Saturday, November 13, 2010
A day in the life of Will Greenwood
This inspiring video features a day in the life of a guy named Will Greenwood, a 38 year old club rugby player. You may also recognise him as a TV pundit, commentator, and of course a World Cup winner with England in 2003.
Greenwood turned out for club side Olney against Old Northamptonians recently, showing all the passion and love for the game that he did, in his own words, at the age of 17. To see such enthusiasm from a guy who has travelled the world and played with and against some of the best players in the game, brings it all back to why we play, watch, and love the wonderful sport of rugby.
Greenwood played at flyhalf in this game, and while it featured a number of long in the tooth players, it still had all the intensity and niggle that youd expect at the highest level.
As you can see, even though hes achieved as much as you can, Will still absolutely loves everything about the sport and will no doubt continue to play for as long as possible. Hats off to the guy, and of course all the others who play week in and week out, no matter what their age, fitness, or skill level. This is why we love rugby. Enjoy.
:: Related Posts ::
Will Greenwood tackle on Darren Morris
Top players reflect on their greatest achievements
The fastest ever tries scored from the kickoff
The School of Hard Knocks 2010
England vs Australia 2003 WC Final
Time:
06:21
Will Greenwood tackle on Darren Morris
Top players reflect on their greatest achievements
The fastest ever tries scored from the kickoff
The School of Hard Knocks 2010
England vs Australia 2003 WC Final
Note: Thanks to Canterbury for making this great video.
Posted at 11:26 am | 44 comments
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Viewing 44 comments
RUGBYLOVER November 13, 2010 11:25 am
THIS IS WHY I LOVE RUGBY. THE PLANTS LOVE IT AND SO DO I.
cgreenuk November 13, 2010 12:02 pm
Brought a tear to my eye. Sat here with a snapped acl when I should be sorting my kit out for today's match.
Anonymous November 13, 2010 12:29 pm
as an Irishman i used to hate when we played against him, because of his talent obviously but i used to think he was a bit of a d*ck too!! i remember one game in landsdowne where i made an effort to touch the ball down for his try right in the corner when they hammered us.
but since he has started all his punditry i just realize his love for the game and he is a very intelligent bloke.
top man is will
but since he has started all his punditry i just realize his love for the game and he is a very intelligent bloke.
top man is will
Kember November 13, 2010 12:54 pm
cgreenuk
Tell me about it. I'm sitting here with a busted shoulder when I should be playing today. Good video but wish I'd never watched it as now I'm even more frustrated!
Tell me about it. I'm sitting here with a busted shoulder when I should be playing today. Good video but wish I'd never watched it as now I'm even more frustrated!
Anonymous November 13, 2010 1:52 pm
He's one of the players who you can really call a role model for the game, someone who we should be proud to have representing rugby, pure passion and love for the sport
Ian H November 13, 2010 2:15 pm
What a hero. He might be English, but he's one of my favourite players ever; proof you don't have to be a gym freak to play at the top level, and seems like a genuinely nice bloke. Awesome to see him taking the game seriously and in the right spirit too.
Chucky November 13, 2010 3:43 pm
As Will says " The greatest sport n the world"
Anonymous November 13, 2010 3:59 pm
could of done without 5:15-5:37 of that actually...
one thing i've never understood is, yes im comfortable with my sexuality etc....and being nude in a changing room is one thing...but all this close contact nude stuff is really not right....
....anyway...
awesome video, and does really sum up the game!
one thing i've never understood is, yes im comfortable with my sexuality etc....and being nude in a changing room is one thing...but all this close contact nude stuff is really not right....
....anyway...
awesome video, and does really sum up the game!
Leeners93 November 13, 2010 4:26 pm
absolutely brilliant.will's right,there's absolutely nothing better than them 80 minutes
Anonymous November 13, 2010 4:30 pm
'Theres been a lot of heated debate amongst rugby fans of late as recent events, right up until rulings yesterday afternoon'
Rulings yesterday?!? what did i miss?
