Martin Corry MBEThis year’s England Captain for the RBS Six Nations Tour. Plays for Leicester Tigers, 6’5”, University educated and married to Tara, with baby daughter Eve. Highly personable, and an eloquent and knowledgeable speaker.
Highly respected in the sport, and very well received on the after-dinner and conference speaking circuit, where he gives sporting insights, and has developed motivational presentations that illustrate the striking parallels between sport and business. • 37 England Caps, 3 Lions caps.
• Awarded MBE in the New Year's Honours 2003
• Members' Player of the Season in 1999/2000.
• Zurich Premiership Player of the Month Award October 2004*
Zurich quoting him as “being instrumental in Leicester Tiger’s rise to the top of the premiership this season”, and described by Sport Telegraph as “one of the finest back-row forwards England and the British and Irish Lions have”. Martin has just been awarded Zurich’s Player of the Season.
Martin first showed promise at rugby in the mini section at Tunbridge Wells RFC, where he has retained strong connections. Martin’s excellent playing standards propelled him to representing England at U18 level in 1992 in the team that won the junior grand slam and the Triple Crown. His playing form at Northumbria University won him inclusion in the England Students side in 1995 and later that year, England A.
Martin made his England Test debut in 1997 in Argentina, and since joining Tigers in 1997, he has played for his country in no less than four Five/Six Nations tournaments. Martin is an exceptionally versatile team member; he plays position 8 and covers at lock or anywhere in the back row. Early this season he scored the fastest try ever, making his mark within seconds!
Martin was a member of Tigers' Rugby World Cup winning contingent, the trip to Australia being his second world cup campaign. He was named in the 22-man line up for five of the games during the tournament, and played in England's victory over Uruguay.
Martin had also been in Australia in 2001 when, after being called up as a late replacement from the England tour to Canada where he had been named as vice captain. His performance for the Lions was outstanding, playing in all three tests.
His international career continued to include the Six Nations decider in Dublin in 2001. Martin played four games for England ‘A’ team, captaining them in Ireland, and being included in the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia, and selection for the Rugby World Cup Squad.
His stunning form playing for the Lions and for England has captured the attention of the sport and its media and he is currently playing at his best. He is regularly interviewed on mainstream sports news programmes and recently was a guest on BBC’s ‘A Question of Sport’.
Martin’s importance is such that he has secured a long term contract with Leicester Tigers and, with his maturity and experience in International games, Martin is now a ‘must have’ selection for the England squad.
His stunning form and England captaincy has put him in the spotlight at last. And deservedly so! |
