Chris Robshaw has shared the words of advice his former Harlequins teammate, Ugo Monye, gave him ahead of his stint in the ballroom on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The pair played together at the London-based rugby club for a decade after Mr Robshaw joined the squad in 2005, right up until Mr Monye stepped back in 2015.
Mr Robshaw continued to play for England and Harlequins for a few years after, while Mr Monye went on to pursue a career in broadcasting.
Question of Sport fans will be familiar with Mr Monye’s quick wit and on-screen charm, and his foray into the world of TV even resulted in a stint on Strictly back in 2021.
BBC Strictly: Chris Robshaw and Ugo Monye
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Performing alongside Oti Mabuse, Mr Monye finished in a modest 11th place that year while EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Giovanni Pernice.
Nevertheless, speaking to GB News at this year’s Strictly press day, Mr Robshaw revealed that he had turned to his former teammate for advice ahead of his debut in the ballroom on Saturday.
“It’s amazing now, because I see all the rugby guys, and they’re obviously very happy, and every time I see them, they sing the theme music at me, or they start doing a little twist,” Mr Robshaw said with a smile.
“So I saw Ugo the other day, actually, on Sunday. And, you know, we had a little Waltz together and stuff like that.
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“But he and everyone just say, ‘Go all in. Enjoy it. It’s an amazing experience.’
“When I was approached, I was speaking to people — I know you probably shouldn’t — asking, like, ‘Should I do it?’
“And they’re like, ‘It’s such an amazing show. It’s an amazing experience. Just really enjoy it. But you’ve got to give it the time it deserves as well.'”
And it sounds like Mr Robshaw’s research helped gear him up for the rigours of the rehearsal room. “Yes, due to what I’ve spoken to people about,” Mr Robshaw said when asked if the experience was what he’d expected so far.
BBC Strictly: Ugo Monye competed alongside Oti Mabuse
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He went on: “But actually seeing the studio, seeing the lights — because a lot of things were off-site, so we’ve only been here once before yesterday.
“So actually seeing it… and so many friends, my neighbours, massive fans, and all that kind of stuff, sending some videos for all… It’s just amazing. Once the lights go on, it’s just special. It is special.”
A rugby career would clearly land Mr Robshaw in good standing for the rigorous demands and physical toll of training.
But while he admitted training has been “great”, the minutiae and technical aspects of dancing may still take some work according to the rugby star’s new partner.
BBC Strictly: Chris Robshaw and the full cast of Strictly 2025
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Stopping short of revealing their identity, Mr Robshaw admitted to the People’s Channel: “I actually met my partner, and we did a bit of dancing, and we were like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s looking good.’
“Then she took me straight to the physio and said, ‘You know, like, you need to loosen up’, and then they like… had me on the floor stretching. I was coming for a bit of fun!”
Mr Robshaw remained grounded about his own aspirations for the Glitterball when quizzed about any dark horses in the competition.
But he had no problems identifying one of his fellow castmates as a candidate for victory, even before a single step had been taken on the dancefloor.
“Nitro! Nitro. He can move. He can move,” Mr Robshaw said when asked who he thought could win.
Referring to Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, his praise of the Gladiator continued: “I was like, ‘How do you move like that?’
“I’m like that,” he added as he performed an awkward gesture. “He’s got such muscle. Put your money on him.”
Mr Aikines-Aryeetey and Mr Robshaw both look set to make it through Week One at least, with bookmakers tipping Ross King, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Stefan Dennis as the three most likely to be sent home first.