Fiery rugby star Archer sticks his oar in again

Former England rugby bad boy eyes rowing debut at Henley

By Craig Chisnall

NEW CHALLENGE: Former rugby international Garath Archer at the national indoor rowing championships (Getty Images)

JUST like his performances on the rugby field, tenacious former England lock Garath Archer is causing devastation in his newfound career - indoor rowing.

The former Bristol and Newcastle second row, whose tally of 14 yellow cards is still a joint Guinness Premiership record shared with Danny Grewcock, retired in 2004 with a bad back but is now busy reinventing himself as a rower.

The 34-year-old's competitive edge still burns brightly, with Archer's early results showing he's tackling his change to rowing with as much brute force as he once did his duties on the rugby pitch.

Just three months after taking up the sport, the 6ft 6ins man-mountain was crowned British Indoor Rowing Champion in the 30-34 age groups, with a winning margin of more than 16 seconds.

And Archer, who admitted his sporting instincts have once again come to the fore, is now setting his sights on the world famous Henley Royal Regatta in July.

"I was getting fed up with just training and had always been interested in rowing, so I went down to Durham Rowing Club and it's gone from there," said Archer.

"I thought the sport was quite exclusive but the club has been really helpful.

"A lady called Gill Prescott, who is the over 50's world champion, said I would probably do well on the Ergo and luckily for me I have.

"When I started there's no way I expected to become the British champion within three months, but the more training I did the better my times became and I knew I had a chance.

"And my times weren't a million miles away from the open age guys, so I might have a go at those next year.

"I've also started to look into some outdoor rowing, where there's a lot more finesse needed and the ultimate aim is to get into a boat at Henley."

Archer wore the Red Rose 21 times and spent a decade in the top flight before his back forced him to hang up his boots at the age of 29.

Contemporaries Simon Shaw and Martin Corry are still going strong well into their mid-30s and Archer has taken his hat off to them for their longevity.

"The pair are an absolute credit to themselves by continuing to turn out top level performances with the younger guys and I've got so much admiration for them," added Archer.

"I don't miss playing at all and very rarely watch games. It's definitely a young man's game and I was ready to finish when I did at 29.

"But the likes of Martin, Simon and Lawrence Dallaglio have survived because they continued to improve and they deserve all the accolades they have received."

Archer, who made the 1999 World Cup squad, still keeps his hand in with coaching sessions at Durham City Rugby Club but is convinced the new ELV's are ruining the game.

"I've never been an avid watcher but I'm finding it even harder to watch these days because of the rule changes," added Archer - who was sent off in his teens at Newcastle Gosforth.

"The game is really frustrating because of all the stoppages and the laws have become so complex that it's almost taking all of the fun out of the game.

"To me there's not enough physicality - every coach will tell you that there is a need for abrasive players in every match but I don't see enough of them now.

"But having said that I played the game that way and knackered myself by 29." 

CRAIG CHISNALL