Biography
William David Charles Carling OBE, born on December 12, 1965, in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, is a former English rugby union player and one of the most influential captains in the history of the sport. Known for his tactical intelligence, leadership, and composure under pressure, Carling captained the England national team a record 59 times and helped redefine English rugby during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Educated at Sedbergh School and later at Durham University, where he studied psychology, Carling originally planned a career in the military, following in the footsteps of his father, a lieutenant colonel. However, rugby soon became his true calling.
He made his international debut for England in 1988 and was appointed captain just a year later at the age of 22 – the youngest ever at the time.
Clubs He Played For
Rosslyn Park – Before 1987
- Harlequins – 1987–2000
International Career
- England (1988–1997) – 72 caps, 54 points
- British & Irish Lions (1993) – 1 cap
World Cups Played
- 1991 Rugby World Cup – Runner-up
- 1995 Rugby World Cup – Fourth Place
Career Highlights
- England Captain – 59 matches, a national record at the time
- Five Nations Grand Slam Winner – 1991, 1992, 1995
- Triple Crown Winner – 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996
- Defeated Southern Hemisphere Giants – As captain, Carling led England to historic wins against Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa
- 1991 Rugby World Cup Finalist – Led England to the final against Australia
- World Rugby Hall of Fame – Inducted in 2021
Carling was instrumental in bringing a professional mindset to English rugby before the game formally turned professional. He played a central role in transforming England from underachievers into a disciplined and competitive force. His leadership off the field was as significant as his play on it.
One of his most controversial and defining moments came in 1995 when he criticized the Rugby Football Union’s leadership as “57 old farts.” Though it cost him the captaincy briefly, public support saw him reinstated, underlining his popularity and influence.
Personal Life
Will Carling has been married twice and is currently married to Lisa Cooke, with whom he has two children. His first marriage to TV presenter Julia Carling ended in 1996.
He was once linked by tabloids to Princess Diana, although he has denied any romantic involvement.
Off the field, Carling has remained in the public eye as a television pundit, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. He founded Will Carling Management Ltd, a corporate hospitality business, and worked with England’s coaching setup as a leadership mentor in 2018.
A committed philanthropist, Carling is a patron of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, honoring his mother who passed away from the disease.
In 2014, he publicly supported the campaign against Scottish independence, signing an open letter published by The Guardian.