SOHK - Class of 2012
Thursday 3 May 2012 14:05, UK
Find out what the School of Hard Knocks team are doing with their lives after the programme.
School of Hard Knocks 2012: Where are they now?
The School of Hard Knocks uses the values of rugby to give unemployed men some direction in life by teaching them motivation, discipline and respect. The programme has just completed its fifth year in Tottenham having previously been in Croydon, East London, North Wales and Liverpool. The men take part in an eight-week course where they are taught to play rugby by World Cup Winner Will Greenwood and Welsh legend Scott Quinnell, along with head coach and ex-army officer Chris Chudleigh. Along with rugby the team are exposed to specialists in a variety of areas to help get them ready for full-time employment and to inspire them in their lives. Over the years these have included Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, David Haye, Shaun Edwards, Scott Parker and psychologist Paul Boross. At the end of the eight weeks the team play their final game of rugby and more importantly take part in a jobs fair to give them the best possible chance of getting back into full-time employment.On this new page we will keep you up to date with what the team are doing now with their lives as they get started with work or continue their hunt for employment.
COLIN: The 38-year-old was the life and soul of this year's team. His daily gags at training always kept spirits high and he's continuing to pursue his dream of being a stand-up comedian. He runs a night at the Mascara bar in Stoke Newington performing stand up along with other comedians and has performed at The Comedy Store's 'gongs' night since the course finished. Colin has experience in acting for both films and the stage and continues to act part time. However he is still actively looking for full-time employment.
MICHAEL FINNEGAN: 'Finn' was a key leader in this year's team. He has just started his rugby coaching badges through Saracens' Community programme and Hitz rugby and will be working for them once he is qualified. He is looking for full-time employment and continues to play rugby.
PEDRO: The appointment of Pedro as captain changed the entire dynamic of this year's team, bringing a previously fractious group together. Will Greenwood believes his team talk before the final match is one of the most inspiring he has ever heard. Pedro is currently studying for an HND in IT at London School of Science and Technology. He is hoping to get CISCO qualified as well and is seeking sponsorship and an internship to help him achieve these goals. He continues to play rugby.
LEE AND JACK CANNON: Lee and brother Jack were recruited to School of Hard Knocks by fitness mentor Michael Henderson after meeting them on the streets of Wood Green. They were two of the most committed members of the team there every day without fail.. Both brothers are now working for Paddy Power after impressing them at the jobs fair. Lee has joined Saracens Amateurs rugby team since the course finished.
LOUIS: Scorer of the team's first ever try in the match against the Met Police, Louis has continued to play rugby after the course finished. He works as a DJ regularly but is available for full-time work opportunities.
ANTHONY: Anthony was one of this year's great success stories after turning his anger issues around with the help of team psychologist Paul Boross. His willingness to change and apologise to the team was another key reason to bring them together. He has been working in security and as a chef and has now started a full-time job with Paddy Power. Anthony has always been a keen rugby player and that continues today despite an injury ruling him out for the season.
BRUNO: The undoubted star of this year's team, Bruno has arranged with London Welsh Director of Rugby Lyn Jones to visit the club regularly so they can help monitor his progress while he picks up as much experience elsewhere playing rugby. He has formed a strong bond with fitness mentor Michael Henderson whom he trains with three times a week. Michael is also training Bruno to be a fitness instructor. He remains close friends with James and Finn.
DANIEL: Daniel was close to being named captain for this year's team with Scott Quinnell believing he 'has more heart than the rest of them put together'. He has been working part time in construction since the course finished but an ankle injury playing for Saracens Amateurs has put a halt on that while he recovers. Daniel hopes to re-join the army in 2013 but is looking for full- time work.
HAMISH: Hamish's experience at scrum-half and combination with James at fly-half made a real difference to this year's team. Hamish has been working part time in construction since the course finished but is looking for full-time opportunities. He continues to play rugby.
JAMES: James previous rugby experience was a huge bonus to the team and he was able to use this to help others learn the game. James accepted an internship with Grant Thornton after impressing them at the jobs fair. He excelled in this position but ultimately decided it wasn't the career path for him. He is going to take his rugby coaching badges and is looking into doing a PGCE. James has a degree from Leeds University in Business Management and is available for full-time work.
JAMAL: Jamal, man of the match in the final game against Haringey, is being sponsored by Grant Thornton, after impressing them at the jobs fair, to get his own music business up and running. Having grown up in the North London area, he's a popular member of the local community and hosts his own events at local venues which include talent shows and musical functions.
KOFI: Over the eight week course, Kofi picked up rugby very quickly to form a potent centre combination with Jamal. Always present with a smile on his face, Kofi studied at Kingston University, and has experience in IT and business management and is looking to get sponsorship to help finish his degree. He is still looking for full-time employment.
SHAUN: Shaun showed huge improvement in his rugby over the eight-week course and started the final game, making some crucial tackles. He was the strong man of the team with his experience as a fitness instructor and having previously competed as a body builder. Shaun has been working full time in metal distribution since finishing Hard Knocks.
DEMETRIUS: Demetrius, or 'Dimmy' as he was more affectionately known, forced his way into the starting team for the final match through his sheer determination and commitment to the course. He formed strong bonds on the pitch with back's coach Will Greenwood and off the pitch with team psychologist Paul Boross. Demetrius has experience working in gyms and is currently doing work experience with personal training specialists The Foundry. He is looking for full-time employment.
JAVEL: Javel had never played rugby before School of Hard Knocks and loved the release rugby gave him. With a larger squad than previous years his duel with Demetrius for the full-back slot made compelling viewing. Since finishing the course Javel has accepted a job offer from Paddy Power after impressing them at the jobs fair.
ANDY: Although not physically suited to the sport of rugby, Andy understood the theory of School Of Hard Knocks and the opportunity that it presented having attended every session throughout the series. He has been CAD qualified for 15 years, has worked as a CAD technician for investment banks and architects and has a second-class degree. He is looking for full-time employment.
