England legend and founder of Cotton Traders, Fran Cotton, recently spoke about the upcoming Six Nations tournament, the highlights of his playing career and more.

Cotton played for England and the British Lions several times at prop and his clothing brand has been used by professional clubs like Gloucester Rugby. Click 'more' to read this interview.


What’s your view on the new ‘era’ England Squad?
"It was needed after the World Cup display. But after seeing the squad I have never been so nervous about an England Team going into a 6 Nations! We are very quickly going to find out who is good enough to play for England!"

What do you make of England’s chances this year?
"It’s impossible to predict how it will go; whether youthful exuberance takes them through or we end up with the wooden spoon it’s impossible to call it. Even with a winning blend of youth and experience in last year’s competition when we were tested against a fierce Irish squad the inexperience showed – this current squad  is even more inexperienced!"

Is there a way back for Mike Tindall? 
"No. Not now and if he moves to France he will almost certainly have ended any chance of getting back in the team. I don’t think he was aware of how much he would now be in the public eye."

Which player is the “one to watch” at the Six nations?
"It has got to be Sam Warburton of Wales. The Welsh have got to look to the future and keep him as permanent captain; he is only 23 and already an outstanding flanker who will only get better."

Best ever game in the competition you played in?
"Scotland 18-30 England: our 1980 Grand Slam win, both teams played a fantastic game and we won a first Grand Slam for 23 years on the back of it. John Carleton scored a hat-trick and I remember my pal Steve Smith and Mike Slemen were also on the score sheet that day, We were too good on the day but the Scots gave us a cracking game."

How do you think we can get more kids involved with rugby?
"England winning the World cup in 2015. We saw a huge uptake of the game on the back of our last winning year in 2003."

What advice would you give to someone wanting to try rugby?
"Just get down to your local club, one that runs a successful mini rugby section and give it a try."

Growing up did you always want to be a rugby player?
"Always. My Dad was a professional player, I’m from Wigan which is big rugby area and I went to a rugby school – pretty inevitable I was going to want to play!"

After huge success as an international rugby player through the 70s, Fran Cotton founded Cotton Traders in 1987 with fellow rugby legend Steve Smith which specialises in providing anything from England Rugby Shirts to a variety of other womens and menswear ranges. For more information visit www.cottontraders.co.uk.