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John Carney

Retired international finds new challenge as a stunt double in fantasy film series

When most international players retire they usually take up a career in the media, start  a PR consultancy or  live off their former glories. No such cliches for Martin Bayfield - he became a stunt double for actor Robbie Coltrane.

At 2.08 metres tall, the former police officer is one of the tallest players in the history of the game. During his playing career he played lock forward for Northampton, Bedford and England.

In the process he garnered 31 caps for England and three Lions caps against New Zealand in 1993.

Since retirement, Bayfield, 40, has worked as a journalist, an after-dinner speaker and, most interestingly, has appeared in the Harry Potter films playing the half-giant Hagrid, normally played by Robbie Coltrane, in longer shots which need to emphasise Hagrid's height.

Typecasting at its best, but it is nice work if you can get it.

'I meet someone at a dinner and I was asked if I would try out for this role in the Harry Potter films, so basically I became Hagrid's [Robbie Coltrane's] stunt double,' he explained. 'So whenever I was needed I'd put on my costume and have a walk around. It was a bizarre career change, but it's been great fun and I've been doing it for six years now.

'The fifth one is coming out this summer and there's two more to film. Robbie [Coltrane] is great fun, very mischievous. It's a different world.

'I remember being on the first film and the director shouting 'Action!', and I thought 'what am I doing here?' But it's all been thoroughly enjoyable. It's not the typical career change for a former rugby player.'

There's no disagreeing with that, but he did partner Lord Voldemort, sorry England World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson, 18 times in the second row for England, so he mixed it with the best during his playing days as well.

'Jonno's one of the world greats. He was a great learner,' Bayfield said.

'If he had any mistakes it would only be there for a season and then he'd go away and work on it, and come back even better the next year.

'He has a very dry sense of humour. At times boring as hell, with all his bloody trivia! He knew everything about everything. American football, you name it, he could tell you all you needed to know and more.

'It would drive you nuts. I roomed with him during the Lions tour in New Zealand, so I should know. But he's also great fun and very charismatic.'

Bayfield was in town as guest-speaker for the 2007 HKFC 10s dinner last night at Sports Road and could look back on a successful playing career.

The 1995 season was probably Bayfield's best where he played all four matches in an England grand slam and was a key member of the world cup team who reached the semi-finals in South Africa the same year.

He played at a time when the amateur days were drawing to an end and the professional era was just kicking-in, but he has no regrets.

'I was a rugby international and I'm proud of it,' he said.

'I'm not going to whinge and whine about how it was for me when I played the game. I played the game at the highest level and loved every minute of it.

'I'd never feel bitter and twisted about missing out on playing professionally. I had a great time and feel fortunate to have had the career I've had.'

Of course all the talk now is about the rugby World Cup in September, and although Bayfield's beloved England have been misfiring badly of late, he remains optimistic.

'No one has ever defended the World Cup successfully so England shouldn't put any unnecessary pressure on themselves in this regard, and they should focus on the positives,' he said.

'We have a good squad. It's a fresh start with a new coach and new players coming in. They must concentrate on winning their first match in the Six Nations against Scotland and build from there.'

In short, don't expect any giant steps just yet.



Pottering around just perfect for ex-England lock Bayfield