In the world of English rugby, records often tumble with the passing of time, but there’s one figure that has remained untouched for nearly three decades—Rory Underwood’s 49 international tries. The former British Royal Air Force pilot set this remarkable achievement 28 years ago, and despite the rise of new talents and the evolution of the game, no one has come close to shattering his record.
With Joe Root climbing the ranks in cricket and Harry Kane becoming England’s all-time leading goalscorer in football, recent years have seen major shifts in the nation's sporting records. However, for rugby fans, Rory Underwood stands as an enduring symbol of excellence, his record untouched since his international retirement in 1996.
Underwood’s achievement is nothing short of legendary. England's nearest challenger, Jonny May, has only managed 36 tries, a figure that leaves him "light years" away from catching Underwood. And while May’s abilities are respected, the 49-try tally seems to stand on a pedestal so high that few believe it will ever be reached.
Underwood’s status as England’s highest try scorer has a mythical quality to it, akin to Don Bradman’s almost unreachable cricket batting average. His contribution to rugby feels like one of those remarkable East German athletic records, untouched by time and defying the natural progression of the sport. The key difference is that Underwood's achievements came from nothing more than his natural talent and relentless work ethic. Unlike some tainted records, his success was pure and built on brilliance, not controversy.
His milestone has surprisingly flown under the radar in rugby’s collective consciousness. Ask an average rugby fan who England’s top try-scorer is, and many might struggle to recall Underwood’s name, a fact that seems peculiar when considering his undeniable contribution to English rugby history. Part of this could be attributed to rugby’s ingrained ethos of elevating team achievements over individual accolades, or perhaps the unassuming nature of Underwood himself, who never sought the limelight despite his immense talents.
Underwood’s career highlights a rare combination of pace, strength, and strategic brilliance. Known for his uncanny ability to pick the perfect angle of attack and accelerate with blazing speed, Underwood had an elegance and precision that left defenders baffled. He was a runner who could seemingly do it all—whether dodging defenders or charging straight through them, his balance and vision were second to none.
Many may have expected someone from the 2003 World Cup-winning squad under Clive Woodward to have come close to Underwood’s record. That team, which dominated world rugby, was filled with try-scoring talent. Yet the likes of Ben Cohen (31 tries), Jason Robinson (28), and Will Greenwood (31) never came close to Underwood’s tally. Their contributions were notable, but none ever entered the conversation as a serious contender to challenge his record.
What makes Underwood’s record even more astonishing is his ability to balance two demanding careers. As a serving RAF pilot, he divided his time between the skies and the rugby field, but this dual responsibility never seemed to hinder his form. Whether flying in the air or flying down the wing, Underwood’s discipline, athleticism, and resilience stood out, making him a one-of-a-kind player.
Part of his success can be attributed to the era in which he played, as he was part of a dominant England side that achieved two Grand Slams. His partnership with the likes of Jeremy Guscott in the backline created opportunities, but it was Underwood’s lethal finishing ability that set him apart. When chances came, Underwood had an unrivaled ability to convert them into points, a trait that even the stars of the Woodward era could not match.
Beyond just his try-scoring prowess, Underwood’s presence on the pitch was invaluable. His tactical awareness and decision-making made him an asset beyond his finishing, but it is ultimately his remarkable try-scoring record that defines his legacy.
As rugby continues to evolve, it seems increasingly unlikely that anyone will surpass Underwood’s record any time soon. In a sport that celebrates its legends, Underwood’s 49 tries remain an elusive mark of excellence, a towering figure that continues to inspire and awe generations of rugby fans.
