Jason Kelce joins London amateur rugby match after lesson from Joe Marler

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce played in a London amateur rugby union match on Wednesday, joining Old Streetonians for a 30-minute friendly against Hackney RFC. BBC Sport reported that the Hackney players arrived to discover the former Super Bowl winner among their opponents, with another former Eagles player, Beau Allen, also taking part in the visit to Hackney Marshes.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JrV2IP3Hjs

Kelce, 38, spent 13 seasons with Philadelphia before retiring in 2024. He and Allen were members of the Eagles team that won the Super Bowl in 2018, while Kelce earned seven Pro Bowl selections during his NFL career. He is now trying different sports for his YouTube channel and received a rugby lesson from former England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler.

The transition involved learning rules as well as adapting his physical skills. Hackney prop Dave Lewis told BBC Sport that Kelce was penalised early on after going around the back of a ruck and picking up the ball. Lewis also described handing off Kelce during one exchange, before finding himself on the receiving end when the former NFL player later carried the ball into contact.

Hackney full-back Peter Scott said Kelce was used at number eight and appeared to adjust quickly. Scott noted details of his ball-carrying and scrum positioning that still needed work, but said he did not look out of place. He particularly highlighted Kelce's ability to keep driving his legs after contact, describing the explosive power he brought to the game.

Kelce's trip also includes duties connected to his former sport. According to BBC Sport, he is in England to commentate on Sunday's NFL game between Philadelphia and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The rugby appearance was a local friendly during that visit.

Old Streetonians chairman Will Gilgrass said Kelce and Allen stayed with the players at a local pub afterwards and joined in the club's initiation activities. Kelce's film crew also interviewed Hackney players after the match, asking how he had performed and which differences between the sports would be useful to explain to an NFL audience.