Alex Grove Interview
Talking Rugby Union caught up with Scottish and Worcester Warriors centre Alex Grove
1. How does it feel to be top of the league with Worcester?
It was great to finish top of the league and to put a message out to all the clubs that we are serious about gaining promotion back to the Premiership. It feels as if it has been the longest ever pre season, with the playoffs in the back of our minds since the summer.
2. Is there a big difference between championship and the premiership?
Yes. The Premiership is certainly faster and more physical. Defences are better organised and in attack you get a lot less time on the ball. That said, the Championship has moved forward significantly in the last few years. I had a loan spell with Birmingham and Solihull 3 seasons ago and I've noticed a difference in the physicality and the pace of some games this season compared to then which is good to see.
3. Who is your rugby hero and why?
I used to enjoy watching Will Greenwood in his prime. He scored a lot of tries from centre and whilst not known for his speed, he had an abilty to effortlessly glide through defences. Better still, he always played the game with a smile on his face!
4. What has been your career highlight?
My career highlight so far has to be beating Australia with Scotland in the Autumn Tests 2009. When the final whistle blew, Murrayfield errupted and the celebrations took over!
5. What tips would you give to young rugby players?
I'd always encourage them to play several sports. It is important to have a break from rugby. In the summer I like to play a bit of tennis and golf, and whilst at school I did a fair amount of swimming training. Many sports overlap in one way or another so by pracitising one, it can have a positive effect on another.
6. Who is the fastest player you have played against/with?
I think it would be Marcel Garvey, I can't think of many quicker than him off the mark. Luckily I play with him, not against!
7. Who is the toughest player you have played with ?
Pat Sanderson. A natural leader and fiercly competitive.
8. Who is the toughest player you have played against?
Seilala Mapusua “ he runs hard and hits hard, plus he has all the skills.
9. How did you start playing rugby?
I started playing for Sillhillians RFC when I was 10 years old, my dad took me down there for the first time. In the last couple of years a few current and former Sills lads meet up to play in the Earlsdon 7's competition. Coached, skippered and organised by self-proclaimed 'morale officer' Will Ward-jones, 'Will's Eagles' have brought home the trophy the last two years.
10. What do you hope to do after rugby?
Tough to say because hopefully that's a while away at moment but I'm interested in residential property so it could be something along those lines.
11. What is the best try you have ever scored?
My favourite try that I scored was against Wasps, in February 2009. It was my first premiership start for Worcester and we went on to beat them by a single point.
12. If you hadn't been a rugby player what would you have been doing now?
I would have gone to univeristy and maybe studied a business degree with french aswel. I enjoyed languages at school and would have liked to continue them had I not gone straight in to rugby.
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination?
Juan les pins in the south of France. Can't wait for the summer!
Favourite food?
I do enjoy a curry every so often even though it's not the healthiest of meals.
Favourite movies?
The Hangover, Step Brothers, Wedding Crashers. Can't wait to go to Vegas after seeing The Hangover!
Favourite band/artist?
Tough to pick just one.. Oasis, Kings of Leon, The Killers
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)?
Aston Villa FC. I haven't been to Villa Park for a few years now but I used to go a fair bit when I was younger. My granded Ron Wylie used to play for Villa so thats my connection there.
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby?
I play a bit of golf, albeit poorly! Nandos and cinema once a week.. I'm also getting back into learning french, t's one of those things thats easy to forget if you don't keep at it!
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk?
I think its very handy as it covers all top flight rugby, it's just a shame there's no section featuring Worcester.. maybe that's something that could be added in!
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting the Worcester week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
The support has been great so far and it was fantastic to see so many Worcester supporters at Bristol at the weekend. I urge them to keep turning up each week and making the noise that they do as it certainly makes a difference!
