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Ex-England Captain Lawrence Dallaglio Comes to Haileybury - writes David Rimmer

 

CHARISMATIC former England captain and World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio entertained an audience of around 140 people in the Attlee Room on Thursday (November 26).

Dallaglio, who was a member of England’s Rugby World Cup winning team in 2003 and gained 85 caps, was buoyant about the sport. 

He said: “The World Cup was very good. It was disappointing for the England team but it was a very good tournament and the best two teams reached the final, and probably the best four got to the semi-finals.

“The final was the best I have seen for a while.”

He added: “Japan (three wins from four matches) did very well and 25 million switched on to watch their second game against Scotland after they had beaten South Africa (in their first game).

“That win (versus South Africa) shows you can beat the likes of South Africa if you have a system and even if you are the shortest. It gives everyone hope.

“The coaches were under pressure but put on a good front.”

Dallaglio was impressed by how the game was projected during the World Cup in this country.

The former Wasps captain said: “The RFU did a very good job. The tournament was taken to football grounds like St James Park and to Brighton and not just to rugby places.”

Old Haileyburian and Saracens player Jamie George was third choice hooker for England at the World Cup but did his cause no harm when he played well in the resounding victory against Uruguay in the last group game.

He could be considered to be behind Dylan Hartley or Tom Youngs, but Dallaglio said: “There is no reason why he (Jamie George) cannot go on to be first choice. I look forward to seeing him realise his potential.

“Players have a lot to play for and it is how they do in the Premiership.”

The former England international gave the benefit of his expertise earlier in the day on Terrace.

Dallaglio is also passionate about giving struggling youngsters a chance through his Foundation.

“I was lucky to have a strong support base, but there are youngsters who have dropped out of mainstream schools. Their confidence and self-esteem is low,” he said.

“The Dallaglio Foundation gives them the chance to get confidence and to go in the right direction and to get skills for the world of work.”

They have classroom work, skills training and the opportunity to play rugby.

 

David Rimmer (Th 76)

 

Originally Written: 01-Dec-2015 14:25, Last Updated: 05-Dec-2015 08:16