Welcome To Leicester Lions Vets

Rugby for the elderly & infirm
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Anna Gosling

In 2008 after weeks of rumours and speculation, Lions finally signed a new winger but it was not, as predicted, Bryan Habana or Ugo Monye, but rather Anna Gosling. Now something of a cult figure with Lions’ fans even though her season was abbreviated by an 18-week ban after being found guilty by the Leicestershire RFU disciplinary panel of eye gouging. The incident, which involved her Father and Lions flanker Gozzo, took place during a touch line dispute in November.

 

Liam Powell


Head Coach & Physio

In 1999, Liam Powell joined Leicester Lions Vets as backs coach, taking over as head coach in 2001 after Phil Stewart returned to the colts and became physio in 2006 after the retirement of Neil Hall. Liam's management style was criticised by many commentators and players, for, his coaching methods, his handling of the players and the media, his squad selection - particularly for keeping faith with the older players he knew well. Despite this he transformed the Lions Vets side and was instrumental in helping Lions win the Hastings invitation tournament in 2008.

  

Phil Edwards


Wing / Full Back
Currently emerging from the shadow of his immensely talented Father, SoN is making the full back berth his own, needs to add an extra physical dimension to his play.


Neil Hall


Prop
Hard-working prop - yet to sign a contract for next season. Despite great potential, Neil lacks some confidence, preferring the bench to game time.

Matt Cunningham


Prop / Second Row
He is known for his consistency and has the ability to set up points. He posses a good strong ball carry and is more than capable of getting away with offloading before or after the contact. Enjoys kicking the ball!

Colonel


Centre
His explosive pace and strength helped him to register 9 tries in just 19 games during 06/07 season, now out of favour and struggling to make the squad

Baz Tudge


Hooker
The inventor of the most brutal tackling technique - the sleeping policeman, Baz made 8 starting appearances last season, with a further 2 from the bench, Faces a big battle with Skidders for the number 2 shirt, showed his versatility with impressive stints in the back row and on the wing

 

Stotty


Centre / Back Row
Best known for the quiet and dignified respect with which he treats referees and other match officials. With Stotty out of retirement again, his tireless industry will be much appreciated.

Stu Watson


Scrum Half / Wing Forward
Lightning quick and with the skills to match, hard-hitting scrum half immortalised by his rib-smashing late tackles.

Swarty


Back Row
A wily veteran, Swarty has less time to devote to rugby since his career as a gigolo took off.

Phil Wright


Back Row
Speed, strength, intelligence, he has everything you need for a flanker. An automatic choice when available.

 

Aidey Smith


Centre / Back Row
Pace, power, peerless skills and true grit, equally at home on the back row or in the centres, injury has limited appearances this season.

 

 

Jamie Bishop


Wing
An extremely quick and agile wing with an accurate pass, has made few appearances this season.

 
Wilba


Back Row
All knees & elbows on the pitch, an exceptional man with great ability to clean up loose ball about the park but unable to get a start this season.

Nango / Scappy Doo

Wing / Full Back
Appointed captain of the Vets in 2005, always leads by example and commands utmost respect on the field of play. Possessing excellent handling skills, he has made a habit of popping up in the right place at the right time.

 

Daniel Quelch


Wing
With his celebrity good looks Lions Vets very own utility man is just as comfortable on the wing, on the bench or on a plane to Thailand.  Known to many as DQ, not because of his initials, but because of the Dire Quality of his T-Shirts and the Dire Quality of his tour organisation. His constant activity making up for a lack of skill or rugby sophistication.

 

Paul Walsh

Flanker

Generally regarded as the less talented of the Walsh brothers, Paul initially struggled in the shadow of his illustrious younger brother however after impressing the Captain towards the end of the 2007-08 season he has gone on to become an automatic selection on the back row.

 

Henry Cooke


Scrum Half
The youngest Cookie in the Squad is a promising scrum half, his explosive pace, sleight of hand and a superb sidestep should get himself off the bench to secure a regular start soon.

 

George Cooke


Stand Off

Rugby aristocrat George has made a shock return to the Vets rugby after having missed vital games choosing to attend birthday parties and ski trips.

