Parliament calls for special centurions

Jason Leonard, French legend Philippe Sella and Australia great David Campese are the only players in world rugby to notch up more than 100 caps each and tonight they will make history again.

The trio will be the first recipients of the All Party Parliamentary Rugby Union Award at the House of Commons.

Harlequins prop Leonard started his England career in 1990 and has so far amassed 106 caps - a record for a forward in the sport. Sella is the current record holder with 111, having made his debut in 1982 and he finished with victory over England in 1995. Campese also started in 1982 and 101 caps later pulled the Wallaby shirt on for the last time against Wales in 1996.

If Leonard's five Tests for the Lions are added to his total, then he is already tied with Sella. However, Leonard said: "I don't think the Lions matches should count and if anyone is that concerned, they could be added in brackets! It doesn't worry me. I am just amazed to have got this many for England."

Sella, who has a clothing line based on the "111" logo, said: "I think it would be really good if Jason played until he got 111 caps for England and then stopped because I wouldn't have to change my logo! The Lions is the pinnacle for British and Irish players, but I think you should just count caps for your country."

Campese, always ready to fan the flames, is insistent that too many caps are handed out for "just stepping on the pitch as a replacement these days" and, as a result, believes other players will reach the 100-mark much quicker.