Simon Shaw MBE is a name synonymous with rugby excellence, particularly for fans of England Rugby and the British & Irish Lions. With his towering height, exceptional physicality, and leadership skills, Shaw made his mark on the game both at club level and internationally. His impressive career spanned over 15 years, and despite his retirement, Shaw’s legacy continues to shape rugby today.
This article delves into Simon Shaw’s early life, rugby career, family, net worth, and the legacy he leaves behind. From his humble beginnings in Nairobi to becoming one of England’s greatest locks, Shaw’s journey is one of resilience, success, and constant personal and professional growth.
Simon Shaw Early Life and Family Background
Simon Dalton Shaw was born on 1 September 1973 in Nairobi, Kenya, into a family with a strong connection to public service and intellectual pursuits. His father, Sir Nicholas Shaw, was a renowned High Court judge, and his mother, Frances Howarth, supported his early development, instilling in him values of discipline and hard work. Growing up in a family steeped in professional excellence and intellectual rigor, Shaw was always encouraged to pursue his best in everything he did.
Shaw’s upbringing took him on a global journey, beginning in Kenya before his family relocated to Spain when he was very young. His early years in Madrid helped him become fluent in Spanish, and the international exposure at such an early age contributed to his broad worldview. Later, the Shaw family settled in Surrey, England, where Simon attended Runnymede College in Madrid and Godalming College in Surrey.
Interestingly, Shaw didn’t take rugby seriously until he was around 16 years old. Despite his large frame and natural athleticism, he didn’t immediately pursue the sport until he moved to England, where he began playing in school and found that his physical stature was well-suited to the game.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Standing at 2.04 meters (6 feet 8 inches) and weighing approximately 123 kilograms during his playing days, Shaw was one of the most physically imposing players in rugby history. His height and strength made him an incredible force at the line-out, where his jumping ability, combined with his natural power, allowed him to dominate the set-piece. His bulk and physical presence in scrums and rucks were equally crucial, making him a key figure in both offensive and defensive plays.
As a lock, Shaw’s primary role was in the second row, where he provided stability in the scrum and contributed to the overall forward pack’s power. His long reach and excellent jumping ability were key assets in the line-out, where he often played a pivotal role in securing crucial ball for his team.
Shaw was also known for his ruggedness and resilience. He was always ready to put his body on the line, whether it was in the toughest of physical encounters or when leading his team through difficult games. Despite his size, Shaw maintained impressive agility and mobility, which allowed him to cover large distances on the pitch, making him a versatile and valuable player.
Off the field, Shaw was a leader. His ability to organize and motivate his teammates set him apart as one of the most respected figures in rugby.
Simon Shaw Rugby Career: From Wasps to Toulon
London Wasps (1997–2011)
Simon Shaw’s professional career began at Bristol Rugby, where he played in the early part of his career. However, it was at London Wasps that he truly made his name. Shaw joined Wasps in 1997 and quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s forward pack.
During his time at Wasps, Shaw played a central role in the club’s success, helping them win multiple Premiership titles and European Cups. He was a key figure in their success, both in the line-out and in the maul, as well as in open play. Shaw’s dominance in the forward pack, coupled with his leadership and organizational skills, helped Wasps become one of the most successful clubs in English rugby.
One of the most defining moments of Shaw’s time at Wasps came when he was part of the team that won the Heineken Cup in 2004. Wasps defeated Perpignan in the final, and Shaw’s performance in the tight forward exchanges was crucial to the victory. The Heineken Cup win cemented Shaw’s place as one of the best locks in Europe.
Over the course of his career at Wasps, Shaw made over 200 appearances for the club and became a fan favorite due to his leadership and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His consistency, combined with his ability to perform in big matches, made him a key figure in Wasps’ golden era.
