Rugby World Cup: Ribbans previews England v Chile
England prop Dan Cole has been seen stripping down to his underwear and imitating WWE star Steve Austin as behind-the-scenes footage has emerged of the team’s Rugby World Cup dressing room. Steve Borthwick’s side are approaching the tournament with a close-knit mentality among the group, further highlighted by Cole’s spectacular performance.
Video on social media saw Cole enter the room in nothing but his underwear and socks to a huge roar of cheers from his team-mates, holding two full water bottles before emptying them onto his face while standing on a chair. He then closed a box of equipment before standing on top of it, surrounded by his colleagues, and once again chugging the water to leave him drenched.
Cole then walked back out of the room to a chorus of laughter from the England squad, before kicking the door open and walking out – his tribute to ‘Stone Cold’ Austin who famously had a similar routing when starring in the WWE.
However, the wrestler would crack open two cans of beer as opposed to water, but the health-conscious rugby star knew better amid the alcohol ban imposed on the team during the tournament in France.
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The post was jointly shared by Cole and fellow prop Joe Marler on Instagram, as Cole attempted to mimic the ‘Rattlesnake’ wrestler having climbed high on the ‘top rope’ with a chair while Austin’s ‘I Won’t Do What You Tell Me’ entrance music blaring in the background before copying his iconic beer shower.
Billy Vunipola, David Ribbans, Will Stuart, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam and Kyle Sinckler alongside England head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters were pictured enjoying the spectacle, though it remains to be seen whether it was part of a punishment or fine that has been commonplace in rugby.
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Cole, 36, is competing in his fourth World Cup perhaps surprisingly after being handed the blame for England’s poor scrummaging performance in the 2019 final against South Africa. He was swiftly dropped for three years before being reinstated by Steve Borthwick – and is clearly enjoying the recall.
“For three of the last four years I didn’t think it would happen,” Cole said before England’s opening victory over Argentina as he reflected on his journey. “After 2019, the final, what happened, I wouldn’t say it would have been easy to pack it in, but it would have been easy just to drift.
“I still remember what went on, I haven’t forgotten it. The world keeps turning but you come back from a World Cup and you have a bit of a point to prove or a grievance. You have that annoyance in yourself that you want to put things right. I’m grateful to have this chance.”
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