Josh Lewsey Testimonial Year, 2007-2008

This scruffy, tough-looking, confident and cheery fellow swanned into the my office at Sandhurst almost ten years ago now, fresh from three years occasional work and much play at Bristol University; he wanted to do a deal with the Commandant over joining the Army.

Josh Lewsey was already playing regularly for Wasps and had been capped for England. He was playing the sport professionally, but considered giving it all up to take on the challenge of a year’s training at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in order to become a young officer in the British Army.

“Serve to Lead” was our motto I explained. If he was to grasp that wholeheartedly and to do his best to become as professional a soldier as a young officer now has to be to lead his men in these difficult and dangerous times, then I was prepared to let him off to play as much rugby as he could.

Thus started a remarkable year for Josh and a good relationship between us. I came to appreciate how much more there was to this young man than just being tough and scruffy. Josh was an excellent cadet, and I know would have become an extremely effective officer. He has what it takes to lead; he was focussed and committed on the job in hand, determined to do his best, most considerate in his interest in and care for others, always prepared to lend a helping hand. He was much respected and liked by his instructors and his platoon, and he never forgot them…..nor they him. I remember so well his first thoughts after winning the World Cup in 2003 were directed to his friends who were fighting in Iraq… and how they were having a much tougher time than him.

This attitude has stood Josh in great stead through the ups and downs of these last 10 years of rugby at the very top end of the game. His commitment and professionalism combined with outstanding performances and due modesty as an England player have meant he is a most reliable and respected member of the team. As a constant member of the Wasps squad he has become accustomed to winning ways and yet is always clear about priorities and aware of those who have supported him. After the Wasps won the Heineken Cup at Twickenham in 2004, Josh forwent the great celebrations afterwards in order to attend his platoon’s special gathering at Sandhurst.

So welcome all of you to Josh Lewsey’s Testimonial Year. I hope you will enjoy all aspects of it; these reflect Josh’s love for the ‘great game’.

The charities that are being supported through the testimonial year are close to Josh's heart and reflect those aspects of his life.

The funds raised will go towards caring for those who have given so much for the nation and to the game, and to nurture the young, especially those who would not otherwise have the opportunity...in order to encourage and train them to get as much enjoyment out of 'the great game ' as we all have.

Major General Arthur Denaro CBE

Position: Fullback, Wing, Centre

Amateur clubs
Amersham & Chiltern, Bristol, Wasps

Professional clubs
Bristol
London Wasps

National team(s)		Caps (points)
1998-2005	England	45(105)
	British & Irish Lions	3 appearances (10)

7's National teams
2002- England