| LEARNER | Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe described former England centre Sam Burgess as a "fast - - - " (7) |
| NEWZEALAND | Despite being known as a great Australian actor, Russell Crowe reaffirmed last month that he's only ever been a citizen of this country |
| RABBITOHS | South Sydney ___, Australian rugby league team of which actor Russell Crowe is a part-owner |
| NOUS | Big-time ___ of Sam Burgess can be vital to England, Guardian headline ahead of RWC 2015(4) |
| WASHOUT | A failure as a fast dye? (7) |
| TINDALL | 2003 World Cup-winning England centre now member Royal Family (7) |
| NEFARIO | Dr ____ , character in the Despicable Me film series voiced by English actor Russell Brand (7) |
| LESCOTT | Joleon ......., Everton, Manchester City, Aston Villa and England centre back (7) |
| GARDNER | Anthony ....... Port Vale, Spurs, Hull City and England centre back (7) |
| BUTCHER | Terry ......., Ipswich Town, Rangers, Sunderland and England centre back (7) |
| SCORCHER | Word for a hot sizzler of a day; something impressive, such as a fast "screamer" of a ball/shot; one who drives or cycles extremely rapidly; or, something severe or caustic (8) |
| CURLE | Keith ....., former England centre back now manager of Oldham Athletic (5) |
| GARYCAHILL | Former England centre-back whose teams included Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea and Crystal Palace (46) |
| SOL | ___ Campbell, former England centre-back (3) |
| BROWN | Wes ....., former England centre back (5) |
| RIO | Former England centre-back Ferdinand (3) |
| SEATONESELF | Park personally, as a fast one, or else go round... (4,7) |
| HARE | As a fast runner, he has a right to enter (4) |
| CRISP | As a fast food item, it's snappy, of course (5) |
| JACK | It starred Robin Williams as a fast-ageing boy (4) |