Rulings yesterday?!? what did i miss?
(u-p)rick November 13, 2010 4:44 pm
not the most comfortable speaker...but this might be of interest to anyone (like myself) who was wondering what happened to Thom Evans the scottish rugby player who injured his neck playing against wales....
he is fine and this is an interview with him now...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9186644.stm
he is fine and this is an interview with him now...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9186644.stm
Anonymous November 13, 2010 5:52 pm
Have to love the guy, his passion for the sport. Plus the work he does for "school of hard knocks".
Easy to see why other teams hated him, pure talent and not a gym freak. Think how important he was in the world cup winning squad is under estimated.
Used to enjoy watching the behind scenes dvd's of the Lions, great approach to sport to learn from, the fun and laughs off the pitch and then the standard of play on the pitch. Now thats rugby.
Easy to see why other teams hated him, pure talent and not a gym freak. Think how important he was in the world cup winning squad is under estimated.
Used to enjoy watching the behind scenes dvd's of the Lions, great approach to sport to learn from, the fun and laughs off the pitch and then the standard of play on the pitch. Now thats rugby.
LOVEIT November 13, 2010 6:08 pm
no matter how much you try to explain what rugby is like to a person who has never played, they will never understand. this video gives a glimpse of what it is like.
cigarro November 13, 2010 6:47 pm
There is nothing better than being on the pitch with your friends doing what you most like to do... playing RUGBY
jpm November 13, 2010 9:52 pm
I always thought Greenwood was a terrible loss for the 2001 Lions when he injured his ankle v. NSW....he never made the tests but would have been the perfect foil for BOD.
Agin, not the strongest, biggest or fastest...but a great thinker and decision maker.
Agin, not the strongest, biggest or fastest...but a great thinker and decision maker.
(u-p)rick November 13, 2010 11:29 pm
''Theres been a lot of heated debate amongst rugby fans of late as recent events, right up until rulings yesterday afternoon''
I'd imagine anonymous (put a name), that it is referring to Kevin 'The unintentional' Mealamu having his ban reduced to 2 weeks.
Seems like an awesome guy....sort of cheeky getting ex professional....(especially a physically fit back!)
I'd imagine anonymous (put a name), that it is referring to Kevin 'The unintentional' Mealamu having his ban reduced to 2 weeks.
Seems like an awesome guy....sort of cheeky getting ex professional....(especially a physically fit back!)
Anonymous November 14, 2010 1:58 am
What a legend!!
Anyone who plays rugby can relate to that video. And anyone who doesn't, well its your loss, you will never get to understand the greatest feeling in the world.
hitting that tackle
the perfectly timed pass
the side step
the sweetest of kick
turning over the opposition
the list is long....
the greatest game in the world... for once, something everyone on this site can agree about!!!!
RUGBY
Anyone who plays rugby can relate to that video. And anyone who doesn't, well its your loss, you will never get to understand the greatest feeling in the world.
hitting that tackle
the perfectly timed pass
the side step
the sweetest of kick
turning over the opposition
the list is long....
the greatest game in the world... for once, something everyone on this site can agree about!!!!
RUGBY
(u-p)rick November 14, 2010 4:15 am
I have to admit, not that its a 'great' part of the game, but its the bad times in the game you experience which make it for me...
...the bad bits make me better....
(obviously not at the time, but thinking back on the scenario makes you stronger)
Its hard to word but the hard times make the good times better....
Also playing rugby when is good for youngsters (as i found out for myself) its good to learn about losing (which is inevitable eventually!)
I know exactly what the anonymous above means though...
(I can picture it now) ~ (Im a second row), opposition has a 22 kick....im in a world of my own a bit switched off...the fly half spots the gap in front of my and kicks a high ball for the number 8 to recover...i suddenly switch on and race towards the ball...i consider catching it then realise the 8 will catch it first...he reaches up high to catch it (big mistake) i put my head down and hit him midriff.....I hear the crowd (albeit a semi small crowd) go 'oooooooooooh' as the guy comes off his feet and we both crash into the ground....
