Iain Balshaw
Iain Balshaw MBE (born 14 April 1979) is a rugby union player who plays on the wing or at full-back for Leeds Tykes, transfering from Bath in July 2004.
He was first capped for England in 2000 in the inaugural Six Nations against Ireland, coming on as a substitute. He toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2001 and been selected for the 2005 Lion's tour of New Zealand.
In November 2000, he came on late in the England-Australia autumn International at Twickenham and gave Dan Luger a last minute winning try which started calls for his inclusion in the England starting line-up.
In the following 2001 Six Nations he started as fullback and stunned the Welsh in the opening game, England beating the Welsh 44–15 at the Millennium Stadium. However, in the subsequent Lions tour to Australia in June 2001 he suffered from a lack of form.
Problems with injury meant that his international appearances were few, but Clive Woodward despite criticism, retained faith in his ability and selected him to tour in the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup; Balshaw played in the 2003 World Cup warm up games.
Balshaw has flourished at club level since his move to Leeds.
External links
Categories: English rugby union footballers