NEALE HARVEY talks to former Quins hard man Mel Deane about his job coaching Rio Ferdinand

Mel Deane used to pack one hell of a punch in the Harlequins midfield and now he is relishing the chance to utilise those pugilistic qualities after being enlisted as Rio Ferdinand’s fitness guru during the ex-England defender’s shock bid to become a professional boxer.
Deane, whose abrasive midfield contributions helped power Quins back into the Premiership following relegation in 2005, entered the fitness business following retirement and became acquainted with Ferdinand after the centre...