Moseley’s Magnificent Seven were heralded on the big stage but often wasted by England

MOSELEY'S stature as one of the strongest clubs in Britain 50 years ago is highlighted by this striking picture of their seven England internationals, taken at the start of their centenary season in September

1972. Later that season, Moseley also boasted eight players in the Midlands Counties (West) side that defeat the All Blacks.

Moseley tended to have a strange relationship with England selectors in the 1960s and early 1970s. Their success against domestic and Welsh opposition could not be ignored but often their excellence was greater than the sum of their parts.

Almost to a man, the Magnificent Seven found themselves in and out of the team and won significantly fewer caps than their talents warranted.

L-R: BACK ROW Martin Cooper: Versatile, multi-talented utility back who learned his trade at Wolverhampton. Equally at home at heralded on the big stage but often wasted by England fly-half, wing or full-back, he was consistently brilliant for Moseley. England, if truth be told, had no idea what to make of him. 11 caps.

Nigel Horton: The former waterpolo international was a no-nonsense Birmingham police officer from the King's Norton club. Messed around horribly by the selectors so later moved to France and was recalled to play a brief role in the 1980 Grand Slam. 20 England caps and 1977

Lions tourist.

Sam Doble: Kicking machine from Wolverhampton who arrived via St Paul's College Cheltenham. Doble's path to England glory was blocked by another prolific goal kicker in Bob Hiller. Took his chance brilliantly on the 1972 South

Africa tour but was to play just two more internationals. Died of cancer in 1977. Three caps.

Keith Fielding: Fielding had gas to burn and starred in the 1973 World Sevens at Murrayfield but England were incapable of using him in fifteens. Turned pro with Salford for a reported £8,000 fee and enjoyed a prolific career. Also a perennial top three performer in various Superstars competitions. 10 England caps. Colin McFadyean: Rugged centre, slightly older than the others, McFadyean was a product of Loughborough Colleges. An ever-present for the 1966 Lions during their Test series with New Zealand.

He also captained England. 11 England caps, 4 Lions.

Jan Webster: Brilliant resourceful scrum-half from the Walsall club who was chronically messed around by England who normally axed him when the pack had a stinker.

Just three Test wins but what triumphs, away to South Africa and New Zealand and that famous 1974 victory over Wales at Twickenham –

England's only win over the Welsh in the 1970s. 11 England caps.

John Finlan: Clever, tricky, fly-half who arrived from the Old Saltleians club. Always seemed on the point of nailing down a starting spot with England when the selectors did their worst. Later was poacher turned gamekeeper and became an England selector himself.