Moody brushes aside 'Bloodgate'

SOMETIMES interviews can get off on the wrong foot, but it is rare for the 'celebrity' to be the one to put their foot in it.

Step forward Lewis Moody (pictred), the Leicester Tigers, England and British Lions flanker, who is a thoroughly decent bloke but one who publicly confesses to being what Blackadder would call 'a bit of a thicky'.

With the initial formalities of 'nice to meet you' concluded, as we went to our seats I explain that I am a Tigers fan from my time at the University of Leicester.

'So I used to come and watch you play quite a lot,' I explain.

A slight look of puzzlement crosses Moody's face.

'So when did you leave?' he asked.

'I graduated in 2001.'

The puzzlement grew rapidly.

'I went to the uni there too. I left two years before that.'

'Yeah, well I am only 29.'

'How old?'

'I'm 29.'

'YOU'RE 29?'

'Yeah... I don't look it, do I?'

(Now amid growing laughter on both sides) 'No. You've weathered mate.'

'Oh, thanks very much.'

It is fortunate for Moody that I am good-natured, otherwise...

In fairness, he does have a point. A dozen years ago, looking older than my age was helpful – no longer.

Anyway, I wanted to talk about him and soon we were on to the important business.

Moody was in the island for 'An Evening with Leicester Tigers', an event organised by the club and local stockbrokers Cenkos as part of the joint testimonial year between Moody and his teammate Geordan Murphy.

'The testimonial is going very well, although it was probably not the best choice of year with the credit crunch, but we have enjoyed it and had some fantastic events which will be culminating in Battersea in November,' Moody said.

Had the testimonial distracted from his rugby at all though?

'Not really because I have been injured through most of it so far,' he joked.

'Actually, in the games I did play, my form was very good. But it is nice to have something outside of rugby to focus your mind on and it has taken a lot of organising, although we have been well supported and the lads are always keen to turn out for us whenever they can.'