FORMER England and British Lion star and more recently, Strictly Come Dancing celebrity, Austin Healey is to swap his dancing shoes for rugby boots as he returns to his roots in his latest TV project & The Big Tackle.

Healey progressed through the youth ranks at Birkenhead Park before embarking on his illustrious International career and he will be hoping to inspire the current crop of Park Junior Colts who have been selected to feature in the forthcoming Big Tackle programme commissioned by ITV.

Park director of rugby John McNally said:The idea is that Austin comes in and watches the lads and then gives them two days of intensive coaching.

There is also a day out planned for team bonding and then they will be put to the test in another competitive match all in front of the TV cameras.

It is a new team created last year as a direct result of our coaching in the local schools and we think they will benefit immensely from the experience.

I have been in touch with Austin and he is looking forward to returning to Park and it should be great for all concerned. In addition to Austin there will be coaching from one of the current England squad which will a great boost to our lads.

Filming starts on February 8th and continues through to March 1.

The Park Senior Colts have run into good form in the Colts A League having defeated Stockport away 25-10 last week and Broughton Park at home on Sunday 13-5 with tries from Mike Corris and Anthony Stansfield. In addition Caldy conceded a rearranged game mid week and Park are now level with Stockport at 30 points apiece in the table.

The Park first XV slumped 15-0 at home to Morley as they looked decidedly rusty after a five week gap and the Wanderers lost 24-13 at LSH.

There was better news for the thirds as they just won the top of the table clash against Collegiate 7-5.

Park travel to Beverley this Saturday in North 1 looking for a quick return to winning ways. The Ibbotson brothers and Ashley Olliver hope to be fit to challenge for a return to the pack.

Next fixture: Beverley v Birkenhead Park North 1, Saturday January 31, 2.15pm

Daily Post

Last edited by _jase_; 28th Jan 2009 1:27pm.