 

Chris Johnson


Prop
A skilful and powerful front rower, terrorises his opposite number yet still finds enough energy to gallop around the field like a gazelle.

 

Slim


Prop

Mostly found at prop, Slim adds a hard edge to the Lions pack, fearless and always up front with hits and tackles; he plays on just the right side of the law.

 

Steve Cooke


Second Row
A tough, uncompromising player who made all of his appearances last season in the second row. A great impact player who is willing to learn and this could be the season he makes a real breakthrough with the Vets.

 

James Earnshaw


Second Row
A revelation since cementing his second row berth, big and fast, he also possesses a lethal offload. However in 2008 after a dip in form he was relegated to the 3rds.


Matt Gardner


Centre / Stand Off
Appearances have been limited though he has generally impressed when featured. Matt’s arrival in the Vets side has seen him put the spark back into the attack, he will be trying to impress the coaches to secure a regular place in the starting XV

Buster


Scrum Half
Buster is one of the finest players to come out of 1971 Wigston Colts side and Scrum half is where he has settled himself although he can cover every position in the back line.

Andy Winsland


Utility Forward
Plenty of pace and certainly one for the future, Nango utilised the former Mossley Hill man as an impact player with a lot of success. Knee surgery has ended his season.

 

Rich Alexander


Second Row / Back Row
Brings a no nonsense style to the pack, Rich has been the Lions most consistent forward over the last few years and is always been appreciated by his teammates.

Rob Haylock


Second Row
A versatile forward who never lets you down. Is solid in defence and always willing to help out in attack.


Skidders


Hooker
Currently on loan to Derby, Skidders is expected back in time for the Hastings trip.

Jim Hutchinson

Utility Forward

Exceptionally strong, Jim effective & dynamics in the tight 5 or on the back row. Recently transferred to Bradford & Bingley after a move to Waikato Chiefs did not come off over the summer.

 

Paul Pugh


Stand Off
Puggy possess that elusive, uncoachable quality known as "vision" which elevates the true artist above the mere artisan.

 

Togga


Centre / Scrum Half
Togga has the ability to play a wide range of positions, an illusive runner with the capacity to find gaps in any defence, a player with a lot of potential, which he is now beginning to realise.

 

Wayne Cryar


Prop
Once again he’ll be facing a tough battle for a front row birth with so much competition for places. Wayne is a big impact player and has the power to break any defensive line with his fierce approach.

 

Vanny


Stand Off / Centre
Vanny enjoyed a fantastic season with the vets, the teams top point scorer during 06/07 season, combines power with grace to form a lethal partnership with Togga in the centres.

Lee Powell


Back Row
A leading figure in the team, an accomplished back row Lee’s defensive qualities are exceptional and he has developed his support game in recent years, just needs to keep the penalty count down next season!

Glen Markham


Hooker
Renowned for his sunny disposition, Glen is a tireless worker whose defensive skills around the ruck helps slow the opposition play the ball.

 

Charlie Hillyer


Utility Back
Began his vets career as a mere bruiser, but has developed into a complete wing who strives for nothing short of perfection and ranks among the best. Comfortable at wing, full back and in the centres.

Little Cookie


Wing / Second Row
Our new boy is a dangerous wing with speed to burn and killer instincts to find the tryline. In 2008 has made the move to the pack and has enjoyed immediate success.

Pete Sharpe


Prop
A genuine front-row artisan renowned for his general finesse about the pitch.

Dave Allison


Utility Back & Forward
A gifted all rounder who is warming to his utility role. Is rock solid in defence and beginning to develop his playmaking skills.

Gozzo


Back Row
A handy forward coming off the bench. Brings aggression but also works very hard in defence, A modern back row with the physical strength of a tight forward.


Tom Earnshaw


Back Row
A powerful back row with caveman looks who carries the ball strongly and is quick for his size.

 

Fraser Danvers


Utility Forward
A firm crowd favourite, Fraser’s first season with the vets has seen few appearances, always manages to make an impact


Sbend


Second Row
A 2006/07 ever present, Sbend has struggled with availability ever since

 

Phil Stewart

Scrum Half

Forms the all-important link between the forwards and the backs, invariably at the centre of the action.