Michael Skinner (rugby union)

{{Short description|England international rugby union player}} {{About|the rugby player||Michael Skinner (disambiguation){{!}}Michael Skinner}} {{BLP one source|date=May 2026}} {{Use British English|date=March 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} {{Infobox rugby biography | name = Michael Skinner | image = | caption = | full_name = Michael Gordon Skinner | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1958|11|26|df=yes}} | birth_place = Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England | death_date = | death_place = | height = | weight = | occupation = | school = Walbottle Grammar School | university = | relatives = | position = Flanker | repyears1 = 1988–92 | repteam1 = {{nrut|England}} | repcaps1 = 21 | reppoints1 = 12 }} '''Michael Gordon Skinner''' (born 26 November 1958), usually known as '''Mickey''' or '''Mick''', is a former English rugby union player who played at flanker for Harlequins, Blackheath and {{Nrut|England}}. He was nicknamed "Mick the Munch" because of his strong tackling. He was born in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and attended Walbottle Grammar School.

==Career== Prior to making his England debut Skinner was required as a late addition to the England squad for the inaugural World Cup in 1987. The R.F.U. could not locate him, which prompted an appeal from Desmond Lynam live on the BBC's ''Grandstand'' programme for Skinner to get in touch as his services were required.

Skinner won 21 caps for England. He made his England debut on 16 January 1988 in England's 10–9 defeat to France in Paris during the Five Nations. Skinner was known for a tackle on Marc Cecillon in England's 1991 Rugby World Cup quarter final against {{Nrut|France}} in Paris. The match, which England won 19–10, was one of the most brutal in World Cup history.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=VWR3OKZJP3VUHQFIQMFSFFWAVCBQ0IV0?xml=/sport/2007/10/10/srgall110.xml&page=2 Brendan Gallagher: "When Mick Skinner took the wind out of France."]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''The Daily Telegraph'' online, 9:28am BST 10 October 2007. Retrieved 13 October 2007.</ref> His final game for England was on 7 March 1992 against {{Nrut|Wales}} at Twickenham as part of the Five Nations tournament.

==Retirement== Since leaving the game, Skinner has worked as a media pundit and became famous amongst fans for his interesting choices of waistcoat. He also featured in a video in which he introduces some of rugby's best tackles. He is an active supporter of Wooden Spoon charity.

==Personal life== He has four children, including Zak.

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Skinner, Michael}} Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:English rugby union players Category:England international rugby union players Category:Harlequin F.C. players Category:Rugby union players from Newcastle upon Tyne Category:Rugby union flankers Category:Kent County RFU players Category:1991 Rugby World Cup players Category:20th-century English sportsmen