The Rugby Football Union has paid tribute to Tony Jorden who died on Friday 20th October, aged 76, having played full back for England between 1970 and 1975.

Educated at Monmouth School, he went on to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and represented the university at both rugby union and cricket.

He began playing cricket for the Essex Second XI in 1964 before breaking into their County Championship side and going on to take a total of 117 first-class wickets for Essex.

In 1970, he was selected to play at 15 for England’s rugby union team in the Five Nations against France in Paris. As England's designated kicker, he slotted two conversions and a penalty, although France dominated, winning 35-13. In the 1973 Five Nations Championship, he played in three Tests and contributed 15 points with the boot. His next cap came against France in 1974 and he made two further appearances, both in 1975, ending his Test career with seven caps and 22 points.

During his rugby career, he also played for the Barbarians, Blackheath, Bedford, Eastern Counties and London, as well as coaching Wasps and London Division. He also served on the RFU Committee.

Said England teammate Bob Taylor, who captained Tony on his debut and played alongside him as flanker: “Tony was one of the early players who wanted to play an expansive game.  He was a good goal kicker but he also wanted to run with the ball. He was an excellent all-rounder and teammate, a great guy who will be very much missed.”