RUGBY world cup hero and proud new dad Will Greenwood today spoke of how rugby helps keep his feet on the ground through difficult times.

Baby Archie Frederick Louis Greenwood was born to Will and wife Caro last month after she endured complications during the Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Tragically, the couple's first child, Freddie, died after being born prematurely in 2002, but Will, born in Blackburn and a former pupil at Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green, said that rugby has helped him forget the bad times.

Will, who now lives in north London, said: "It was obviously a tough time after what had gone on with Freddie so you can imagine the relief when a week last Saturday the little lad popped out three weeks premature.

"I have always found rugby a bit of a respite and try to play with a smile on my face.

"Even when I went over for that try against South Africa in the World Cup, the photo will show that in times of adversity rugby is something I have enjoyed and taken me away from worldly things."

The couple went through an anxious time when Caro suffered complications 22 weeks into her pregnancy.

Will flew home from Australia until his wife improved, and the baby was born soon afterwards.

Will, a centre for Harlequins, has now jetted off to Italy with the England rugby squad.

His grandparents, Susan and Richard Greenwood, of Avenue Road, Hurst Green, are to fly out to see Will playing this weekend.

Susan, a maths teacher at St Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst, said: "Archie is wonderful. He is a placid baby who doesn't cry very much! We saw him last weekend and he is just doing well.

"Caroline is doing very well too, and is very happy. She is getting into a routine now with Archie. She's very very grateful that they have got a healthy baby.

"It's all been an absolute relief for the whole family. William has gone off to Italy with the England squad and he can travel more content in his mind.

"We are going over the weekend and we will be going to support the team!"