Michael Rhodes

Michael Rhodes is a South African-born flanker who most recently represented Saracens in the Premiership. During his career, he's also featured for several Currie Cup and Super Rugby sides.

Born 19 December 1987, Michael Rhodes began his professional rugby career with the Natal Sharks in 2008. Although he only featured for the side between 2008 and 2010, he won the Currie Cup twice during this period and played in a game against the touring British and Irish Lions in 2009. Following his stint with the Natal Sharks, Michael Rhodes also featured for the Golden Lions (2011-12) and the Western Province (2013-15) in the competition. He also won the title with both sides.  

During this period of his career, Michael Rhodes also played Super Rugby for three South African franchises. After making sporadic appearances for both the Sharks and the Lions, he joined the Stormers in 2013. Between then and 2015, he made almost 30 appearances for the side and won the South African conference in 2015.

However, at the end of the 2015 Super Rugby season, Michael Rhodes decided to leave South Africa and signed for Saracens in England. Between his debut in 2015 and his final appearance in 2021, he won three Premiership titles and three Heineken Champions Cups with the side. In his final appearance with Saracens, he won the RFU Championship title. Sadly though, he was sent off during the match for a dangerous tackle.  

Although he was highly distinguished at the domestic level, Michael Rhodes never made an appearance on the international stage. He was named in the England squad in 2018 after satisfying residency requirements, but he was not selected to make an appearance for his adopted country.