Richie Pugh Interview

There has been a big improvement this season, after such a positive start we put ourselves in good positions in both the Magners and Heineken cup.  But unfortunately we did slip off it a bit after the new year and hopefully we can learn from that experience. Its good now that we've booked ourselves in next years Heineken cup with a good win Friday night versus Glasgow and had 1 or 2 other fifty fifty results gone our way we could have been fighting for a top playoff spot.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I'm 27 now so hopefully still playing professionally, involved with Wales sevens and the Scarlets.

3. Have you any career highlights so far?
Getting my cap versus USA in 2005 was brilliant but my highlight is definitely winning the Sevens World Cup in Dubai  2009, it was such a great occasion and achievement for the team.

4. Who was your rugby hero growing up and have you got any heroes who are still playing?
Colin Charvis and Richard Webster for Swansea. Id be at every home game down St Helens watching  The Whites play when I was a youngster.

5. What career would you be in if you hadn't became a rugby player?
I love sport so would think it would be something active. Iv got a sports science degree so that would help. Maybe a fitness coach or PE Teacher.

6. You have played Sevens for Wales how did you enjoy that and what have you took from it to apply to the 15 a side game?
Sevens is a great game, which is quick and really tests your skills especially under fatigue so id like to think it has helped my 15s game.  Some players find it tough going from one to another but I think iv been doing it a while now making the transition ok.

7. How was your time at the Ospreys?
Enjoyed my 4 seasons at the ospreys, winning 2 Magners league and playing with some great players. Still got a few mates there so its always interesting come derby time.

8. What do you prefer playing sevens or 15 a side rugby?
I just love playing. Both have different elements which I enjoy but at the moment because I'm playing more sevens, I would say that.

9. What advice would you give to youngsters trying to make it as a rugby player?
Train hard and enjoy your rugby. Always listen to your coaches and never let someone say you cant do it.

10. Who is the best player you have played with?
Probably Shane Williams, the guy is so sharp and skillful, I remember training sessions where he would just carve up in a game of touch rugby.

11. Who is the toughest player you have played against?
A lot of good players in my career i've played against but more recently id say Leinsters Sean O'Brien and in Sevens id say South Africa's outside half Cecil Afrika, class player.

Favourite holiday destination?
Australia

Favourite food?
Minted Welsh lamb chops

Favourite movies?
Slumdog millionaire, Ironman, shawshank redemption.

Favourite band/artist?
stereophonics

Hero (who isn't in rugby)?
My dad, although he did play rugby for Swansea when he was young.

Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)?
Keeping a close eye on Swansea Cities promotional chase to the premiership at the moment.

What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby?
Looking after the garden and drinking coffee with the boys.

What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk?
Great new site which keeps you up to date everything rugby. Now saved in my favourites.

Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting the Scarlets week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
A big thanks for all the support this season home and away, always vocal and getting behind the boys.