SALVATION OF THE WARRIOR
Hogg is back and it’s thanks to Black
HE HELPED to mastermind Jonny Wilkinson’s success- strewn career. So it’ s little wonder that one of Scotland’s most explosive talents f ound himself knocking on his door when his career threatened to veer off the expected road to stardom.
Steve Black will be unknown to many north of the border but t here’s no doubting hi s credentials. Alongside Wilkinson, Rob Andrew and Graham Henry are both confirmed admirers of his work.
So for Stuart Hogg, he was a logical solution as he attempted to right the wrongs of the previous 12 months.
The full-back’s fall- out with Glasgow Warriors and subsequent omissions from their line-up at a crucial juncture in last season’s campaign was well documented. As has his revival been this campaign.
A place in Gregor Townsend’s starting XV for the Pro12 Final against Munster on Saturday seems assured — and that’s in no small way down to Black (right).
‘ Steve is a great, inspirational type of guy — who worked with the likes of Jonny Wilkinson — and has helped me a l ot,’ admitted Hogg.
‘It killed me ( missing out last year). Not being involved in the semi-final and then the Final, the two biggest games ever for the club, left me very disappointed.
‘There were reasons for why I didn’t play but I’ve learned and I’ve moved on. At times, I just fell out of love with the game last year but I enjoy it a lot better right now.
‘Being young and inexperienced, emotions play a massive part but it is how you channel those emotions and are able to use them in a positive manner. Steve has helped me do that and I’m now a lot calmer than I used to be.’
Black worked as a conditioning coach and motivational guru within the dressing room at Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United when they were promoted to the Premiership in 1992 and also later with Sunderland when Peter Reid was in charge.
It was his time with Newcastle Falcons that introduced him to Wilkinson and l ed to his involvement with Henry, Wales and then the British & Irish Lions. It’s an impressive CV.
In an interview with Rugby World magazine, Wilkinson enthused: ‘It is difficult to narr ow down what Blackie’s strengths are because there are no weaknesses. His class is his ridiculous knowledge, his thirst for gaining more and his ability to apply it all to an athlete. Blackie treats everybody as an individual and has always found the best way to help me to get better, just by being myself.’ Heady praise, indeed. For his part,
the Geordie, who worked as a nightclub bouncer when he was just 16, believes the best has yet to come from his latest pupil — which must be music to the ears of all in Scottish rugby.
‘Stuart is a fantastic guy and he is going to get even better than he is just now,’ said Black. ‘I have loved working with him this season and he is a top player who will enjoy playing in the Final.’
Hogg is not short in terms of mentors, however. Former Scotland and Lions centre Jim Renwick is a more than solid addition.
‘He is another I see as often as I can,’ said the Borderer. ‘I try to get home when I can and see the boys down at Mansfield Park, and Jim tends to be there most weeks.’
With the Final being played at a neutral venue in Belfast for the first time, there will be a battle between Munster and Glasgow for the hearts and minds of the locals, who have already bought tickets for the showpiece event at the Kingspan Stadium.
And Hogg is hoping his family l i nks with f ormer Northern Ireland and Manchester United football legend George Best will get them on Glasgow’s side.
‘My dad has always wanted to find out about his family history and, to cut a long story short, it turns out that my granny’s granny was a Best,’ said the 22-year-old.
‘My dad always wanted to find his family and through being capped my links with George Best and that side of the family all came out.
‘I couldn’t tell you how closely related my family is to cousins and stuff l i ke that but my George Best connection, I’m taking it, I tell you!’