Marland Yarde Interview
We caught up with London Irish and England u20 player Marland Yarde
1.How do you think London Irish are doing this year Marland?
London Irish have had a really mixed year. We started the season very strongly and was at the top of the premiership for a while but then went on a 10 game losing run in the middle part before picking up some of the good form we displayed at the start of the season right at the end. This is extremely disappointing that we have finished 6th place as are a top 4 side that aims to challenge for the premiership every year.
2. Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years time?
I'd like to think i'll be playing in the 1st team on a regular basis and hopefully showing off my talents with an eye of one day representing England.
3. Have you any career highlights so far?
Scoring a try at Murrayfield ion pre season and a try on debut in the LV Cup stands out strongly in my mind. Although i will never forget my school days when scoring a hatrick at twickenham in the Daily Mail final and scoring 4 tries vs Scotland 2 days later. That was a special period.
4. Who was your rugby hero growing up and have you got any heroes who are still playing?
I never really had any rugby heroes growing up as i never really played rugby much when i was younger but i do really admire Joe Rokocoko and William Ryder.
5. What career would you be in if you hadn't became a rugby player?
Not sure, i like forensic science and psychology so would have done something like that at university.
6. How does it feel coming out the end of a youth academy, has London Irish taught you a lot?
London Irish have certainly taught me alot and my rugby brain has improved massively. It is now about me putting those skills onto the field.
7. Have you any close friends within rugby?
I have built good relationships with people through rugby and i still speak to many of the guys from my school rugby team.
8. If any player could join London Irish who would it be?
Daniel Carter
9. How was it coming through the ranks when you have a coach like Toby Booth at the helm?
It's important that you have a good relationship with the head coach whilst still in the academy. He gives you a clear understanding of what he expects from you and that is important as an up and coming player.
10. How did playing for London Welsh help your progression?
It's massive to be playing week in week out and playing in the championship which within its own rights is no easy league has helped my game. You play with and against high quality players like Gordan Ross and Andy Goode.
11. Do you get time to watch any other Rugby Union leagues such as Magners league or super rugby?
I do like to watch the super 15 as there are some insane players in that competition although i dont watch too much of it. I like to take an interest in something else than rugby when i am not at the training ground.
12. What was the feeling like when you scored in the LV=Cup against Sale Sharks?
To be honest, i did not really think about it too much as we were losing by 30 points or so at the time and i was extremely tired running in from 70 metres out.
13. What tips would you give to youngsters trying to make it in the rugby game?
Stick to what you know and what you are good at. Believe in yourself and always be confident.
14. Have you got any a mentor at London Irish who helps you out?
My academy coaches Neal Hatley and Justin Bishop play a big part in ensuring that im always focussed.
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination?
New Zealand
Favourite food?
Anything Meaty
Favourite movies?
Lord of the Rings, 2 Fast 2 furious, Rush Hour, Friday, there are many.
Favourite band/artist?
Band would be Stereophonics, Artist Jamie Cullum.
Hero (who isn't in rugby)?
Brian Lara
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)?
Man.Utd
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby?
Going out with friends, socialising and going out.
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk?
Its good as it allows you to have an insight in the lives of rugby playersnowadays.
