We have a chat with some of the Nottingham RFC lads
Tom Barlow - Fly Half
How do you feel about last season’s campaign?
It was a bit disappointing really as we had expectations of coming in the top five and we actually did better the year before. But we built ourselves as a team and played some good rugby, as well as some poor rugby, so obviously we need to work on consistency. Also we didn’t get off to a great start last year which is something we aim to put right this time.
What reasons do supporters have to be optimistic about this coming season?
Strangely, the fact that we’ve kept the same squad should help us. Many teams chop and change a bit too much whereas we’ve kept the core of the squad together, only losing a few whilst also making some good additions.
Strangely, the fact that we’ve kept the same squad should help us. Many teams chop and change a bit too much whereas we’ve kept the core of the squad together, only losing a few whilst also making some good additions.
Why do you think rugby is not as popular here as it is in Leicester?
Well, Leicester has a Premiership rugby team. They’ve been successful for a long time and people support winners. If we can emulate that kind of success then maybe rugby would become more popular in Nottingham.
Well, Leicester has a Premiership rugby team. They’ve been successful for a long time and people support winners. If we can emulate that kind of success then maybe rugby would become more popular in Nottingham.
Where do the players like to drink in Nottingham?
In terms of town the guys last year were quite keen on Walkabout. The Southbank is quite near the club so that’s good for us to go to on a Sunday afternoon.
In terms of town the guys last year were quite keen on Walkabout. The Southbank is quite near the club so that’s good for us to go to on a Sunday afternoon.
What new signings have you made and how are they fitting in?
We haven’t made too many new signings. Some new lads have finished school or university and have joined us but they’re all fitting in really well.
We haven’t made too many new signings. Some new lads have finished school or university and have joined us but they’re all fitting in really well.
Where do you hope to realistically finish this year?
(Laughs) Well I made a prediction last year and put it this way I was wrong. I don’t want to jinx it!
(Laughs) Well I made a prediction last year and put it this way I was wrong. I don’t want to jinx it!
Ben Thompson - Fly Half or Full Back
Do you think the profile and popularity of rugby is on the up at the moment in Nottingham?
Well I hope so… part of my job, as well as playing, is to promote the club and raise our profile. Playing at Meadow Lane has helped as opposed to running around a muddy field in Beeston.
Which player would you say is the biggest fans’ favourite and why?
It’s probably Craig Hammond. He’s been at the club for a while and he’s a big Kiwi with an outgoing nature. He’ll talk to anyone. He’s also the captain and he puts everything into his performances on the pitch which the fans can admire and relate to.
Who would you pick out as one to watch this year and what do they bring to the side?
A new scrum half has just joined from Loughborough University called Chris Pilgrim, though we’ve nicknamed him Storm. When he was at uni they all called him Bonghead after the guy out of Hollyoaks he looks like. One day he said he was sick of it, saying he wanted a cool nickname like Storm, which has stuck ever since.
Do you go out drinking together much?
We don’t tend to drink during the week but we have a good crack at the weekend.
Daniel "Monty" Montegu - Number 8
What reasons do you feel supporters have to be optimistic about this coming season?
As a team in pre-season we're looking really good. Looking forward to being in, say, the to five competing with the professionals. We played Leicester and London irish which was a really good experience as they are top Premiership sides. Hopefully we can take this forma nd experience into the first games of the season to show everyone what we're made of.
How many protein shakes and how many hours in the gym does it take to build up a rugby players body?
Personally I don't take many protein shakes and have now been taken off weight completely as I'm 117 kilos. So for the moment I'm mainly working on other aspects such as my speed and agility. I do quite a few things like basketball drills.
Is it a case of "what happens on tour stays on tour" or can you let us in on any antics from your travels?
(Laughs) It's going to be a case of what happens on tour stays on tour I'm afraid. I'm a single man at the moment but erm... many of us have wives and girlfriends. Still, we did go down to Portsmouth over the Summer and spent some time in a barracks based there. They put us up and we had some really good night out. Lots of team bonding shall we say and high spirits. Heavy drinking.
Who's going to win the Rugby World Cup this year?
New Zealand should do but they're renowned for just choking in certain big games. You certainly can't disregard the French, particularly on home soil.
And England?
I don't think they've got a hope (laughs). Seriously, if you put a bet on them you're wasting your money!
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