Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw's Strictly Come Dancing journey has hit a significant hurdle as the sports star reveals a painful training injury that could jeopardise his place in the competition.
The 37-year-old athlete, known for his toughness on the rugby field, has been struggling with a serious back problem that emerged during intense rehearsal sessions with professional dance partner Karen Hauer.
Training Takes Its Toll
Robshaw confessed to experiencing "excruciating" pain that left him barely able to move following dance practice. The injury occurred as the pair were preparing for their upcoming performance on the hit BBC show.
"My back has completely gone," Robshaw revealed. "I've never felt pain like it. I couldn't walk, couldn't move, couldn't get out of bed."
Medical Intervention Required
The situation became so severe that the rugby star required immediate medical attention, including strong painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication to manage the discomfort.
Robshaw described waking up in agony, saying: "I woke up and I was in excruciating pain. I was like, 'I can't move.'"
Partnership Under Pressure
Professional dancer Karen Hauer, who has been partnered with Robshaw since the competition began, expressed her concern about her celebrity partner's condition. The injury comes at a critical point in the competition as couples face increasing pressure to deliver flawless performances.
The physical demands of Strictly Come Dancing are well-documented, with many celebrity contestants suffering various injuries throughout the show's history. However, Robshaw's background as an international rugby player made this setback particularly surprising.
Uncertain Future in Competition
While Robshaw remains determined to continue in the competition, the severity of his back injury raises questions about his ability to perform the demanding routines required in the coming weeks.
The former Harlequins player joins a growing list of sports stars who have discovered that dancefloor discipline presents unique physical challenges quite different from their usual sporting arena.
Strictly fans now await news on whether Robshaw will recover sufficiently to take his place in the next live show or if this injury will mark an untimely end to his ballroom journey.
