Rugby fan wins £250,000 with a kick in his socks

Jubilant rugby fan Stuart Tinner won £250,000 in a half-time ‘crossbar’ contest at a Saracens match at Wembley by kicking the ball 30 metres in his socks.

The JobCentre worker from Hertfordshire won the competition, in which fans had to hit the crossbar with their kick during the interval, at the game between Saracens and world champions South Africa at Wembley.

Mr Tinner, 24, who is a hooker for the fifth team at his local Welwyn RFC, promised to take all the Saracens cheerleaders to dinner if he secured the prize.



His successful kick was all the more remarkable because he made it in his socks, having removed his shoes for the attempt.

He was one of three spectators picked from the crowd for the contest, and was presented with a giant cheque in the middle of the pitch.

Mr Tinner, who is single and lives with his parents, said: “This is the second-best day of my life. The best was when I lost my virginity. I hope to buy a flat and a new car with the money. I'm going to go have a bit of a drink and make the most of it.”