Tim Barker Interview
1. How did you get into rugby?
My dad encouraged me to play as he played himself and thought I was getting too big for football
2. When you were growing up, who was your rugby idol?
Martin Johnson
3. This is your second spell back with Ulster, how do you think the season went for you and the team?
For me personally i was pleased with my season. For the team it was much improved on recent years and there are alot of positives to take moving into the new campaign.
4. What was your personal highlight of the season? Qualifying for the knockout stages of both competition.
5. When Ulster approached you was it your automatic reaction to return to the provenance? I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to return and I knew it would be an exciting time to come back with the squad being put together and the management in place
6.With playing in France and for Glasgow do you think that brings it something extra to your game?
It gives you experience playing different styles of rugby and I was able to learn from the international forwards these teams had.
7.You have represented Ireland at U18, U19 and U21 levels, are you still hoping that you can force your way into the senior squad?
You have to have that ambition but the main thing for me is to play as well as I can for Ulster.
8. How do you think the Ireland team will get on at this year's World Cup?
I think they will get to the knockout stages and then anything can happen
9. Looking to next season, are there any areas where you believe you can help strengthen your place in the starting XV?
For second row it's important to do the hard graft, have a high work rate and perform at a consistently high level.
Now just a few quick ones to end with:
Favourite holiday destination? Puerta Banus
Favourite food? Steak
Favourite movies? The Hangover
Hero (who isn't in rugby)? Muhammad Ali
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)? Football
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby? Away from rugby I like to read and watch movies and of course spend time with my wife and new daughter
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk? I am pretty new to it but it appears a great site for fans of rugby
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting Ulster week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
Thank you very much, you have been outstanding in your support of the team both home and away. The best supporters in the league.
