How did you get into rugby? My uncle Maurice McBurney was the only one of my family that played, so my interest came through him. I joined Randalstown rugby club…
In The Mag
Hotshot: Newcastle Falcons No 8 Callum Chick
Tell us about your rugby background… My dad played rugby at Newcastle and I wasn’t pushed to play, but I started at the age of about six and loved it.…
Hotshot: Scarlets fly-half Billy McBryde
When did you start playing rugby? I went to my local club, Tumble, when I was six or seven. I was there through the age grades and got picked up…
Hotshot: Leinster fly-half Joey Carbery
You were born in New Zealand. Did you start your rugby there? Yes, at my school St Joseph’s in Dargaville. My dad and grandad were keen to get a rugby…
Hotshot: Saracens prop Billy Walker
Tell us about your rugby background… My dad and older brothers played so I wanted to as well and I started when I was about five at Chelmsford rugby club.…
Hotshot: Edinburgh/London Scottish scrum-half Hugh Fraser
When did you first play rugby? At Teddington aged six. My dad was a big rugby fan and I was rugby mad as a child. What happened next? I stayed…
Hotshot: Yorkshire Carnegie flanker Josh Bainbridge
So Josh, when did you start rugby? I joined Guisborough from U10s because a lot of friends played and my grandad used to play. I had a season at U15s…
Hotshot: Ospreys centre Owen Watkin
When did you take up rugby, Owen? When I was four, with Tondu. I stayed with them for a few years, then moved on to Bryncethin when I was 15.…
Secret Player: “Pros jump at the chance to get blotto”
WE RUGGER players do love a drink. Often enjoyed – popular folklore pretty much has it bang on here – from unusual vessels, such as a standard issue boat shoe.…
30 Minutes with… Tom Varndell
Bristol wing Tom Varndell gives us an insight into his personality