Tales of the Trophy - Lewis Moody Previews England's RWC

Lewis Moody is a British and Irish Lion, a Rugby World Cup winner and a domestic rugby legend; known to his teammates and fans as ‘Mad Dog’, such was the level of ferocity and physicality in which he attacked the game.

Now, following his retirement, he is busier than ever with the Lewis Moody Foundation, his role as Director of Rugby of Bradford on Avon RFC, a wealth of media work and much more.

Talking Rugby Union’s Emma Thurston caught up with Lewis prior to the London Double Header at Twickenham Stadium last weekend to discuss England’s squad’s progression in the build up to what will be a historic year for the sport. 

Lewis’ contribution during the 2003 World Cup was immense and with the William Webb Ellis trophy in hand at Twickenham he told TRU about the memories he still has of that time:

“It is really weird when you see it [the William Webb Ellis trophy] it does make you reflect on something that happened seemingly a long time ago now, 11 years, although in my memory it was yesterday.

“You learn something new about being a World Cup winner, for example, I just learned that the winners are the only people who are allowed to actually touch the trophy; everyone else has to wear gloves.

“It makes you feel even more privileged and special when you are carrying the trophy around and sharing it with everyone here at Twickenham.

“We all have such fond recollections of that time, seeing Lawrence [Dallaglio] this morning and catching up brings the memories flooding back; you never get to see those guys enough. However, it isn’t about us anymore it’s about 2015 and I would do anything to have the chance to play at Twickenham in a World Cup year.

“These guys have got a very special opportunity ahead. If Stuart is really struggling I can dust off the boots, I’m about two stone lighter, so I might not be quite as effective in the forwards as before, but I’m ready!!”

One man that could be part of England’s squad is Sam Burgess, as a former Bath man Lewis told TRU that the transition will be testing for Burgess:

“You never know how the guys are going to deal with the transition, obviously Jason Robinson came over and he was just such a prolific talent he was always going to fit in, in any rugby code. Jason had real natural flair that just couldn’t be mimicked and there is no doubt that Sam is a superb player, it is just finding that position to suite him.

“Personally, I don’t think you can put a Rugby League player in the forwards; I think technically it is just too difficult and it takes too long to understand the nuisances. 

“Is there going to be a fast track for him? Where are Bath going to play him? Are Bath going to agree with England’s decision on where to play him? There are a lot of conundrums but at the end of the day it is exciting to see him come over, he is a wonderful player and I’m sure he will be very happy.”

The summer tour of New Zealand was as gruelling and relentless as we all expected, Lewis shared his thoughts on where it has left England on their journey towards next year’s competition:

“England are in a strong position, there is no doubt that they have a great deal of confidence in their ability. The Tour for me was always an interesting proposition playing NZ three times, it was either going to be a great success or the opposite.

“There was no doubt that they took some real positives out of the tour, but ultimately they lost all three games and Stuart and the team are all about winning.

“One question is how will injuries play their course during this year? For me, now, England need to take a series win out of the autumn, a Grand Slam or a 6 Nations Championship win in order to gain momentum going into the World Cup.

“If Stuart and the team can really focus and keep all of their players fit then they have a great opportunity, in 2015 if England make the semi-final of the World Cup, anything is possible.”

 

_{Lewis Moody was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, Official Vehicle Partner of Premiership Rugby and Official Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015.}