Change of scene and lifestyle no problem for former Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity star Danny Washbrook

The impact of coronavirus, then, is simply another challenge for the 34 year-old to contend with and he is certainly making the most of his free time.

Back-row Washbrook joined part-timers York City Knights from Hull in the autumn and so, for the first time in his life, also got what people call a ‘proper job.’

Granted, just like with the Championship club, he has been furloughed but told The Yorkshire Post: “I’d been enjoying it. I work in a recruitment role.

“It’s with a guy I know who works for a company that sponsors Hull FC. I got to know him through FC but he joined a different firm, became a director and asked me to go work there.

“It was going all right. It’s quite a new company – especially in Hull as they’re based in the north-east – and my job was to go out, meet people and network.

“I like that kind of thing. I always enjoy meeting new people at rugby, sponsors, things like that.

“It’s just working my way through my little black book and all the people I’ve met over the years.

“I was only a month in when all this (Covid-19 lockdown) happened. I did a week working from home and then I got furloughed.”

But Washbrook, whose career highlights are winning back-to-back Challenge Cups at Wembley with hometown Hull in 2016 and 2017, is not twiddling his thumbs.

He is nearly halfway through a challenge whereby he cycles 10 miles per day in his back garden for 38 consecutive days, completing the 380 miles normally covered by the Tour de Yorkshire and all in aid of Dove House Hospice and NHS Charities Together.

“I was just sat downstairs one evening once I’d been furloughed, helping the kids with schoolwork when my wife was at work,” explained the player, who has more than 300 career appearances since debuting with Hull in 2005.

“When she’s not at work and could help, I thought I could use my time more constructively.

“I’m not really any good at DIY so couldn’t do any house improvements so I thought I might as well help some other people out. I’d seen an article about the Tour de Yorkshire being cancelled and it just popped into my head.

“I recently borrowed a rolling road thing to do some training with and it all seemed to add up.

“We’ve been out to watch the Tour when it came this way (Hull) but I wouldn’t say I’m a cycling fan. I don’t mind getting out on my bike for a ride with the family – especially at the minute – but I don’t think my legs or bum are too much of a fan of it.”

What did he make of the stunning efforts of former Hull team-mate Ewan Dowes’ who, along with Paul Sculthorpe, recently completed a 26-hour Wattbike challenge in aid of charities?

Washbrook joked: “I rang Dowesy when he did that and said ‘what are you doing, making me look bad?!’ My 10 miles per day is miniscule compared to what they did but I was talking about it to someone the other day who asked if I could’ve done more.

“I could have but I’m trying to work it around my current training as well as I want to stay in shape for rugby; let’s say I did 30 miles per day on a bike, as much as it helps with rugby it will mainly help me be a better cyclist!

“Also I wanted it to be something to do for lockdown rather than doing it just to get it done.

“Obviously, we’re not sure how long that will last but I’ve another 24 days of cycling to do and it makes lockdown easier.”

With regards to life in the Championship at James Ford’s York, Washbrook is enjoying it.

He said: “It’s been really good. The facilities are great. We train down at the university so they are bang on. We didn’t get to play too many games (before the lockdown) and didn’t start too well in the league but we had two good results in the Challenge Cup.

“It’s hard to say whether this break came at a good or bad time for us; we felt we were just building a little bit when it shut down.

“Our displays were getting better by the game. But Fordy’s keeping in touch, making sure we’re all okay and staying in shape.”

Washbrook – such a great servant for Trinity from 2012 to 2015 – turns 35 in September but has this ongoing enforced lay-off altered any retirement plans?

“My dad asked me that the other day,” he said. “I’d probably decided I would have just this year, especially once I’d started playing games and was remembering again what my body feels like after playing every week.

“Last year, I only played something like once every three weeks whether it was with Hull first team, reserves or Doncaster.

“I didn’t feel too bad and that’s why I decided to play on again. But your body starts to remember when you get bashed around on a regular basis.

“We’ll see how it goes with regards to the season but I’ve not decided on anything yet.”

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