As lead sponsor of Arsenal and ahead of its sponsorship of the Rugby World Cup, Emirates has worked with Arsenal, World Rugby and Saracens to produce a light-hearted video that sees some of our leading rugby and football stars swapping places in a classic sports battle.
Before last weekend’s exhilarating Six Nations finale and as England gears up for a year of rugby, Saracens stars Chris Wyles, Kelly Brown and David Strettle and their Arsenal counterparts Olivier Giroud, Wojciech Szczesny and Per Mertesacker were put through their paces at the Gunners’ London Colney training ground.
Taking part in a series of skill-based challenges and paired with their counterparts, it was the 1.98m tall Mertesacker who ran out as the Arsenal winner thanks to his passing ability, hitting the post and bar in one of his tasks.
After collecting his trophy, Per said; “I was quite impressed by my own performance, especially the passing. I came here with no rugby skills but my mate Kelly guided me into the lead, I have him to thank him for that.”
The Saracens star that shone the brightest was former Manchester City and Everton triallist David Strettle, who showed that his finishing wasn’t restricted just to the rugby field.
Chris Wyles, who battled Strettle all the way for the title, said: “I grew up playing football in America and continued to play at school when I came to England.”
Watch the video below to see the players' efforts.
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