:)
...the bad bits make me better....
(obviously not at the time, but thinking back on the scenario makes you stronger)
Its hard to word but the hard times make the good times better....
Also playing rugby when is good for youngsters (as i found out for myself) its good to learn about losing (which is inevitable eventually!)
I know exactly what the anonymous above means though...
(I can picture it now) ~ (Im a second row), opposition has a 22 kick....im in a world of my own a bit switched off...the fly half spots the gap in front of my and kicks a high ball for the number 8 to recover...i suddenly switch on and race towards the ball...i consider catching it then realise the 8 will catch it first...he reaches up high to catch it (big mistake) i put my head down and hit him midriff.....I hear the crowd (albeit a semi small crowd) go 'oooooooooooh' as the guy comes off his feet and we both crash into the ground....
:)
Anonymous November 14, 2010 5:20 am
pure genious, that is where rugby is created and bred, at the grass routes level and its where the passion is created. Just proves the greatest start and finish at the club level!!!
vinniechan November 14, 2010 6:13 am
Absolutely. Just love to see any good old English rugby club.
Tua N'afaudno November 14, 2010 9:51 am
Seems like a bit of a nancy. If you met him in real life you'd never think he was a rugger. Good on him though.
goodNumber10 November 14, 2010 11:10 am
"Seems like an awesome guy....sort of cheeky getting ex professional....(especially a physically fit back!)"
He's been playing for a pub 7's team since he retired, and takes a team to Dubai every year for the social 7's circuit - he austin healey etc... all play for it and take some regular joes with them.
He only took up 15's again last month as he was watching Jason Robinson play for Fylde and decided to dust off the boots.
Out of curiosity are there any similar guys playing in the SH social club game? Would be interesting to see who stuck with the game after pro-retirement.
I just love how happy he looks, it's exactly the way everyone in my team looks after a win.
He's been playing for a pub 7's team since he retired, and takes a team to Dubai every year for the social 7's circuit - he austin healey etc... all play for it and take some regular joes with them.
He only took up 15's again last month as he was watching Jason Robinson play for Fylde and decided to dust off the boots.
Out of curiosity are there any similar guys playing in the SH social club game? Would be interesting to see who stuck with the game after pro-retirement.
I just love how happy he looks, it's exactly the way everyone in my team looks after a win.
Sander November 14, 2010 11:47 am
Good to see Will enjoying himself. Speaks volumes about former pro's like Austin Healy, Jason Robinson and Will to still be playing footy every saturday. He seems like a genuine rugby enthusiast!
And most importantly: he's playing for the fun of it, which is why we all play the game. Wonderful video!
And most importantly: he's playing for the fun of it, which is why we all play the game. Wonderful video!
Anonymous November 14, 2010 3:35 pm
Its great to see so much passion for the game, something footballers lack
Anonymous November 14, 2010 5:01 pm
Well said... top bloke. Iknow the feeling just want to play rugby... cannot any longer the body has given up at the ripe old age of 39.
Baz November 14, 2010 7:29 pm
My rugby club, such a great bloke! stayed around for the night and got all the drinking games out of the bag! played again a few weeks ago for the second time and also at the olney 7's. a true LEGEND!
Anonymous November 14, 2010 8:07 pm
Love this game so much... but English rugby still looks a bit posh... wales, NZ, and Limerick...pink lucky boxers shorts..???? you're having a giraffe..!!!
Anonymous November 14, 2010 8:14 pm
real local rugby is odd socks.. getting change in the back of a car, your tight head being best friends with your dad and the smell of deep heat..
Ned2or3 November 15, 2010 6:15 am
Here I am considering retirement or a year break......
NO LONGER I need to see if I can find a game this weekend
NO LONGER I need to see if I can find a game this weekend
GS November 15, 2010 11:17 am
I wonder how many of todays professionals will even be able to tog out for some social rugby. Most of these lads who are putting their bodies on the line in ever increasingly physical games.
