Rugby union stars put students through their paces (From York Press)

Rugby union stars put students through their paces

11:51am Friday 1st March 2013 in Sport By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

FORMER England rugby union stars Will Greenwood and Austin Healey put the University of York men’s team through their paces after the students won a grassroots rugby campaign.

Home appliance brand AEG picked the York lads out of 40 rugby teams across the country after they submitted a video diary.

The teams which had reached the final stages of the competition were given new kit and a laundry package which included a top of the range washing machine.

They had to chart their progress in their video diary and give feedback on their newly received domestic appliance.

Greenwood, a World Cup winner with England, and former British Lions tourist Healey swooped on the university training ground and held a session before hosting a Q&A where the team were able to pick their brains.

Robert Sandford, of the University of York Men’s Rugby Club, said: “The whole team was thrilled with the prize and couldn’t wait to meet Will and Austin. How many grassroots rugby teams can say that they’ve had a coaching masterclass with former England players?

“The players put a lot of effort into the video so it’s great to see that rewarded.”