Rugby Stars Tindall and Haskell Play Together, Stay Together
England Rugby legends Mike Tindall and James Haskell hosted a one-off match between high-profile professional players and weekend regulars last Thursday. The special match was part of England Rugby’s ‘Play Together, Stay Together’ campaign. It is designed to encourage players to get back into the game.
Mike Tindall retired from professional rugby in 2014 but returned to support the RFU’s ‘Play Together, Stay Together’ campaign last week. ©GettyImages
37-year-old James Haskell and Mike Tindall (44) returned to the pitch alongside a star-studded squad of former England internationals and grassroots players. The event was billed as a celebration of rugby’s ability to create communities, forge lifelong friendships and keep players physically active.
All Level Between the Legends
The England stars were joined by Phil Vickery, Tom Wood, Matt Banahan, Lee Mears and Delon Armitage at the event hosted by Aylesbury Rugby Club. This clash of the titans’ match, broadcast live on YouTube, ended in a nail-biting 36-36 draw.
Mike Tindall – winner of 75 caps for his country and a member of the English squad that won the 2003 World Cup – scored the final equalizing try. The match also saw standout tries from Mike Durose, Mike Phillips, Ben Pope, Delon Armitage and Alex Ingles.
However, the final score did not seem to be of ultimate importance to the teams or players. Instead, it was the camaraderie and simple act of returning to the pitch and reuniting with old friends that marked victory, whether at a grassroots or professional level.
For the Love of the Game
“It is that feeling of belonging, and creating something together, and carrying the lessons and friendships built by rugby throughout the rest of your life that’s so important,” said Tindall. “Whether you played as a teenager at school or a club and transitioned into adult rugby, or got into the sport through friends, just getting involved and sharing the love for the game is what counts.”
Tindall, married to Zara Phillips, the daughter of Anne, Princess Royal, added: “The Play Together, Stay Together initiative is a great way for us to inspire people to play rugby, whether they’re coming back to the game or are fresh to it, looking to be more active and make some great mates along the way. It’s also a great way to escape from everyday stresses and unwind.”
RFU Campaign Comes With Lottery Support
For those looking to get back into the sport of rugby, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has a wide range of means to help players as part of the Play Together, Stay Together campaign. It is an initiative supported by The National Lottery.
Resources include a Return to Rugby guide, and an Activate Injury Prevention exercise program to improve functional and core strength, balance and agility. There is additional access to exercise videos curated by England Rugby’s Strength and Conditioning Coach Robin Eager. Nutrition advice and recipes for players of all ages – to ensure players’ can perform safely and at their peak – are also on offer.
