winners to once-capped bolters, here are a group of ex-England internationals who are still pulling on the boots and playing rugby in 2025—whether professionally or closer to home.

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Mako Vunipola — Loosehead Prop (RC Vannes, France)

One of England’s most decorated front-rowers of the professional era, Mako Vunipola earned over 70 Test caps and featured prominently in two World Cup campaigns. After more than a decade at Saracens, he made a low-key move to France, signing with RC Vannes.

Now in the Top 14 grind, Vunipola brings huge experience, elite-level set-piece know-how and surprising distribution skills to a developing French side. He may be out of the England picture, but he remains a formidable operator at club level.

Matt Kvesic — Back Row (Worcester Warriors)

Capped by England in 2013, Matt Kvesic was once tipped as a long-term international openside. While his Test career never quite ignited, he has enjoyed a solid Premiership and Championship career built on consistency and work rate.

Kvesic has returned to Worcester Warriors, the club where it all started, helping them rebuild in the RFU Championship following their financial collapse. It’s a fitting role for a player whose career has been defined by graft and loyalty rather than headlines.

Teimana Harrison — Back Row (Provence Rugby, France)

Few players exploded onto the scene quite like Teimana Harrison. His high-energy performances for Northampton Saints earned him multiple England caps during Eddie Jones’ early years in charge.

Injuries and fierce competition stalled his international progress, but Harrison has found a new lease of life with Provence Rugby in France’s Pro D2. Still dynamic and confrontational, he remains exactly the sort of forward every coach wants in the trenches.

Paul Hill — Tighthead Prop (Edinburgh Rugby, United Rugby Championship)

English‑born prop Paul Hill came through the ranks with Yorkshire Carnegie and made his name at Northampton Saints, earning several England caps along the way.

Ahead of the 2024/25 season he signed for Edinburgh Rugby in the United Rugby Championship. In the Scottish capital’s front row, Hill continues to develop as a steady, physical tighthead, bringing scrummaging strength and big‑game experience to the URC battleground.

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