Phil de Glanville (born 1 October 1968) is a former English rugby union player who played as a centre. He is best known for his long and successful career with Bath Rugby and for representing England at international level, captaining his country on several occasions.
Early Life and Club Career: Born in Exeter, Devon, de Glanville joined Bath Rugby in the late 1980s and remained a key player for the club throughout the amateur and early professional eras. He was an integral part of the dominant Bath side of the 1990s, renowned for their disciplined and effective rugby. During his time at Bath, he won multiple Courage League (now Premiership) titles and several Pilkington Cups (now Anglo-Welsh Cup). His crowning achievement with the club was captaining them to victory in the 1998 Heineken Cup final against Brive, securing their first and only European title.
International Career: De Glanville made his debut for England in 1992 against Canada. He went on to earn 38 caps for his country, scoring five tries. Known for his intelligent play, strong defence, and leadership qualities, he became a regular fixture in the England midfield. He captained England in 15 Test matches, including during the 1996 Five Nations Championship and the 1995 Rugby World Cup. He played a significant role in England's success in the mid-1990s, including their 1995 Five Nations Grand Slam. He also toured with the British & Irish Lions to South Africa in 1997, although he did not feature in any of the Test matches.
Playing Style and Attributes: De Glanville was a classic outside centre, known for his incisive running lines, robust tackling, and excellent distribution skills. His tactical awareness and ability to read the game made him a crucial player for both club and country. He was also highly respected for his leadership and commitment on the field.
Post-Playing Career: After retiring from professional rugby, Phil de Glanville pursued a career outside the sport, moving into the business sector. He has maintained a connection with rugby, often appearing as a commentator or pundit.
Honours:
- Bath Rugby:
- Heineken Cup: 1998 (Captain)
- English Premiership: Multiple titles (e.g., 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996)
- Anglo-Welsh Cup: Multiple titles (e.g., 1990, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996)
- England:
- Five Nations Championship: 1995 (Grand Slam)