Austin Healey has paid a visit to Bristol to give a helping hand to Bristol Barbarians for his new television series, which hits screens this weekend.

The former England and Lions star's new show, The Big Tackle, kicks off on ITV4 tomorrow – and features his trip to the Tribute Somerset One strugglers.

Healey was joined by Bath and England hooker Lee Mears as he set about dealing with the club's run-down clubhouse, their lack of funds and their desperate need to recruit new blood.

Healey said: "The angle for this episode was that Bristol Barbarians were about as run-down as you could possibly get in terms of a rugby club.

"They have got a big site, but they get changed in what can only be described as a nuclear bunker. I turned up there and was greeted by what resembled a scene from Tenko. I had seen worse changing rooms during my career – but only at Bath!

"There were a lot of challenges, but it was important for us to try to help their players get some pride back in playing for their local club. If we can give them a kick-start, then there is no reason why they can't carry it on – but the club was clearly in need of a helping hand."

The Big Tackle with Austin Healey is brought to you by O2 and ITV 4. It is on tomorrow at 7.30pm on ITV 4 and repeats on Tuesdays on ITV1 at midnight.