As a rugby player, what is out of the ordinary for you?
For me personally, with rugby as a whole, let's dive in. I'd say positional play is reasonably unique. I play prop, so we’re right at the front of the scrums. It’s quite combative. You don’t really see many other sports like it. The camaraderie you build in rugby is very unique. I’m sure you’ve heard a few people say that, and what goes on in the changing room stays there. We’re a free bunch, and I think you have to have a certain personality to enjoy what you do as a rugby player.
Okay. So, you play prop. What made you transition to that position?
Nothing made me decide I wanted to be in the front row. It was something to stay away from, to be honest. I started off playing number eight, then moved to center. I was very lean and small when I was younger. Naturally, as you grow and there are faster people, you get pushed further up the scrum. I was a number eight until about 18. Coaches saw my natural aggression and willingness for confrontation, and thought it would be a good fit. It worked out quite well.
How do you balance confrontation with being a leader?
That’s tough because you don’t want to lose the aggression and nastiness. But you also need to understand that you have limited currency in speaking to people. You can’t shout all the time or people will stop listening. As you get older, you fall into that role easier. Having kids helped me a lot because you stop shouting at everyone. It was a natural transition into a leadership role, which is always developing.
What qualities do you see in yourself as a leader?
I believe I’m easy to talk to, despite having a resting bitch face. People have a certain perception of me from watching rugby, but when they meet me, they’re often shocked. I hear it all the time, “I didn’t think you’d be like that.” You have to separate the human side from the sports side. We’re in the entertainment industry, so it’s all a bit of a front sometimes.
How do you guide younger players?
Prevention is better than cure. I’d rather stop people from making the same mistakes I did. I always tell the young boys that there’s nothing they can do now that I haven’t done. If they do, then they’re in real trouble. Having made those mistakes puts me in a stronger position when I speak to young players. I go to a lot of schools and do talks for people from similar backgrounds to myself. It’s easy for me to relate because I’ve been in their shoes.
How do you adapt to different challenges at the club and international levels?
The transition to internationals is quite seamless because everyone in that environment wants to be the best. At the club level, some people settle for their position. In internationals, you’re there for a short, intense period with a clear goal. At the club, you go home every day, so there’s more of a human side. You have to be cautious and wary as a leader because you can’t always crack the whip. In internationals, it’s expected to drive each other hard.
How do you handle criticism as a leader?
People are entitled to opinions. I welcome criticism because it’s feedback. But when it’s mindless, it’s not helpful. The pressure can become tough, especially when you’re not winning games. You need to have resilience and apply yourself every day. Building relationships and friendships away from the pitch is important to pull through tough times.
How did you make the leap to open your own gym?
It’s an escape from rugby. The business side of stuff is a release for me. The skills you acquire in rugby prepare you for the business world. We want about ten gyms, creating a space for high-level performance with everything in one place. It’s like a health club where people can train at a high level.
How do you switch off?
I play snooker and golf. Snooker is good for me to switch off. It’s a difficult sport, but I enjoy it. Golf is also a way to compete against myself.
What pushes you? Do you reflect on your achievements?
I’ll probably reflect more when I retire. Winning a Premiership with Leicester was great, but I want to bring a trophy back to Bristol. That’s my goal as a Bristolian.
Who inspires you?
Everyone in different capacities. I get inspiration from kids in Bristol, my teammates, and people who go above and beyond. I need to make everything personal, and that drives me.
What does success look like for you?
Winning a Six Nations and being part of the Lions tour. Every day, I aim to be better and more consistent. I want to have a positive impact on the team.
What triggers you to take on new challenges?
I take things personally. During the Covid block, I felt players weren’t represented well, so I took action. I want everyone to be treated fairly.
If you could do any other sport, what would it be?
I’d love to be good at the 100 meters, but realistically, maybe weightlifting or judo.
How do you overcome setbacks?
You need resilience and to apply yourself every day. Building relationships and having someone to take the brunt and create a movement is crucial.
What are three leadership qualities you admire?
Hard work, selflessness, and adaptability. A good leader puts the team before themselves and can adapt to different situations seamlessly.
What do you love about rugby?
The emotional side before a game, knowing it’s going to be tough but being willing to muck in with your teammates.