RC Toulon (2011–2013)
After 14 successful years at Wasps, Shaw moved to RC Toulon in France in 2011. Although Shaw was in his late 30s at the time, his experience and leadership were still highly sought after by one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
Shaw’s time at Toulon was marked by continued success. Toulon, under the leadership of coach Bernard Laporte, was a club on the rise, and Shaw played an important role in helping them secure European Challenge Cup and Top 14 titles. His contributions in the scrum and the line-out, as well as his leadership in the pack, proved vital in Toulon’s pursuit of domestic and European glory.
Despite his advancing age, Shaw proved that he still had the physical attributes and rugby intelligence to compete at the highest level. He continued to play an important role in Toulon’s defense and in set pieces, helping the club to secure titles in the Top 14 and European competitions.
International Career: England and the British & Irish Lions
Shaw’s international career was one of the most successful in the history of England Rugby. He earned 71 caps for England between 1996 and 2011, making him one of the most capped locks in the country’s history.
Shaw’s first major international appearance came in 1996 when he was selected to represent England. Over the years, he established himself as one of the mainstays of the England forward pack. His partnership with other key players, such as Martin Johnson, helped England become one of the most formidable teams in the world.
Shaw was part of the England team that triumphed in the Six Nations Championship and represented his country in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, although he did not play in the final match. His experience and leadership were critical to the team’s success, even if he didn’t feature in the ultimate game.
Shaw was also selected for three British & Irish Lions tours (1997, 2005, and 2009). In 2009, Shaw was the oldest player to make his Test debut for the Lions, and he was instrumental in their performances against South Africa. His leadership and performance during the 2009 Lions tour elevated him to a new level of respect among rugby fans and players alike.
Post-Rugby Career: Business, Media, and Charity Work
Since retiring from rugby in 2013, Shaw has continued to remain involved in the rugby world, and has also explored new business ventures and charitable efforts.
Shaw has become involved in the hospitality industry, working in restaurant and bar ventures, including partnerships with high-profile rugby figures. He is also active in public speaking and event hosting, using his profile to engage audiences and inspire others through his rugby experiences.
In addition to his business ventures, Shaw is a strong advocate for rugby charities, particularly those aimed at improving player welfare after retirement. He has worked closely with The Atlas Foundation, which aims to support disadvantaged youth through rugby. Shaw’s charitable work has focused on using rugby as a platform for positive social impact, especially in developing countries.
Shaw’s insights into rugby, leadership, and teamwork have also made him a sought-after media personality, appearing in various interviews and panel discussions about rugby and sports culture.
Simon Shaw Family, Spouse, and Personal Life
Simon Shaw is known for being somewhat private about his personal life. However, it is known that he is married and has children, although specific details about his spouse and children are not widely publicized. Shaw has often kept his family life out of the media spotlight, preferring to focus on his professional endeavors.
His father, Sir Nicholas Shaw, was a High Court judge, and his mother, Frances Howarth, was also a significant influence in his life. Their strong educational background and values of discipline and public service likely played a role in shaping Simon Shaw’s personality and approach to his rugby career.
Simon Shaw Net Worth and Financial Success
Simon Shaw’s net worth is estimated to be around £1.5 million, though this figure is based on industry estimates and is not officially verified. Shaw has built his wealth not only from his rugby career but also from his various post‑retirement ventures, including business interests in the hospitality sector and public speaking engagements. His successful rugby career, combined with his continued involvement in charity work and other projects, has contributed to his overall financial success.
Conclusion
Simon Shaw’s journey from a teenager discovering rugby at age 16 to becoming one of the most respected locks in the history of the sport is a true testament to his talent, dedication, and resilience. With a career that spanned over 15 years, Shaw’s influence on both England Rugby and the British & Irish Lions is undeniable. His legacy is not only defined by his success on the field but also by his commitment to charity, business ventures, and post‑retirement contributions to the rugby world.
From his early days in Kenya to becoming one of the tallest and most physical locks in rugby history, Simon Shaw’s impact on the game will be remembered for years to come. His height, physicality, leadership, and longevity in the game have secured him a place as one of the greats in rugby history, both in England and internationally.