20 QUESTIONS
When did pre-season start for the Blues? We kicked things off on June 12 so it’s been four weeks now. We tend to train Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning which has been quite fun. What’s the mood in camp? Really good. The squad is full of great boys and even if the training is quite tough we’re coming along nicely. How did they welcome you after the move from Jersey? It’s an easy group to fit into to be honest so the transition has been quite smooth. My parents are quite local so I moved back with them which they’re quite pleased about. Do you find it easy to change team? It’s quite common in rugby with players moving around every summer so you get used to meeting new people. Bedford have made it very easy for me to settle in so all good so far. Does being flogged in training help form quick bonds, too? Definitely. We’re all working hard for each other and that creates a good team spirit pretty quickly. Why did you leave Jersey? It’s a lovely Island and it was a great club but I just felt like I needed a new challenge. I had two great years but I’m excited to be joining Bedford. Did the Blues’ style of rugby help you make your decision? Everyone who watched me and Bedford play would know we should match so once they called me up it was an easy option. Being local, did you play for Bedford in the past? I played in the junior section before going to Millfield School. I played with Elliot Clements-Hill so I’m looking forward to linking up with him again. Alex Rae is coming over from Jersey as forwards coach, too, so I already knew a few people. Where will you fit in the backline? I can play anywhere in the back three but I also signed as an outside centre. I haven’t played there since school but I’m excited by the challenge. What’s good about playing in midfield? You get your hands on the ball a bit more and with my pace I might be able to have a bigger effect on the opposition and set up the outside backs. Have you talked about targets yet? Not at all. Everything has been about fitness, gym and the usual pre-season stuff really. We’re picking things up as we head towards our first friendly game. When’s that? On August 12 against Plymouth Albion. We’ll have two others games the following two Saturdays against Saracens and Blackheath. Personal targets for the season? I picked up a stress fracture in my ankle last year. I came back too soon and did it again. It meant five months on the sidelines so keeping fit has to be the priority and then, hopefully, play as many games as I can. Do you still think about the Premiership? I played four seasons for Bath which was amazing. You have to have that desire to play at the highest level as a professional rugby player so, of course, I’d like another go but we’ll see how this season goes. I just want to enjoy what I’m doing. What did you take from your time in Bath? They had a great squad with some unbelievable players when I was there. I learned a lot from training with them but I came to a point where I needed to play to put it into practice. I never really got my chance for different reasons so I had to be selfish and look for opportunities elsewhere. If not rugby, what would you be doing? I’ve always been interested in property or something like investment. Favourite cheat meal? I don’t have a go-to meal but a Wagamama or Domino’s usually goes down well. Three dinner guests? Ed Sheeran, Michael McIntyre and David Beckham. Best and worst banter at Bedford? I’ve only arrived in the squad and I don’t want to make enemies just yet so I’ll stitch some of my old Jersey mates instead. Ross Adair was hilarious but Nick Selway was the worst. Best and worst dressed? Again I’ll choose from the Jersey squad and give Brendan Cope best dressed. I used to give him my old clothes so he has to be! The worst was Simon Kerrod. He’ll hate that.