London Wasps' Stars Go Head To Head In Citroen Off-Road Challenge

SLOUGH, UNITED KINGDOM – April 8, 2010: London Wasps rugby stars Tom Rees and Serge Betsen recently spent an afternoon in a head to head off-road challenge. The action packed, mud-plugging event was arranged by Citroen, the official car supplier to London Wasps.

The players learned how to handle the four-wheel-drive Citroën C-Crossers on a tough off-road course and were judged on car control and smoothness of the ride.

When the driving had finished, Tom and Serge had time to discuss their thoughts on the rest of the season and who they thought had won the driver challenge:

How do you see the rest of the season going with London Wasps?
Tom Rees: “We’re still in the hunt in two competitions and we want to be in contention in both. We’ve set a target at the beginning of the season and in the league we’re tightening our position, whilst in Europe we’re in the Amlin Cup quarter final so there’s some big games coming up.”

Serge Betsen: “I think that we definitely deserve to be pushing for a place in the top of the Premiership and want to win something this year. I think that when we say at the start of the season that we need to finish in the top four and hopefully win something in the Amlin Challenge Cup we can.”

How did you overcome your injury?
(Tom played his first game for over ten months on 27th March)

Tom Rees: “People often think when you’re injured you’re out of sight, out of mind, but I actually probably spend more time at the club than the fit people what with the various rehab training and other things so that does take up a lot of time.”

“The frustrating thing is that rugby is still my hobby and something I really enjoy and I’ve been unable to do it. I’ve always enjoyed films and computer games but I’ve actually started learning the guitar. I’m terrible but it’s something that takes up the time, something to focus on so you can forget everything else but I suppose ultimately what gets you through it is that fact that I still want to play. I want to play for Wasps I want to play for England so once you make your mind up that that’s what you want to do you’ve just got to get on and do the work.”

Did you enjoy the off-roading?

Tom Rees: “Yes I did. I suppose like most blokes I’ve always been a fan of cars and various toys and things. Off road is pretty good, there were a couple of fairly loud clunks from the under side of the car but maybe I got a little bit vigorous with the accelerator, but you know it was good I don’t think I clipped too many cones.”

Serge Betsen: “I was very pleased to come and enjoyed driving the car across some tough roads.

It was quite deep sometimes and I was happy with my control of the car. I think that I did well.”

One final question, who is the better driver and who do you think won?

Tom Rees: “I’m going to have to back myself here. I can see Serge in the background getting very upset but I was told I’m very calm, very comfortable behind the wheel, so I’m going to say that would be me.”

Serge Betsen: “I feel confident but I heard that the judges found Tom to be very very good, but I’m not so sure!”

Q. So who won? A. Tom!

Serge Betsen: “Noooooooo”

View a video of the off-road challenge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04prGYaiUa4