BBC Sportrugbyunion

By 1997, Dallaglio was firmly established as an automatic choice in the back row for England, playing alongside experienced players like Ben Clarke, Steve Ojomoh and Dean Richards.

Comfortable at blind-side flanker, open-side flanker or number eight, Dallaglio's athleticism and will to win seemed to epitomise the new professional era which had taken root in the sport.

He went from strength to strength on the international scene, playing all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions on their successful tour of South Africa in the summer.