Talking Rugby Union caught up with Clermont Canadian Giant Jamie Cudmore who was a pleasure to chat to.
1. How do you think Clermont Auvergne are doing this year?
Not too bad but not great either , we skunked out of the h-cup after a decent start and have had some trouble on the road but i think we are starting to bring it together as a group coming into the end of the season.
2. Who was your rugby hero growing up?
Ah i didnt really have one , i didnt play till i was 16-17 so it was more hockey or skiing guys Mike Carney of the crazy canucks would have to be my favorite as wer're from the same town!
3. Who is the best player you have played with?
There are quite a few , but i would have to say here at clermont we are lucky to have a packet with guys like Naps , Julien Bonnaire , thibault privat , mario ledesma , and morgan parra to name a few.
4. Who is the best player you have played against?
ah tough question , I really liked playing against the AB's in the 03 WC but it's hard to single out one , i would say Brad Thorn.
5. What tips would you give to youngsters who are playing rugby?
Just to play ! don't worry about the drills and all the robotic stuff that's coming into some practices , just get out there and play !!
6. What has been the best stadium you have played in?
Well Stade Marcel Michelin is quite a spectacle full of jumping supporters , but for sheer sound and great atmoshpere millenium Stadium.
7. What would you like to do after you retire?
Thats a good question , if i dont open a custom bike shop i will stay in the sport somehow.
8. What would you have been doing now if you hadn't become a rugby player?
Probably still be logging somewhere on the west coast of BC.
9.Do you think Canadian rugby will improve and Canada will become a bigger rugby nation?
The tools are in place and theres a lot of good people working hard with not much support to make it happen. It wont happen overnight but i'm optimistic , already seeing some good young talent with the 7's program so hopefully we see the boys step it up in both codes.
10. Did you enjoy playing rugby in Wales?
Great time !! Learnt so much at Llanelli and Llandovery. Great people and i still have great memories and good friends there !
11. Who has been the toughest player you have played with and played against?
Another hard question , as im a bigger guy its always tough to play against the quik nippy guys , they can wrong foot ya pretty easy and i hate missing tackles.
12. Would you ever consider moving to play Rugby in Ireland, Scotland, England or Wales again?
For sure ! the rugbys great over there , the only problem is the weather. Doesnt rain too much here eh and i grew up on the pacific coast so im happy to not have to work in the rain everyday anymore.
13. What has been the best match you have played in?
Our French final win last year , after 4 shots at the belt we finally got the title !! What a party !!
14. What been your career highlight and why?
Above
15. How did you get into rugby?
Old boss proposed if i played with his local team i wouldnt have to work in the bush saturdays , next saturday i played. now i still work saturdays but i'm playing , not stuck in the woods !
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination? Langara island fishing lodge in the queen charlotte islands up by Alaska. most beautiful place in the world.
Favourite food? BBQ Salmon
Favourite movies? Anything funny , twilight so i can laugh at my brother ! (jokes i havent even seen it)
Favourite band/artist? Johnny cash , Motley crue , black sabbath !
Hero (who isn't in rugby)? dont aspire to be someone else , be yourself
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)? Vancouver Canucks , pittsburg steelers
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby? work on my bike , the house , play with the kid , dog and at the end of the day the wife hahaha
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk? ah looks pretty slick there skipper ! keep up the good work eh !
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting Clermont week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
They knows i luvs em ! Bisous