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Rugby Union

Offiah joins rugby legends in Help for Heroes lineup

23/07/2008

Rugby league legend Martin Offiah has been revealed as the latest big-name player to take part in the Help for Heroes charity match at Twickenham.

The 41-year-old, who scored more than 500 tries in rugby league during his playing days but started life at school in rugby union, will return to the field for the one-off event, which has been scheduled to provide financial support to the British armed forces.

Offiah is equally well-known these days for his appearances on TV in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing series and his participation in the Channel Five programme Superstars.

And he said he would need to undergo a strict training regime in order to prepare to play alongside and against a number of former rugby union internationals, including Martin Johnson, Will Greenwood, Lawrence Dallaglio, Jonah Lomu and Scott Gibbs.

"Since retiring I haven't really played much rugby, it's been more football," he said.

"Just recently I have been playing a bit of touch to get myself back into it but now I've got exactly eight weeks full training to get myself ready for such a huge match."

On his decision to play in the charity game after so long out of the professional setup, Offiah explained: "I have been watching a lot of American sports, especially the NFL, and I've noticed how much support they give to their service men and women.

"Our forces are doing a fantastic job and I wanted to help in any way I can, that's why I have decided to take part."

The Help for Heroes XV, managed by former England captain Phil de Glanville, will face an International XV managed by former Wales wing Ieuan Evans.

The match aims to raise £1 million for the Help for Heroes charity and the care and rehabilitation of injured British service personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.