Man takes on machine in new Volkswagen advert

WHAT'S MORE POWERFUL? Fifteen members of the University of Chester men’s rugby team, or a Volkswagen Golf?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME1ZiB6ypA4

To commemorate the arrival of the World Rally Championship in Wales, the two went head-to-bumper in a game of petrol-fuelled rugby. The challenge was set out by German film company Black Pearl Film and was launched on the opening day of the race.

The advert sees the men’s rugby team get the upper hand before a misplaced pass puts the German engineered car in control. Some silky driving skills left the team with mud on their face and cursing the four-wheel drive technology.

The sparring session with the men’s rugby team obviously did Volkswagen some favours, as they were crowned World Rally Champion 2013. The video has seen great success on YouTube, already clocking in 140,000 views within just under two weeks of being launched.

Gordon Reay, Manager of Student Sports Development, Performance and Coaching described taking part in the video as an event the team will never forget.

He said: “The whole day was a fantastic experience for all involved. Even though it was bitterly cold everyone was so enthusiastic and warm hearted about the project. From watching the director at work and sell his vision to seeing the end product is such a thrill.

[caption id="attachment_485" align="alignright" width="300"] It's fifteen men against one car, but there can only be one winner. Photo: Volkswagen[/caption]

“This is an experience that all of the rugby team will remember for all their lives and they have video evidence to remind them too.

“Thanks has to be given to all who made this possible especially Cheshire West and Chester Council which allowed us to use the pitch.”

Whilst it was a loss for the men’s rugby team on the day, they’ll be looking to get back on the winning track this Wednesday when they travel to Manchester to face arch-rivals Manchester Metropolitan University.

 

Related articles

• University of Chester's Men's Rugby Team Profile


• Rally the World Volkswagen

Once Asthmatic Man to Run Half Marathon

[caption id="attachment_1076" align="alignright" width="117"] Gary running the half marathon in Birmingham this year[/caption]

A COMMITTED RUNNER who was once asthmatic and struggled to run up the stairs, is training to run the Conwy half marathon this weekend.   

Chester resident Gary Cooper used to weigh 17 stone and consumed burgers, chips, crisps and beer daily.

As his health began to deteriorate and mirrors were his worst enemy, he decided to scrap Chinese nights for running nights.

The 12-and-a-half-stone Graphic Designer ran more than three marathons in two years and raised around £3,000 for Cancer Research UK.

“I feel healthier and I’m happy that I’m doing something for a good cause,” Gary said.

Even a severe knee injury a few months ago didn't hold him back.

“The pain was unbearable. I just had to leave my body to recover and once I got through it, I was more determined than ever to run faster,” he added.

The half marathon which takes place on Sunday, November 24,  consists of steep hills and long roads, but this hasn’t fazed Gary.

“I have been training harder than ever, running and cycling at least five times a week. I want to win,” he said.

This is not so he can spoil his two children at Christmas, but because the winner receives a £1,000 cash price and Gary plans to give all of this to Cancer Research if he wins the race.

A spokesman for the charity said: “We’re so thankful for people like Gary who continue to support the charity. Thank you.”

Gary doesn’t plan on stopping after the Conwy run. He’s already thinking about competing in the Chester Marathon in 2014.

Chester Intelligencer reporter, Amy Poole