Getting Ready for the Rugby World Cup

Who was your role model growing up and why?

On the rugby front, when growing up Carlos Spencer — the legendary All Black fly half — was my role model. He played a brand of rugby that was all about skill and unlocking a defence with his wizardry way of playing.

What do you typically eat before a big match?

I used to get very nervous before a game so I was very limited on what I could force down me before a match. Typically, it would be beans on toast and a piece of fruit. I also found mentally that made me feel lighter as I was less full. Some of the bigger forwards wanted to feel bigger and stronger so would wolf down poached eggs, toast, spinach etc., then chicken breast with pasta and salmon!

What’s the typical day of a professional rugby player?

We always had a very regimented day, which went as follows:

- Stretching in the gym first thing.
- Breakfast and individual analysis of the game.
- Weights/conditioning training.
- Group analysis/team meeting.
- Rugby training.
- Lunch.
- Analysis/meeting.
- 2nd rugby training
- Ice bath (I don’t miss those).
- Meal.
- Home time.

Boring things are dotted in there like protein shakes, too.

Tell us, what’s the worst injury you’ve ever sustained?

I have to confess to having several bad injuries, but the worst one was the career-ending injury I sustained. I got tackled from the side and dislocated my ankle, broke my leg, and snapped all my ligaments. It was quite a big fix-it job putting a plate in the leg, as well as rods etc.

What would you be doing if you didn’t play rugby?

I’m now retired due to the above injury and am working in Foreign Exchange. It’s not an industry I saw myself going into when I was running around on the rugby pitch, but it’s been good to get a taste of the real world as far as business is concerned. After retiring, I wanted to have some space away from rugby to get over the loss of not being able to play anymore. I have no doubt I will go back into it in some form in due course as I love the game, and feel I have plenty to offer in some capacity.

What’s been your career highlight?

I am lucky enough to have enjoyed plenty of success over the years but playing for my country is the natural highlight. Winning the Grand Slam with England was a huge highlight, as was winning the Hong Kong 7’s as a youngster, scoring a hat-trick in the final. I suppose another thing I’m very proud of is being a one-club man throughout my whole career. That club was Gloucester, where I played for 14 years professionally.

Any predictions for the tournament?

I can’t wait for this World Cup! I do think New Zealand will be in the mix come the business end of the tournament, but looking at the way England have performed in the warm up games I’m really hopeful that they will also be fighting to lift the Cup. There could be a shock or two this World Cup, and one that I believe could happen is Scotland not making it out of the group. They need to play the host nation Japan in the final pool game and the atmosphere will be incredible. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to see Japan hit a quarter final? I know I’ll be cheering them on.