Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw has broken his silence on the gruelling reality of Strictly Come Dancing training, describing the experience as "more brutal" than anything he encountered on the rugby field.
The 37-year-old sports star, who is partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell, revealed the shocking physical toll the competition has taken on his body in a candid new interview.
From Rugby Pitch to Dance Floor
"I've had my fair share of knocks playing rugby, but this is something else entirely," Robshaw confessed. "The muscle soreness is unbelievable - parts of my body I didn't even know existed are screaming at me."
The athlete, known for his tough performances on the rugby pitch, admitted that dancing has presented unique challenges that have pushed him to his limits both physically and mentally.
Unexpected Partnership Blossoms
Robshaw spoke warmly about his professional partner Dianne Buswell, describing their connection as surprisingly natural despite their different backgrounds. "We just clicked straight away," he revealed. "There's a great energy between us that makes the hard work enjoyable."
The pair have been spending long hours in the training studio, with Robshaw comparing the intensity to professional sports training camps. "The dedication required is immense," he explained. "It's not just about learning steps - it's about transforming your entire body's movement patterns."
The Physical Toll
What surprised the athlete most was the specific muscle groups targeted by dancing. "My feet and calves are taking an absolute pounding," Robshaw shared. "In rugby, you're prepared for impact and collisions, but dancing uses completely different muscle groups in ways I've never experienced."
The former Harlequins player also noted the mental challenge of remembering complex routines, admitting it requires a different type of concentration than sports strategy.
A New Kind of Competition
Despite the physical demands, Robshaw appears to be embracing the challenge with characteristic determination. "It's pushing me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way," he said. "There's something incredibly rewarding about mastering a new skill later in your career."
Fans of the popular BBC show will be eager to see how the rugby star's training translates to the dance floor when Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens this autumn.
Robshaw remains philosophical about his chances in the competition, focusing instead on the personal growth the experience has brought him. "Whether I'm the first to go or make it to the final, I'm just grateful for this incredible opportunity," he concluded.
