Career
Cole is known for his scrummaging ability, as well as his proficiency at the breakdown. His former coach at Leicester has described him as one of the finest tighthead props in world rugby. Born 9 May 1987 in Leicester, Cole"s first team début came in the October 2007 EDF Energy Cup pool match against Bath.
Most of the 2007-2008 season was spent on loan to Bedford Blues and it was the beginning of the 2008-2009 season before Cole played for the first team again.
Cole was involved in most of the games in the first half of the season. In January 2009, Cole was loaned to Nottingham R.F.C. Cole played in the final of the 2008-2009 Guinness Premiership.
In February 2010, Cole signed a new contract. Having played for England at under-18, under-19 and under-20 Cole was selected in January 2009 to make his debut for the England Saxons, against Portugal.
Cole started in all three games at the 2009 Churchill Cup, including the final against Ireland A.
He played in all subsequent games in the 2010 Six Nations, even scoring his first international try in what was also his first home start against Ireland, and began to cement his place as England"s first-choice tighthead.
He was taken on the summer tour to Australia, and played in both matches. Although England lost the first game, Cole put in a strong performance which saw the England scrum gain an unprecedented two penalty tries. The following Test saw England beat Australia 20–21.
Cole had a cut to the head within the first five minutes of the game, and needed to be continually substituted for blood injury, but pressed on, despite his left eye closing up almost completely.
Captain and Tigers team-mate Lewis Moody commented on how the team were inspired by Cole"s perseverance. He was one of 37 players selected to represent the Lions on the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Cole was included in Stuart Lancaster"s 31 man squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and went on to start in all 4 of their games.
