Ex-rugby star packs a punch in charity boxing match training (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Ex Samoan international Tuiliagi put through paces in Darlington ahead of charity boxing match

2:12pm Sunday 3rd March 2013 in News By Andy Walker, Chief Reporter (Darlington)

A FORMER international rugby star visited the region to fine-tune his technique in another sport – boxing – as he prepares for a charity bout.

Retired Samoan international Fereti ‘Freddie’ Tuiliagi, who played both rugby union and rugby league, was put through his paces at Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy on Saturday (March 2).

The 41-year-old will take on fellow ex-pro Colin Charvis in Ireland next month, in a re-run of their first match-up last November, to raise awareness for retired sportsmen who suffer from depression.

Paul Hamilton runs the gym, in the former Darlington FC stadium, now home to Darlington Mowden Park rugby club.

He plans to welcome Tuilagi back for further training sessions ahead of the bout, while the former centre’s brother, England star Manu Tuilagi, will also be visiting the facilities once his Six Nations commitments are over.

Mr Hamilton said: “Freddie is massively strong and has been an athlete all of his life.

“It is a really good thing he is doing for charity – his boxing technique needs building up and that is why he has come to us.

“We are teaching him how to box, how to move and it is looking pretty good.”

After his training session, Tuilagi spoke to Mowden Park officials and supporters as the club held a Help for Heroes awareness day ahead of the first team’s 29-9 win against Caldy.

:: X-ref sport