Rugby stars swap scrums for sequins at Martyn Williams testimonial bash
By Effective Communication
Rugby legend Martyn Williams was joined by a host of famous friends this week, as he swapped his rugby boots for dancing shoes at a glittering testimonial event.
The Wales flanker, star of two Grand-Slam winning teams, is used to being centre of attention on the pitch, but had to swap scrums for sequins as he took to the dance floor at ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ themed Ladies Night, at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff.
Hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones, who previously starred in the BBC Strictly Come Dancing series, the evening also saw Martyn’s fellow Welsh internationals, Jamie Roberts and Rhys Williams performing a show dance, as well as Cardiff Blues star, Xavier Rush.
Each player was teamed up with a professional dancer from the Debbie Chapman Dance School, the Cardiff-based dance troupe which recently reached the semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent.
In a shock departure from shirts and shorts, the four players appeared on the dance floor dressed in sequin encrusted, lycra outfits, before each performing their individual show dance.
Martyn wowed the audience with an agile performance of a Cha Cha with partner Holly Parker, Xavier Rush performed an energetic Jive with Libby Chapman, Jamie Roberts danced an impressive salsa with Anna Chapman, and Rhys Williams performed a lively Lindy Hop with Hannah Jones.
In true ‘Strictly’ style, the players were judged on their dance performance by a panel including, Welsh rugby player Tom Shanklin, Cardiff Blues Chief Executive Robert Norster, radio presenter Angela Jay, and dance school owner and choreographer, Debbie Chapman.
After scores and some tongue-in-cheek comments from the judges, Martyn Williams was presented with the winner’s trophy – something he is used to on the rugby field, but not on the dance floor.
Martyn said: “I’ve been incredibly nervous about the dancing, but we’ve all put a lot of effort into the training, as we didn’t want to let our dance partners down. They’ve done a fantastic job of teaching us to dance, despite a few mishaps along the way.
“The atmosphere backstage on the night was brilliant. I’d like to thank the other players for joining in with the event and everyone who has supported the testimonial year; although I’m sure there will be banter about this in the changing rooms for a while to come!”
Judge Debbie Chapman said on the night: “I was really surprised at the technical ability of some of these players, especially Jamie Roberts, as he is so tall. They all gave a fantastic crowd-pleasing performance, and our dancers loved the experience.”
Event organiser Cara Roberts said: “We knew Martyn has a whole host of female fans, and we wanted to put on an event with a difference. The players exceeded expectations, they put in weeks of training to make it a really special event for those who were there on the night.”
