DUBAI // Austin Healey, the former England scrum-half, will put his growing media persona aside for one weekend and don his rugby boots again when he returns to the playing field at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens next weekend.
The 'Leicester Lip' played at the Exiles in 2006 and 2007, then had a one year hiatus, as the Sevens clashed with his commitments on the BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing 12 months ago.
He had been one of the main attractions on the outside pitches at the previous two competitions, where he played for the Christina Noble first team in the International Invitational competition.
Now aged 36, he qualifies to play in the children's foundation's International Vets side, where he will be among an all-star cast of former professionals.
He will be reunited with his ex-housemate, as well as his former colleague for club and country, Will Greenwood.
"I'm looking forward to getting back out there and donning the yellow jersey once more," said Greenwood, who also missed out last year as the Sevens clashed with the autumn internationals, for which he was a TV analyst.
Greenwood was a key player in England's 2003 World Cup winner, but his haul of one Webb Ellis Cup winners medal is actually bettered by his midfield partner next month.
Tim Horan, who is regarded by many as being the greatest centre of modern times, was a World Cup winner with Australia in 1991 and 1999, and will make his first outing in the yellow of Christina Noble.
Tim Stimpson, the former England and Lions fullback and Christina Noble regular, and Chris Sheasby, who won the inaugural Sevens World Cup with England, also return.
The charity side will also dovetail their bid to retain the title for the third year running with coaching aspiring youngsters, with junior coaching clinics planned for Dubai College.
pradley@thenational.ae
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Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
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