England hero Slade cashing in with personalised video messages

Henry Slade, England’s two-try Six Nations hero against Ireland, is one of a number of rugby players looking to cash in on their celebrity status in 2019 by offering online customers personalised video shout-outs.  

Cameo website, which allows people around the world to book a greeting from a variety of celebrities, has a rugby section featuring a number of different players offering their services for a contrasting array of prices. 

Slade, who scored twice to seal England’s 32-20 win in Dublin last Saturday, is charging $60 for a message, which works out at around £46.

Other English players offering a minimum 15-second video greeting include James Haskell ($55), Joe Marler ($50), Christian Wade ($30), Ellis Genge ($25) and 2003 World Cup winner Andy Gomarsall ($10). Wales’ Gareth Anscombe is also available ($30). 

The American-run website, which allows a celebrity to keep 75% of the fee a customer is charged, also has a number of southern hemisphere big hitters involved. 

They range from All Black Ardie Savea ($80), Jesse Kriel ($40), Lima Sopoaga ($30), Waisake Naholo ($35) and Ngani Laumape ($70). However, the most expensive rugby player someone can commission is Andrew Fifita, the Sharks NRL players who is available for $150.

England centre Slade signed up on Cameo last October and he can be seen in a video on the website encouragingly telling someone called Fabian not to worry about a recent diabetes diagnosis. 

“Sorry to hear your news that you have got diabetes but it shouldn’t stop you doing anything,” said the midfielder who has become a regular in Eddie Jones’ side. “I have got it myself and I always made it my goal to never let it stop me doing whatever I wanted to do in life. 

It shouldn’t stop you achieving anything you want to in life 👊🏼 https://t.co/i1vtdOxNg6

— Henry Slade (@Sladey_10) November 2, 2018

“My top tip to you is just to keep testing your blood as often as you can, make sure your blood levels are right and then you will be just as good as the bloke next to you. Don’t ever let it hold you back. I wish you all the best for the future.”