Ex-Bath Flanker Speeds Into The Guinness World Record Books

Former Bath rugby and England flanker Lewis Moody has this week played his part in a team effort to enter the Guinness World Records for the fastest interception of a rugby ball.

The record attempt, 'the world's fastest interception'  was simple, in theory.

Two cars each driving one-sided on only two wheels would pass by, while a rugby ball being tossed back and forth between the vehicles would be intercepted by a motocylist riding at high speed. Not an attempt for the inexperienced, or nervous of individuals.

Former Bath star Moody played his part by acting as an advisor for the attempt, working closely with stunt driver Terry Grant and coaching motorcyclist  Lee Bowers on the best method of plucking the rugby ball from the air at such speed.

The attempt was organised by the Rugby Football Union, in association with partners Natwest.

Bowers, with his coaching from Moody in mind, intercepted the ball and completed the task with aplomb, seeing the group officially receive the world record. 

The Guiness World Record adjudicator recorded the speed at the time of interception at 51.34mph, officially  confirming the greatest speed differential between the throw and catch of a rugby ball'.

Speaking to local media following the feat, Moody said: "I thought I had seen just about everything possible in rugby, but working with these stunt men travelling at such speeds and pulling off the pass at real pace is definitely something new for rugby."

Moody featured for Bath Rugby from 2010-2011, playing a total of 13 matches for the club with nine wins, three defeats and one draw. 

Watch the world record achievement in full below: