Talking Rugby Union caught up with legendary Sale Sharks Winger Steve Hanley
1. How do you think Sale Sharks season went this year?
Very Average, things took a turn for the better in January and the signings for next season look brilliant. Top 6 next year!
2.How did you get into rugby?
My Dad, through my Junior club As patria in Cumbria
3. Who is the quickest player you have played with and played against?
Probably Jason Robinson over 10 yards, against Tom Varndell
4. Who is the toughest player you have played against?
Inga Tuigimala
5. Sale Sharks are going through a big transition phase at the moment with big players like Charlie Hodgson leaving but great players in Andy Powell and Tony Buckley amongst others joining the club. What are your thoughts on the new players and players leaving?
Next season is looking very bright, as a back looking forward to watching Tuitupou.
6. How was it making your international debut against Wales and scoring a try?
Bizzare, looking back I made my England debut in the same season I played 4th division rugby for Aspatria
7. What is the best stadium you have ever played in?
Wembley/Twickenham
8. What advice would you give to youngsters?
You have to want it, if you don't there is always someone else hungrier
9. After retiring you started working for Sale Sharks, what is your role and what does it entail?
Business development role working with Manchester business community
10. Who is your rugby hero?
Rory Underwood
11. How do you think England will get on in the Rugby World Cup 2011?
World Cup Final
12. What players do you enjoy watching in the Aviva Premiership at the moment?
Manu Tuilagi, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden
13. What was your career highlight?
Cap v Wales, Premiership and Euro winners with Sale
14. You have played in the same team as some fantastic players such as Jason Robinson, Luke McAlister, Sebastian Chabal amongst many many others, who was the best?
Jason Robinson, best player to ever play the game in my eyes
15. This year in the Aviva Premiership the Northern Teams were at the bottom of the table, what can be done to improve Rugby Union up in the North of England to get a bigger following and to improve the teams?
To get bigger following you need to be successful on the field, to do that the club needs to be run correct off the field. If one is wrong it's a vicious circle.
16. Would you ever be interested in going into coaching?
Maybe
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination? Australia
Favourite food? Cumberland sausage
Favourite movies? Crocodile Dundee
Favourite band/artist? Oasis
Hero (who isn't in rugby)? King Kenny Dalglish
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)? Liverpool FC
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby? Golf, watch Liverpool, play Dad
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk? Very good, informative, easy to read good content
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting the Sale Sharks week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
Stay with us, good times are round the corner
