People could be forgiven for taking a second glance today when former England rugby international Austin Healey turned up in Witney for a manicure.

Mr Healey, who used to play for Premiership side Leicester Tigers, also made his mark on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

But now he has kicked off his dancing shoes and gone back to his roots for a new television show called The Big Tackle, in which he is parachuted in to various rugby clubs throughout the country to help them.

Today Mr Healey met the ladies side at Witney Rugby Club and their team captain Andrea Thomas. The pair enjoyed a manicure at the Junction salon in Corn Street, Witney, ahead of a special open training session tomorrow night.

Mr Healey said: “One of the big problems the club has is that there are not enough players competing for places. So one of the things I will be doing is holding a training session at their ground. I want as many women that are interested in playing rugby to come down.”

Miss Thomas, 38, said it was great to have the former international star helping the struggling side.

She said: “He has a lot of ideas – if he can help attract some more players it would be great.”

Tomorrow's training session starts at 7pm at the club’s ground in Witney Road, Hailey, and anyone is invited to attend.

Call Witney Rugby Club on 01993 771043.