We recently caught up with Fran Cotton, ex rugby captain for England. Fran was gracious enough to answer a few questions for us.

We asked Fran if he thought there were any differences between the game played today and the game when he was playing, here is what Fran had to say;

“The difference is in fitness levels – technical skills – full time professional – huge difference is how they approach the game. Being professional allows you to become a good a player as you can be, no need to be worrying about day to day living. Full time commitment to rugby without the decision of what has to take a back seat rugby/job/family – one of the 3 has to suffer when its amateur! Player’s choice!”

Fran continues; “Obviously the more practice the better you get. Gains in medicine and nutrition are making improvement from generation to generation. Certain aspects of the game are harder now particularly in defence as everyone now has role to fill.”

We asked Fran how he would go about converting a football fan into a rugby fan, Fran replied; “More alcohol drunk on one International day than in an entire Premiership weekend (in ground)! I wouldn’t take wife/daughters/children to a football game though; I am disgusted by the offensive language at football. In Rugby you never hear this, plenty of banter of course but all respectful and everyone is just out for a good time.”

After huge success as an international rugby player through the 70s, Fran Cotton founded Cotton Traders in 1987 with fellow rugby legend Steve Smith which specialises in casual clothingproviding everything from rugby shirts to thermal trousers. For more information visit www.cottontraders.co.uk