It’s fair to say that this years Scrum in the Park ‘festival of rugby’ was better than previous one in every way except perhaps that which mattered most: the England training session.

The whole scope of the event was larger and because of this there was a lot more to do and see. Given that the event ran from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening, this was probably a good thing. Entry, as promised, was free and visitors were given a sort of ‘what’s on’ information guide at the main entrance. Most wore them round their necks providing quick access to the day’s goings on, a map of the event and other not so important things.

Tents were set up for the various visiting premiership club sides, where autograph signings took place around mid day. Supporters of Leeds, Leicester, Harlequins, Wasps and Saracens were treated to a relatively short queue to meet their idols. One particular memory stands out when a twelve or thirteen year old boy amongst the crowd confronted if I remember correctly Tim Stimpson of Leeds with “Are you famous?”. The Leeds fullback replied in the only way possible really with “Obviously not since you don’t know who I am”. Needless to say it got a few chuckles from the surrounding crowd.

Everything that was advertised was present, from childrens face painting, to O2 Rugby Class sessions. You could even play golf with a rugby shaped ball, a ‘developing sport’ apparently. Competitions ran throughout the day to win various bits of England merchandise. The most popular being an England rugby shirt (only in XL, strangely enough). Given that Nike are releasing their new shirt in a couple of weeks time, this seemed like a bit of a cop-out. Tickets to the Autumn Internationals, for example, would have been far more appreciated I feel.

I was particularly impressed with the O2 Blue Room as it was called. For O2 mobile customers only, this was a semi enclosed area filled with a smoothie bar, deck chairs, a chill-out music area with beanbags and a DJ, and the crowning achievement: saunas, plunge pools and Jacuzzis. All of this accessible throughout the day via a special barcode that was picture messaged to your mobile phone and later scanned in at entry. It seems when they say specifically for O2 customers, they meant it. Praising my good fortune, me and my ‘guest’ (a non O2 customer to boot) were even given complimentary flip flops and rain macks for the eventual downpour. The smoothies also came highly recommended.

As well as all this, there were food and drink stalls, a Rugby Store, a mini Museum of Rugby (like the one found at Twickers), touch rugby competitions, training sessions, trophies galore and much much more. As I said, the event was much bigger and better than last year. This brings me to the one aspect which could be classed as a disappointment: the main event, the England training session.

Whereas last year the players utilised the whole pitch and put on a good show with contact and non contact training, this year, forwards and backs were separated and seemed to be ordered to a specific quarter of the pitch were they stayed for a good 45 minutes. I was fortunate enough to be where the backs were training their… kicking. After 30 minutes of watching Josh Lewsey and Mark Cueto kicking and catching, a couple of yawns snuck in. Especially considering the treat the other opposite quarter was being given with the forwards practising lineouts, scrums and mauls. In the final 20 minutes, the squad played touch rugby at one end of the pitch, giving people like me a less than stellar view of anything but Andy Robinson being interviewed.

After the training session, a good 10 or so of the squad signed autographs around the pitch to anyone who wanted them. And when I say anyone who wanted them, I mean everyone. I saw flags, boots, and even those O2 flip flops being autographed. The lads themselves were in good spirits joking around with the crowd every so often. Players like Matt Dawson and Olly Barkley were particularly hounded. Special mention goes to Matt Stevens who stayed until every last fan was satisfied, well longer than he had to.

After a fun afternoon in both the sun and rain, I left with a good seven or eight autographs on my England shirt (I couldn’t resist), and with my O2 flip flops safely tucked away in my bag. Rugby banter with strangers, highly nutritious yet quite delicious smoothies, and a chance to meet a gaggle of England players up close… not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

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