20 QUESTIONS
What did you make of the Championship season? It was disappointing to miss out on the play-offs but we’ve got to be happy with how much we’ve improved during the season. The club’s gone a long way since I came here four years ago. How about that amazing run of wins recently? Until we lost to Doncaster two weeks ago we’d won our last ten games including back-to-back wins over London Irish. We had a lot of injuries before Christmas but we always believed wins would come our way. Did you chance anything? Not really. Injuries hampered us but we always believed in our blueprint and as soon as we got bodies back our luck turned. Losing to Ealing on New Year’s Day was a wake up call and we knew we had to start winning if we wanted to make the top four. Surprise so many forwards are moving up to the Premiership every year? No really. We always had a strong pack and the coaches have been great in adapting our gamelan to our main strength. We have a forward oriented game but it seems to be working. Staying next season? I’ve signed for another season. I missed four months through injury so I knew it’d be hard to get a contract in the Premiership. But I’m very happy to stay at Jersey though. What was you injury? I damaged the ligaments in my shoulder and it was just hanging on basically. I had surgery in Manchester and got back a couple of months ago. What have you been up to for four months? I made sure I came back stronger than I was but my fitness has gone through the roof. I knew I was out for four months so I just got my head down and work hard in the gym. Looking to push on now? Very much so. Next year is a big year for me in terms of pushing to where I’d like to be. I’m looking to have a god pre-season and take it from there. Can you emulate Harry Williams? It’s amazing to see how far he’s come since he was here. He’s done great at Exeter and now he’s in the England squad for the Argentina tour. I played in the same front row unit so maybe I can have a shot next. Young forwards must be desperate to move to Jersey? It’s all about playing week-in week-out in the Championship and improving as you go along. We've had a lot of players moving the Premiership after playing for us and I’m sure it gets noticed. What are you looking to improve on personally? I’m quite happy about where I am at the moment but I just need to play regularly. I’ve only moved from tighthead so I need to keep playing. When did you convert? It was at the start of last season. I had a foot injury and we thought it’d be easier to play hooker. I’d been covering both positions for a while but it went well so I stayed there permanently. What do you like about the No.2 jersey? You get you hands on the ball a bit more and you get more freedom around the park too. That’s something I really enjoy. Where you at Plymouth Albion before? Yes, I was playing for Cinderford in National One and went on loan to Plymouth in the Championship. I then moved to Jersey four years ago. What were you doing before turning professional? I was a brick layer. I had to work after leaving school so I went on a building site. Must make you appreciate rugby a lot more now? Indeed! It’s great to now be paid to play the sport I love and I do appreciate what I have. But it’s good to know I also have something to fall back on when my career is over. Favourite cheat meal? A big carbonara after a game. Three special dinner guests? Winston Churchill, Freddy Mercury and Prince. Best and worst banter at Jersey? Jim Malony our S&C coach has the best banter but Uili Kolo’ofa'i has the worst. Best and worst dressed? best would be Rich lane but I give worst to Jim who’s funny but can’t dress.