1965: Born Bradford-on-Avon on December 12th, son of an Army brigadier.
1984: Captains England at 18-group level.
1987: Plays for England B in 22-9 win over France B.
1988: Graduates from Durham University, where he had been on Army scholarship, with degree in psychology. Buys his way out of Army for £8,000 as second lieutenant when told he had to spend six months without rugby at Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. Wins first full England cap in 10-9 defeat by France in January. In November becomes youngest English captain in 57 years after just seven Tests when leading England to 28-19 win over Australia at Twickenham at 22, manager Geoff Cooke putting him in charge until 1991 World Cup.
1989: Rejects offer to play in South Africa's rugby centenary celebrations. Misses first match as captain - against Romania - because of shin complaint. Forced to miss Lions tour to Australia with broken leg.
1990: Rejects £400,000 offer to turn professional with Warrington. Cleared by RFU of receiving money at a non-rugby function in contravention of amateur regulations. Captains England to 13-7 defeat in Grand Slam decider at Murrayfield and is heavily criticised for tactics.
1991: Involved in row with RFU after refusing to give after-match interviews following England's 25-6 triumph over Wales, their first in Cardiff since 1963. Leads England to first Grand Slam for 11 years. Skippers England to World Cup final, but lose 12-6 against Australia at Twickenham.
1992: Awarded OBE in New Year Honours. Captains England to second successive Grand Slam.
1993: Makes Lions debut in first Test against New Zealand but is dropped for second Test.
1994: Reappointed England captain by new manager Jack Rowell. Breaks world record for Test captaincy against Scotland at Murrayfield, passing the record of 36 established by Australian scrum-half Nick Farr-Jones. Marries public relations girl Julia Smith. Wins 50th cap for England, against Romania.
1995: Captains England to Grand Slam, the third under his command. Called RFU committee "57 old farts" in Channel 4 programme Fair Game and is sacked by them after 48 matches as captain, which produced 37 wins and only 10 defeats. Reinstated two days later after apologising to every member of committee. Comes under pressure to quit after England finish a disappointing fourth in World Cup in South Africa. Personal life comes under spotlight after revelations over friendship with Princess of Wales and separates from wife.
1996: Reappointed captain, with England losing to South Africa at Twickenham but beating Western Samoa. Leads side to defeat at the hands of France in opening Five Nations Championship game in Paris but side bounces back to beat Wales, Scotland and Ireland to clinch Triple Crown. Announces decision to quit as captain having led them to 46 wins in a world record 59 matches as skipper.
1997: Wins 72nd and last cap for England during Five Nations campaign. In April announces decision to retire from international arena. Breaks his right hand in December and faces a month out of action.
1998: Linked with a move to Wasps amid reports of a rift with Harlequins coach Andy Keast, who had dropped Carling from the first team in recent weeks.
