Our Patch OCTOBER 2015
Our Patch OCTOBER 2015
Cover
story
Left, Dallaglio trains with
youngsters. Right, Henry
Slade is one to watch,
as is Sam Burgess,
inset below
PICTURES:
ACTION IMAGES
>CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
he said, “So I’d be happy for either of
those sides to do well. For Italy, getting
to the knockout stages would be an
achievement in itself… but Ireland have
a great chance.”
And an outside tip? “I think France
could cause some upsets. We have
seen recently in the QBE internationals
that France are capable of beating teams
like England with players such as Huget
and Michalak having the ability to
change any game.”
So who are the ones to watch in the
England squad? “Firstly, Sam Burgess,”
said Lawrence. “Many people are
quoting him as a ‘risk’ for England due
to his lack of union experience, but
his character on and off the field will
certainly bring something extra.
“Secondly, Henry Slade is one to
watch as he was impressive in the
first French test and offers a different
dimension in the centre, and in
It’s tough being a young
person today, and
young people can
lose their way
addition can provide cover for multiple
positions.”
Six years after his own World Cup
victory down under, Lawrence, now
43, set up his foundation, generating
£10million for good causes, particularly
youth development, with events such as
long-distance sponsored cycle ‘slams’.
Strong links with rugby’s governing
8/9
body mean the charity is seen as key
to helping disadvantaged teenagers
steer clear of crime and achieve their
potential via sport.
With three lively teenagers of his
own (the family live near the Thames
in Petersham, by Richmond Park), he
has a real insight into issues facing
young people.
A lifelong Chelsea fan, the 6ft 4in
trencherman (who tweets as Dallaglio8
to celebrate his England shirt number)
says the influence of his family was
crucial at stages in his own career when
he was 'heading down the wrong track'.
“It’s tough being a young person
today, and young people can lose their
way,” he said.
“We operate in 26 pupil referral units
where our coaches use rugby as an
anchor to help young people turn their
lives around.
“It is extremely satisfying for me as I
have seen first-hand the changes we are
making to these young people’s lives.
It isn’t just talk – it is fact, and we see
this every day.”
The project operates from
offices donated by the
RAPP marketing agency
in W6. “The location
is perfect for us as
a charity,” said
Lawrence. “We
work in many
west London
boroughs