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Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has announced that three of rugby’s greatest players will be providing live commentary for select matches from the 2019 Rugby World Cup at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Kiri.

 James Haskell will be at Soneva Fushi from September 19 to October 3; Jason Robinson at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives from October 18 to November 3; and Austin Healey will be at Soneva Kiri in Thailand from October 20 to November 4, 2019. Between them they have a total of 186 caps, and a wealth of knowledge and insight into rugby and its players. At both resorts, the matches will be shown in the main bar area, with the rugby legends commentating for all interested guests on a complimentary basis.

James Haskell, who recently retired from professional rugby on May 7 of this year, began his senior career playing for the Wasps (2002-2009 and 2013-2018). He is known for being able to play in any of the three back-row positions. James also played for Stade Français, Ricoh Black Rams, Highlanders and ended his career after playing for the Northampton Saints (2018-2019). He also played for England (77 caps) and the British and Irish Lions. James will be commentating on the following matches at Soneva Fushi: New Zealand vs. South Africa (21/9/19), England vs. Tonga (22/9/19), England vs. United States (26/9/19), Japan vs. Ireland (28/9/19), Australia vs. Wales (29/9/19), and France vs. United States (2/10/19).

Jason Robinson, a fullback and wing player, made the switch from rugby league to rugby union in 2000, leaving Wigan for Sale Sharks. He scored 30 tries in 56 international matches, including a try in the 2003 World Cup Final against Australia, which England went on to win. In the 2005/6 season he became the first person to win both the Guinness Premiership, and the Super League trophies. Jason made his England debut as a substitute in 2001 against Italy, the same year he was chosen to for the 2001 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. He was then appointed as England’s captain (the 118th captain) in 2005, in that same year Jason was called up to the Lions’ tour of New Zealand. He came out of international retirement in 2007 to play England’s summer friendlies and the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Robinson’s last game for England came in the 2007 World Cup Final loss to South Africa, when he was forced to leave the field during the second half, due to an injury. Already a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. In March 2017, Robinson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSAs). Jason will be commentating on the following matches at Soneva Fushi: all of the Quarter Finals, all of the Semi-Finals, the Bronze Final and the Final.

Austin Healey is a former English rugby union player who played as a utility back for Leicester Tigers, and represented both England and the British and Irish Lions. He has 51 England caps and two Lions’ caps. He played for England at scrum half, fly-half, fullback and wing, and was often used as a substitute because of his versatility. He is a famously competitive and outspoken character, gaining the nickname “The Leicester Lip”. He made his full England debut against Ireland during the 1997 Five Nations tournament, and toured with the British Lions in 1997, making two appearances. He has played in Five/Six Nations tournaments (‘98-’02) and in the 1999 World Cup. After retiring Austin went on to appear on a number of British TV shows, including Strictly Come Dancing and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Austin will be commentating on the following matches at Soneva Kiri: Quarter Finals 3 and 4, all of the Semi-Finals, the Bronze Final and the Final.