ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Apr 11, 2019

Jonny Wilkinson laces up for the first time in 3 years as he tries his hand at snow rugby in the French Alps

Jonny Wilkinson and Dimitri Yachvilli gave Snow Rugby a try recently, playing in a special game in the French Alps to mark 6 months to go until Rugby World Cup 2019. It was Wilkinson’s first return to playing since retiring three years ago. 

ADVERTISEMENT

While there, both he and former French international Yachvilli offered up their thoughts on the upcoming showpiece tournament in Japan.

Both players coached teams in the snow at the Land Rover Experience centre in La Plagne. Their teams played in front of The Webb Ellis Cup, to celebrate six months until the world’s third-largest sporting event kicks off in Japan.

Wilkinson, the leading points-scorer in Rugby World Cup history, said: “I’ve played all over the world but can honestly say this was one of the most spectacular settings for a game I’ve ever experienced. It was fun to help coach the players against Dimitri’s team and let’s hope that come October, England will win the next edition of Le Crunch.

“From a snowy mountain or a beach to the more traditional muddy field, rugby is all about the camaraderie, spirit, teamwork and respect among the players. There are no boundaries when it comes to rugby.”

Wilkinson also spoke about Wales and their chances of success, Owen Farrell as England’s leader and says Ireland are still a dangerous team not to be underestimated.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dimitri Yachvili, a finalist with France in 2011, said: “I’ve been lucky enough to play snow rugby in the past and its good fun. Playing half-way up a mountain is a special experience. The snow rugby players certainly go the extra mile in their commitment.”

England and France last met at Rugby World Cup in 2011 in New Zealand, when eventual runners-up France won their quarter-final match-up. Wilkinson and Yachvili both played.

The old foes will meet in October in their final pool match at International Stadium Yokohama.

Yachvili said: “This is such an exciting moment in rugby history and Japan will be fantastic hosts, with a team who provided the talking point of Rugby World Cup 2015 – beating South Africa.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Land Rover is a proud Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2019 and has a heritage in supporting rugby at all levels from grassroots to elite. Follow @LandRoverRugby

Comments




Related Articles

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Brilliant footage shows old school...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    Jokester has field day with Chris Latham's...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 15 HOURS AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

  • 1 DAY AGO

    BREAKING: Owen Farrell to step away from England duties entirely

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Community mourning loss of 29-year-old rugby player Melita Williams

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Stuart Barnes advises RFU to take on board Cipriani’s teachings

View All