We caught up with Will Greenwood OBE and Austin Healey when
they paid a visit to Harrods pop-up Rugby Shop in the Sports
department during the Rugby World Cup.
When you're a young player starting out how important is
your kit, do you think it makes any difference to your
game?
AH: I always say, if you look good you play good. It's all about
confidence, and you should always start a game looking
presentable.
How does it feel as a player when you see fans wearing your
team's shirt?
AH: It's an amazing feeling. It's more than fabric - it shows you
belong and you're united in your support of a team.
What are your predictions for the world cup?
WG: We have very different predictions. I think England will
beat France, Australia will beat South Africa, New Zealand will
beat Argentina and I can't decide between Wales and Ireland.
Finally, I think New Zealand will play England in the final.
AH: France will beat England, Wales will beat Ireland, New
Zealand will beat Argentina and South Africa will beat Australia.
The final will be South Africa vs. Wales.
Why is rugby such an appealing sport for kids? What lessons
can it teach them?
WG: The great thing about rugby is that all shapes and sizes can
play. It's not like basketball where you have to be tall, so it's
an inclusive sport. It also teaches you discipline.
There's been some scandal surrounding the sport in recent
months, but as a professional rugby player do you think you have a
duty to be a role model?
AH: You are a role model but you're only human. When you've been
on tour it can be really stressful - everyone needs to
unwind.
There's been a clampdown on promotional advertising
surrounding the World Cup. What do you think is the right role for
sponsorship?
WG: The clampdown was put in place to stop rogue brands jumping on
the back of an international event. All sponsorship of the Rugby
World Cup needs to be honest and above board.
Do you remember your first pair of rugby boots?
AH: I remember them clearly, they were Puma Kings. My mum used to
clean them until they were spotless. The first night I slept with
them in my bed…
WG: What Austin actually means is that he was so small he
slept in a shoe.
Austin, after your successes on Strictly Come Dancing, have
you continued to dance?
AH: I've had to change my phone number because all the women on
Strictly this year keep calling me up, begging me to dance with
them, but in truth, I haven't danced for a while.
To visit the Rugby Shop on Harrods Fifth Floor,
view the Store
Guide>> The Rugby Shop is open until the end of October
and is situated on Harrods Fifth Floor.