Every young boy wants to grow up tall and strong. But for former England and Lions lock Simon Shaw, being tall can have its drawbacks. The six foot nine inch London Wasps second row has suffered because of his gargantuan frame. It was only recently that he managed to find a bed in which he could sleep comfortably. He read about a seven foot six inch monster bed that West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh had specially made by a firm in Bristol. He ordered a similar model which is now lying in state in his flat in Chiswick. Shaw was also refused entry to Space Mountain in Disney World while on holiday in Florida for exceeding the height restriction.

The joys of Space Mountain and the Runaway Train are for others to enjoy.