Delon Armitage

Delon began playing rugby at the age of eight for Richmond before he moved to France, where he played for Racing Rugby Club de Nice and represented France U16s. He also played football for Villeneuve Loubet.

On his return to England, he joined the London Irish Academy in 2002, where his speed, skill and couage soon became apparent.

He went on to play for England U19s and England U21s before being named in the England Sevens squad for the 2004-5 season, the same year in which he was named London Irish Young Player of the Season.

Along with his team-mates Seilala Mapusua,Sailosi Tagicakibau and Topsy Ojo, Delon established himself as a prominent part of the threatening Exiles backline, and his inclusion in the 2006 England Saxons squad for the Barclays Churchill Cup saw the talented speedster take the step up to the next level.

Delon emerged as one of England's highlights of the 2008-09 season after being fast-tracked into the senior Elite Player Squad in November 2008 as cover for the injured Mathew Tait. He won his first cap against the Pacific Islanders, a performance which earned him the man-of-the-match award and was described by England Team Manager Martin Johnson as one of the best debuts he had ever seen. He subsequently started the next three matches and registered his first international points, a 45-metre drop goal against Australia.

He continued that form throughout the international season, featuring in all of England's RBS 6 Nations matches and earning a nomination for the Player of the Tournament award. Delon scored two England tries against Argentina at OIld Trafford in June 2009.

On the club front, Delon helped London Irish finish third in last season's Guinness Premiership before they went on to reach the Grand Final, which they lost 10-9 to Leicester Tigers. He received the club's 'Player of the Season Award' at London Irish's annual player awards ceremony in May 2009.