Dan Cole is a mainstay of the England front row, one of the country's most capped props and a two-time Lions tourist.
Daniel Richard Cole was born on 9 May 1987 in Leicester, England, and attended Kibworth High School before progressing through Leicester Tigers' academy, with loan spells at Bedford Blues and Nottingham helping his early development. He spent his entire senior club career with Leicester Tigers, becoming one of the most durable and respected props in English rugby history. Cole made his England debut in 2010 and developed into one of the finest scrummaging technicians of his generation, renowned for his reliability and consistency at the highest level across an international career spanning 14 years. He was selected for the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, helping the Lions win the series in Australia in the former year. Cole earned well over 90 caps for England, playing across multiple World Cup cycles and becoming one of the most experienced tightheads in the international game, valued as much for his tactical understanding of the scrum as for his physical presence. Cole retired from Leicester Tigers and international rugby in 2025 after nearly two decades as a professional, having spent his entire senior career at a single club — a rare achievement in the modern professional game — and remains widely regarded as one of the finest tightheads England has ever produced.
Long-serving England tighthead prop
How They Played
Cole was renowned for his exceptional scrummaging technique and solid lineout throwing, making him one of the most reliable hookers in international rugby. His low center of gravity and technical proficiency in the set-piece made him particularly effective in tight situations and crucial matches.
Lasting Impact
Cole's consistency and longevity helped establish England as a dominant force in international rugby during the 2010s, setting standards for technical excellence in the front row.
Career Honours
- 2019 Rugby World Cup runner-up
- Six Nations Grand Slam 2016
- Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester Tigers | 2007–2024 | 345 |
 England | — | 95 |