Former rugby star Martin Offiah and comedian Adam Hills have taken to the streets of London to promote the upcoming Ashes series between England and Australia. The duo, representing two different worlds of sport and entertainment, rode a red London bus adorned with Ashes branding, reminiscent of Offiah’s promotional efforts back in 1994. While their styles may differ—Offiah in sleek black attire and Hills in an old Australia jersey—their shared passion for rugby unites them.
Both men, now in their 50s, have made significant marks in their respective fields. Offiah, renowned for scoring the most tries in professional rugby by an Englishman, boasts an impressive record of 501 senior tries. Hills, on the other hand, recently achieved success as the world para tennis champion. Despite their accolades, Offiah remains haunted by the absence of an Ashes victory, having participated in four campaigns and losing them all.
Offiah Reflects on Near Misses Against Australia
Offiah’s frustration is palpable as he recalls his experiences facing Australia. “I’ve won against Australia, gone to Sydney and won the World Sevens, beaten Brisbane Broncos in their own backyard,” he said. Yet, the elusive Ashes title continues to escape him. “That’s the thing that still rankles me. If Mal Meninga hadn’t fallen on my knee in the second Test at Old Trafford in 1990, I believe we would have won the Ashes,” he reflected, emphasizing the narrow margins that defined those crucial matches.
Offiah’s legacy is cemented with a statue outside Wembley Stadium, a venue of great personal significance. “There is a mystique about Wembley,” he noted. While the stadium has seen many memorable moments, it has been over 20 years since an Ashes match was held there. “When an English team plays against Australia in an Ashes or a World Cup final – that is the ultimate test,” he added, expressing hope for England’s performance in the upcoming series.
Hills Urges England to Embrace the Challenge
Hills, who is also the president of the Rugby Football League, believes England can leverage their home advantage against Australia. “There will be a whole bunch of Australian players who haven’t played against England,” he said. He urged the team to approach the matchup with confidence, stating, “They’re just a bunch of footy players. Have they trained any harder than us? No. So let’s not treat them as if they are gods.”
Both men agree that England must shed any feelings of inferiority. Offiah pointed out that while more English players have succeeded against Australian clubs, they often lack experience playing against the national team. “There’s more than enough talent there to rewrite history,” he asserted, referencing players like George Williams and Jack Welsby, who have made names for themselves in the NRL.
As the series approaches, Offiah and Hills are hopeful for a strong performance from the English side, especially given the support from local fans. “Opportunities like this don’t come around very often, you’ve just got to grasp it,” Offiah remarked, emphasizing the importance of this moment for the players.
With the Ashes series set to commence in July 2024, the anticipation builds. Both Offiah and Hills embody the spirit of competition, urging England to seize this rare chance against their historical rivals. “I’d love them to do it,” Offiah concluded, encapsulating the hopes of many as the rugby spotlight turns towards Wembley once again.
