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Todd Clever could make switch to WWE as professional wrestler - reports
By Ian Cameron
American rugby legend Todd Clever could theoretically make a switch to professional wrestling after attending at a WWE training centre in Florida.
The 76 timed capped Clever retired from professional rugby last year and paid a visit to a WWE Performance Center this week.
The WWE website states: "One of the United States’ most decorated rugby players of all time is getting an up-close look at the WWE Performance Center this week in Orlando, Fla.
"At the invitation of WWE scouts, retired flanker Todd Clever is in Orlando to check out the world-renowned training facility. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Clever holds the distinction of being the first American to play in Super Rugby competition. He is also the most capped player in U.S. history, meaning he has appeared in more games at the international level than any other American.
"Nicknamed “Captain America” for his many stints captaining the Eagles (the United States’ national rugby team), Clever announced his retirement from rugby last June. Prior to that, he spent 11 years in professional competition, including playing for clubs in England, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
"Clever is the latest luminary from the pitch to visit the WWE PC. South African hooker Ethienne Reynecke worked out alongside NXT athletes last November, and Australian wing Daniel Vidot took part in an invitation-only tryout in October. Last January, retired English prop forward Eorl Crabtree, the nephew of U.K. sports-entertainment legend Big Daddy, observed a WWE PC workout and took in an NXT TV taping.
"What could Clever’s presence at the WWE PC mean as WWE’s talent development team continues scouting prospects from the world of rugby?"
Clever played rugby at Santa Teresa High School in San Jose, California before attending the University of Nevada, Reno where he was also a three-time Collegiate All-American. The Californian was the fourth-youngest capped Eagle at age 20 when he made his debut against Argentina in August 2003.
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Latest Comments
i think Argentina v France could be a good game too, depending on which Argentina turns up. The most difficult to call is Scotland Australia.
Go to commentsSmith is playing a different game with the rest of the backs struggling to understand. That's the problem with so called playmakers, if nobody gets what they're doing then it often just leads to a turnover. It gets worse when Borthwick changes one of them, which is why they don't score points at the end. Sometimes having a brilliant playmaker can be problematic if a team cannot be built around them. Once again Borthwick seems lacking in either coaching or selection. I can't help but think it's the latter coupled with pressure to select the big name players.
Lastly, his forward replacements are poor and exposed either lack of depth or selection pressure. Cole hemorrhages scrum penalties whenever he comes on, opponents take advantage of the England scrum and close out the game. Is that the best England can offer?
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