'England's Caribbean triumph was very un-English'

Rugby legend Rory Underwood speaks to Bikash Mohapatra on England's rise as a rugby super power, the state of the sport in India and England's triumph in the World Twenty20 in the West Indies.

Rory Underwood, a prolific scorer of tries, was instrumental in England's relentless surge for excellence in world rugby in the early nineties.

A supreme converter of chances, Underwood rarely missed getting on the scoresheet and is his country's highest ever try scorer.

With his brother Tony on the opposite flank (after 1992), the duo became the first siblings to represent England in the same team since 1938.

His international career ended in 1996 -- he appeared in his third World Cup in 1995 -- and, following a spell as a Royal Air Force pilot, Underwood works as a management consultant.

Now the ambassador for the forthcoming HSBC Asian 5-Nations tournament in New Delhi, the rugby legend spoke exclusively to rediff.com about England's rise as a rugby super power, the state of the sport in India and, of course, England's triumph in the World T20 in the West Indies.

What will be the impact of Asia (Japan) hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup?

I think it will be huge. With Rio de Janeiro welcoming rugby 7's at the 2016 Olympics this will be a massive decade for rugby in Asia.

Both these events I'm sure will help to elevate the sport of rugby in Asia.

How do you think the HSBC Asia5Nations is helping to develop rugby at the elite and grassroot levels?

The tournament has provided a focus for rugby played at the highest level of the sports within the Asian region.

The promotion and relegation means that a lot is at stake each year, and especially this year, with qualification for the 2011 World Cup up for grabs.

This also allows the sport to spread the word to the grassroots wherever the tournaments are being played. When you see the range of countries that are involved throughout Asia then it is clear that the five-nations tournament can have a huge impact in the game in all these countries.

What is your involement with the tournament?

I am the ambassador for the HSBC Asian5Nations and my role is to promote the tournament and the sport of rugby within the different countries throughout Asia that take part, and to increase the profile of the tournament.

What you think of the Indian team and its propspects?

I was impressed with them last year and I'm sure that they will be challenging for promotion this year.

On a more personal note, do you miss playing competitive sport?

Yes, I do. I take it out on golf balls now.

On a more serious note, I have just started taking to triathlons, trying to keep fit.

Looking back at your career, what do you think were the most memorable moments?

All of it.

I have so many great memories that there are too many to mention.

You were a profilic scorer. Besides, what would you consider your strengths as a player?

Speed of the mark, without a doubt!

You and Tony were the first siblings to represent England in a long time. What were the best on-the-field moments you both shared?

Every time we took the field together, especially when we both scored.

You played in three World Cups and were part of the core group that laid the foundation for a strong team in the future. Do you have any regrets of not being part of a World Cup-winning squad?

I was in Sydney in 2003 when Martin Johnson lifted the William Webb-Ellis Trophy and remember feeling elation at England winning, but a sense of what could have been, specifically Twickenham in 1991.

What were your best World Cup moments?

Beating Australia in the last minute of the 1995 World Cup quarter-final in South Africa.

The England team has done exceptionally well in the last two World Cups. What factors, according to you, worked to the Lions' advantage in recent years?

In most of the recent Lions tours it has been Ian McGeechan, who, in my opinion, is one of the best coaches in the modern era.

He understands the concept of the Lions tour and how best to make four countries play as one.

Among the current crop, who is your favourite player?

Chris Ashton, great pace and an eye for a try.

What difference do you notice in the sport now vis-à-vis the times when you played it?

It's a completely different world now that the game is professional.

Being full time has made a huge difference from the physique and skill levels from our time.

Rugby union footballer, RAF pilot and management consultant, which of these profiles best describe Rory Underwood -- the person?

It is a difficult answer, since everything about me that I learnt from my rugby and flying career I put into use with my life as a management consultant.

Tell us something about your book? What inspired you to write it?

I was approached by a publisher to write the book and felt that letting people have some sort of understanding of my life as a rugby player and pilot would be of interest to readers.

I hope people enjoyed it; those that speak to me about it say that they did.

Lastly, since this interview is basically for Indian readers, we are compelled to ask if you like cricket? And your reactions to England's recent triumph in the World T20?

I do like cricket and love watching the game, all forms.

It was a fantastic result in the Caribbean with England winning the T20 and very confidently and assuredly – very un-English!

Am looking forward to the Test matches this summer with Bangladesh and Pakistan.