Matt Dawson’s Hilarious Rendition of All Blacks’ Haka

Posted on the 15 September 2015 by 72point @72hub

Former England rugby captain and Strictly star Matt Dawson has put on his dancing shoes again - for a hilarious version of the All Blacks' legendary haka ritual.

Matt, 42, and the Battersea Ironsides RFC were signed up by menswear retailer Jacamo for a choreographed spoof of the New Zealanders' fearsome pre-match routine.

Performing the 'Hakarena' requires four simple steps consisting of arm slaps, legs slaps, chest slaps and a hip wriggle to the specially created music track.

Matt said: "I thought my professional dancing career was over when I was runner-up in Strictly back in 2006, but as you can see I've still got a few killer moves left.

"I've taken a fair bit of ribbing from my old England team-mates about the Hakarena but I think there may be a bit of jealousy involved.

"I think England have got a good chance in the forthcoming World Cup but I wouldn't recommend they perform this routine before their games."

Marcus Bailey, 22, captain and hooker of Battersea Ironsides RFC, said: "We responded to a request on social media to get involved and it was great fun.

"A choreographer came down and showed us the moves and we all picked them up pretty quickly. We were all up for it and had it down in about 15 minutes.

"It was a bit of a departure from our usual training sessions but it was a real laugh and great to work with Matt."

A Jacamo spokeswoman said: "Our customers talk about how fans are the 16th man when it comes to big competitions and this is our way of getting behind the home side and having a bit of a giggle with it.

"The Hakarena video acknowledges the sheer might of the reigning champions, New Zealand, and takes a typically English, self-deprecating look at what our version of the legendary Haka might be.

"We want to see men and women doing the #Hakarena while the world celebrates one of sport's most exciting tournaments."

The Hakarena video can be found on Jacamo's social media channels @Jacamo and www.facebook.com/jacamoUK.

Jacamo provides clothing for men from S to 5XL, whether they're a prop, hooker, flanker or Matt's favourite, scrum half.