BBC SPORT | RUGBY UNION | Leonard props up a record

Jason Leonard will become England's most capped rugby player on Saturday when he makes his 86th international appearance against Argentina.

The durable prop, who made his Test debut against the same opposition 10 years ago, will break Rory Underwood's record.

The 32-year-old already holds the world appearance record for a prop and will have the honour of leading out the England side at Twickenham.

It's a big game because I'm breaking the England record, but I'm not a collector, I'm not that sort of person

Jason Leonard

But the man who has been the cornerstone of the England pack from the progression of an amateur sport into professionalism does not expect to get any pre-match jitters.

"It's a big game because I'm breaking the England record, but I'm not a collector, I'm not that sort of person," he told BBC Sport's Daniella Relph.

"I don't think it will sink in until afterwards, but I won't think about it too much before or during the match."

Leonard said it would be a huge honour to lead out the England side for the third time.

He led England out in his 50th Test match and also captained England in 1996, again against Argentina.

Jason Leonard
Leonard is a durable customer

He hoped the crowd would get behind the side despite the ructions that have affected the side this week in their pay dispute with the Rugby Football Union.

"Over the last couple of days we've got nothing but support, not one person has said anything bad to us."

Leonard is not taking the Argentinian threat lightly and he is only too aware of the power of their pack.

"They have always had a tremendous pack. In Argentina they seem to breed very big, strong, athletic men."

With a career stertching from the amateur days into the professional ranks, the Harlequins prop is happy with life earning a living from sport.

I don't think his enthusiasm for the game has faltered one bit over the 14 or 15 years

Former team-mate Dean Cutting

"Playing rugby used to be my hobby and now it is my job. I couldn't ask for better than that, it is superb."

At Barking Rugby Club where he began his career they will share in Leonard's joy at breaking the record.

Dean Cutting, the club's director of coaching who played at Colts level with Leonard said: "Everybody will share in his moment and appreciate what he has done for the club.

"I don't think his enthusiasm for the game has faltered one bit over the 14 or 15 years.

"He was a good bloke to have on your side, a guy to have in the trenches with you rather than against," said Cutting.


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