The likes of O'Driscoll or Mc Caw will be broken men when they retire
The likes of O'Driscoll or Mc Caw will be broken men when they retire
willgreenwoodfan November 15, 2010 12:52 pm
Top bloke.
@ anonymous Irish poster, Nov 13 1:29pm:
I'm glad Will's won you over. How could you think he was a dick in the first place? He's always seemed such a decent bloke.
And that incident you mention where he dotted down next to the touchline. He was taking the piss out of Jonny Wilkinson, not the Irish, (although to be fair I suppose you could say it was a bit rude as clearly he wouldn't have done it if the scoreline was closer).
I remember Wilkinson looking disctinctly unimpressed and then (just) missing the conversion. Maybe he missed on purpose as an apology for Greenwood's showboating... He (JW) had been slotting kicks from all over the park that day. (Which is of course why Greenwood put the ball down there in thefirst place.)
Some young Welsh fly-half did the same a year or two ago, actually running from the posts to the touchline to score - and then totally fluffed the conversion. Now THAT's arrogant. And funny.
@ anonymous Irish poster, Nov 13 1:29pm:
I'm glad Will's won you over. How could you think he was a dick in the first place? He's always seemed such a decent bloke.
And that incident you mention where he dotted down next to the touchline. He was taking the piss out of Jonny Wilkinson, not the Irish, (although to be fair I suppose you could say it was a bit rude as clearly he wouldn't have done it if the scoreline was closer).
I remember Wilkinson looking disctinctly unimpressed and then (just) missing the conversion. Maybe he missed on purpose as an apology for Greenwood's showboating... He (JW) had been slotting kicks from all over the park that day. (Which is of course why Greenwood put the ball down there in thefirst place.)
Some young Welsh fly-half did the same a year or two ago, actually running from the posts to the touchline to score - and then totally fluffed the conversion. Now THAT's arrogant. And funny.
dutchrugbyplayer November 15, 2010 3:50 pm
Such a funny guy, best ambassador you can get for the best sport in the world. He should come over to Holland and convince some people there should be more media exposure for rugby. I'm sure he would succeed...
cheyanqui November 16, 2010 5:19 pm
Looks like Michael Rapaport -- aka Superboy from "Cop Land"
cheyanqui November 16, 2010 5:22 pm
So many reasons why to play this great game of ours.
I think this video covered most of them
I think this video covered most of them
Anonymous November 24, 2010 11:18 am
The reason Greenwood touched down in the corner for the try against Ireland was because at breakfast that morning Neil Back had predicted a scoreline of 40-6. Greenwood's try made it....40-6. Wilkinson nailed the conversion and ruined Back's prediction.
He talks about it in his autobiography, 'Will', which is very good; laugh-out-loud funny in some places, and tear-jerking when he talks about his first son being born prematurely and dying at 45 minutes.
He talks about it in his autobiography, 'Will', which is very good; laugh-out-loud funny in some places, and tear-jerking when he talks about his first son being born prematurely and dying at 45 minutes.
Anonymous November 27, 2010 1:35 pm
This just winds me up, cause he is actually a dick. Somebody that trained with him day in day out for 6/8 weeks, just turns it on for the camera. As soon as it's off you should see how friendly he is, his best friend is his i-phone. And the work he does for SOHK, just cause he's getting paid a bucket load per da, he dont hang around or chat to the lads, or care what they're saying. You should see SQ after the cameras have turned off, such a lovely lovely man, you would've thought that he was your best mate down the pub, Will cant wait to do one!
peter December 03, 2010 9:53 am
Great to see Will at my old club, Dean Crafter still a legend, rugby forever cheers PeterSW France
Anonymous December 06, 2010 10:09 pm
At 4:26 he's off to the races. When have you ever seen a number 10 take off down the tram line with no-one to be seen?
springernator February 17, 2011 9:50 am
You'd think after all his years in the game he'd know better than to buffalow on camera...
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