Brett Sharman Interview
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Talking Rugby Union caught up with Northampton Saints Hooker Brett Sharman
1. How do you think Northampton are doing in the Aviva Premiership?
Northampton are performing really well in the premiership and are really on the rise as a club on the whole.
2. Who is your rugby hero and why?
Zinzan Brooke, any back rower who can slot a drop goal from that far out is a legend.
3. What is it like to play in the same team as Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Fourie du Preez and Pierre Spies?
It was a great honour. The experience that the like of Fourie du Preez brings to the table is a amazing. All the bulls-boks help out the youngsters get used to the pressures of first class rugby.
4. What has been your career highlight so far?
My career highlight is more of a collective one- picking up 5 trophies in 5 consecutive seasons at both the Saints and Bulls has been incredible.
5. Would you ever move back to South Africa to play rugby in the Super 15?
If a move is on the cards in a couple years, it would definitely give me something to think about. I would really like to pick up a super 15 cap sometime in the future.
6. How do you think South Africa will do in the Rugby World Cup?
I think the boks will do well at the RWC this year. I'm sure they will be hoping to lift the Cup again, but there are a handful of nations all playing really well at the moment.
7. If you had to give tips to kids playing rugby what would it be?
One tip would be to never give up on your dreams. All players face adversity at some point in their career and it's how quick you can bounce back that is what counts.
8. Who has been the greatest influence on your career?
My father has influenced my career the most. He has backed me the whole way through, from development rugby to the top flight.
9. What would you be doing now if you hadn't become a rugby player?
I would probably be working for my father. I have been doing a business degree in Transport, so something in that field would be great.
10. Who is the toughest player you have played against?
I think the toughest player would have to be Butch James. He always seems to put some big shots in every time we play Bath.
11.Who is the toughest player you have played with?
That would have to be Bakkies Botha. I would never want to play against him. He puts in the biggest hits in world rugby.
12. Have you got a favourite stadium to play in?
My favourite stadium is still Loftus. It's a sea of blue when it's full and the atmosphere is electric.
13. If the opportunity came how would it feel to play for the England Rugby Union team?
It would be a great honour. I have alot of refining to do with my game at club level but I won't hesitate if given the opportunity.
14. Is it true you can play flanker aswell? do you prefer playing hooker?
I love playing hooker. It gives you the opportunity to steer the pack from up front. I played flank until I was 21 and I still love playing it, it nice having a loose role on the pitch. If I was to play again it would be as more of a back up role.
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination?
Seychelles
Favourite food?
BBQ
Favourite movies?
Any given Sunday
Favourite band/artist?
Rock Music
Hero (who isn't in rugby)?
Nelson Mandela
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)?
Arsenal
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby?
play lots of golf.
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk?
from what I have seen it's a great website
