Maro Itoje almost represented Team GB at the Olympics in a very different sport to rugby
07/25/2024 02:55 AM
RUCK.co.uk pays tribute to those talented multi-sport athletes who shone in more than one sport, before ultimately choosing rugby.
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1. Max Malins – Field hockey
Whilst at school, the Bristol Bears star was also a promising cricketer and field hockey player, representing the school 1st XI at both sports from the age of 15 and top scoring in the 2014 Cape Town international Hockey Festival. He then chose to pursue a professional career in rugby.
DID YOU KNOW? He attended Felsted School and as of 2018 is studying a business and finance degree at the University of Hertfordshire
2. Christian Wade – 100m sprint
A former district and English Schools athlete, Wade ran a time of 10.8 seconds over the 100m distance at the age of 16. He was trained by the former English sprinter Julian Golding.
DID YOU KNOW? After finishing school, Wade studied Sport Science and Psychology at St Mary’s University College in Twickenham while
3. Maro Itoje – Shot Put
Itoje played several sports other sports in his youth, including basketball, football, and athletics. However, he did represent England at U17 level in Shot Put.
"I had a few good years, I went to a few English Schools and I had a good time," said Itoje. "I was ranked second in 2009 in the under-15 age group.
"I did it because I was pretty good and to be honest I think I could have made a career out of it – but rugby is so much more fun than shot put."
4. Danny Cipriani – multiple sports
"I was good at squash, I played for my county for the age group two years above me, I played for the South of England under-11 table tennis team, I loved badminton.”
DID YOU KNOW? Cipriani also played junior football for Queens Park Rangers and was offered youth terms by Reading
5. Vicky Fleetwood – Hurdles
She was ranked as the number one junior hurdler in the country, before switching to rugby. She attended Leeds Metropolitan University.Alongside rugby, Vicky is a successful personal trainer and rugby coach.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it's nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He's such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It's a toss of a coin for me… and it's come down in Folau's favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He's so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he's a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you'll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he's a fantastic man off the field as well. O'Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He's another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma'a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we've been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it's pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I've been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I'm pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
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