England's 2003 Rugby World Cup heroes have signed up for a new ITV show which will see them teach prison inmates how to play rugby.
In the two-part Grand Slammers, the legends will enter HMP Mount prison in Hertfordshire - home to around 1,000 male convicts - and attempt to put together a group capable of defeating a team comprised of Aussie ex-pats.
Taking part in the challenge are captain Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Phil Vickery, Jason Robinson, Will Greenwood, Ben Cohen, Mike Tindall and Matt Dawson.
Kate Teckman, ITV's head of development for factual entertainment, said: "In this new series we'll see some of the greatest sporting heroes England has ever produced reunite on the pitch for the first time in 20 years to go into a prison and build a rugby a team with men who live their lives behind bars.
"For some of these England legends, rugby presented a positive pathway and an opportunity to fulfil their potential. So, with re-offending rates from ex-prisoners at an alarming level, these World Cup winners are engaging with young men who've made big mistakes to show them how the game they love can offer the possibility of taking positive steps to move forward.
"At a moment when rugby will be in the spotlight, during this autumn's Rugby World Cup, Grand Slammers will provide a revealing insight into both England's legends and the power of the sport that has defined so much of their lives."
Grand Slammers will air this autumn to coincide with the Rugby World Cup.
Neil Wilkes
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