He was getting too old, the body wasn’t what it was and he had a young family who he was spending too much time away from. Across message board fans thanked him for his commitment to the England cause and the pride he held in wearing the red rose, often on his sleeve with his heart for 80 minutes.

Back in the heady heights of last year I wrote an article on this site defending Martin. At the time the media was awash with finding someone to blame in the terrible mess that the Autumn Internationals, and one Andy Robinson, had left England in. Message boards across the UK were awash with accusations and pointing fingers. The team was too ponderous with the ball, played with no excitement and the leadership within was lacking. The man that took those comments harder than anyone else was the same person who was wheeled in front of the camera every time England suffered. You would hope that would have been the head coach, but it was the Captain. With a cut on the bridge of his nose he gave heartfelt promises that the team will improve. It was obvious how much it was making him hurt, but still he faced the cameras and still he promised to help put things right. It was just the kind of man he is.

Time obviously moved on, but this isn’t a look back on a certain period of Cozza’s international career. In times like these people remember the times when things didn’t go so well, rather than focusing on the great periods. Martin made his international debut on the tour of Argentina in 1997. After a difficult move away from Bristol to Leicester Martin impressed with some outstanding performances at blind side and number 8. Unfortunately before him laid England’s ‘holy trinity’ of Back, Dallaglio and Hill. Three outstanding players who would go on to form probably the greatest back row in English history. Martin had to be content with sitting on the bench, waiting for his chance to impress.

Corry carried on battling away and even though not in England colours he made the breakthrough in 2001. After going out on tour with England Martin got the call from Australia to join the British Lions squad. He heeded that call and played probably the greatest rugby in his international career. Adding another option in the line out and fierce taking the ball forward and in defence Martin ended up playing in all three tests. Although the tour concluded with the Lions slipping to defeat Cozza had to be proud that he had finally made his true mark on the world stage. More frustration followed and although he was included in England’s World Cup squad of 2003, Martin only played a bit part in the teams success. Playing lock against Uruguay after only recently returning from his daughter’s birth was Martin’s only appearance in a country he had impressed so much only 2 years earlier.

After the World Cup ended so too did the international careers of a lot of his peers. Suddenly this was Martin’s chance to finally have a real opportunity in an England shirt. In 2005 Jason Robinson stood down as England captain after losing form and confidence within his game and Martin stepped up again. Difficulties came through such a high player turn over and a loss of overall team confidence. You could blame the current coaching, or saying that Clive Woodward had not planned well enough for a post-World Cup period when he would have to face losing so many of his leading players, but there was no excuses from the team or Captain.

After two disappointing Six Nations and a horrendous Autumn Internationals (we did mange to beat the future World Cup Winners) the head coach, who Martin had defended when many wouldn’t, was set aside. In his place came a fresh approach in the shape of Brian Ashton. Ashton obviously wanted to put his own stamp of authority down and made Phil Vickery captain. After putting everything into leading his country Martin accepted it, promised to help Phil as much as possible and focused on retaining his own position within the team. Even being shunted around to lock to accommodate other players Martin just got on with his own game tried to make a success of playing second row. Still England faltered and even though he wasn’t Captain anymore there would be times when the camera was thrust back in his tired face and have to explain why the national side had failed. He unfairly had become the face of England’s pain and suffering.

When England’s World Cup squad came calling again in 2007 Martin stepped up again. After not being selected in the starting XV against the USA, Martin was made Captain and had to again face the cameras after England’s record-breaking defeat against South Africa. With Phil Vickery banned for tripping and the squad again under heavy pressure from the media and fans Cozza lead from the front against Samoa and scored two tries in the process. After that point England’s backs to the wall mentality saw them through to the final. Martin captured all that was good of the England team at that point. His commitment, hard work and his heart helping push England against the odds against a much fancied Australia and French sides. Finally it was his moment and against South Africa Martin made what was to be his last international appearance in an England shirt. Although the result will stand in history once again Cozza stood up to be counted and if you ever wanted someone by your side when you went into battle, it would be him.

Martin Corry is the epitome of everything that’s good about Leicester Tigers and English Rugby as a whole. A player who would always give everything to whatever team he played in. A true hero.

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