Leonard at centre stage as England get underway

Jason Leonard took centre stage at Twickenham today as the rugby world acclaimed his remarkable feat of winning 100 international caps.

But England’s opening RBS 6 Nations Championship game against France was totally overshadowed by the death yesterday of 21-year-old Harlequins player Nick Duncombe and there was a minute's silence for the scrum-half before the game.

A 73,500 full house greeted Leonard, who led England out for their mouth-watering showdown with France.

Leonard joined Frenchman Philippe Sella and Australian superstar David Campese as only the third member of rugby’s 100 club, while his 51st championship appearance also set a new England record, overtaking the previous mark held by Rory Underwood.

England were determined to avenge last season’s Six Nations defeat in Paris, when France out-classed them on their way towards a Grand Slam.