Following a number of consistently impressive performances, Dan capped a tremendous season with Tigers by earning a place in England’s 30-man World Cup squad. Having already been named Tigers’ Players’ Player of the Year in 2006/07, Dan made his international debut in the World Cup warm-up match against Wales at Twickenham at the beginning of August. Dan made 30 appearances for Tigers last year, scoring seven tries, bringing his total to 15 in 66 first-team matches since his debut against Biarritz in August 2002. Having started both Tigers’ domestic final wins at Twickenham last season, the Heineken Cup Final at the same venue was Dan’s 50th start for the club. His ability to break the line created try-scoring opportunities for Tigers all season long, making him a fans’ favourite and a winner of the Guinness Premiership Player of the Month Award during 2007.
Having joined the Tigers Academy set-up from Diss RFC and Uppingham School, Dan won international age-group honours with England U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-21, before going on to represent his country on the IRB Sevens circuit and the senior stage.
Tom Varndell has received a call-up to the England squad for the two-Test tour to New Zealand, but Leicester Tigers colleague Dan Hipkiss has been ruled out by an injury suffered in the Guinness Premiership Final.
Tigers stars Dan Hipkiss, Sam Vesty, Ayoola Erinle and George Chuter took to the stage at the Mason and Brooke bar in Oadby for a charity gig in aid of the Matt Hampson Trust on Tuesday night.
