20 Questions: Clive Griffiths – Doncaster head coach
Ecstatic. Very proud. We were affected badly by injuries so to come through that and win on the last day at Blackheath was Roy of the Rovers stuff.
Your view of the Championship challenge?
Immense. You’ve got Bristol and Worcester for starters, then our near neighbours Leeds and Rotherham. Worcester have four physios, we have one!
Where did you start out in rugby?
Penclawdd RFC in West Wales. Then Carwyn James was influential in getting me to Llanelli and I played my first senior game against Bath, for the old rag doll.
Was Carwyn an inspiration to you?
I still use his philosophy. Sometimes we fall into the trap of coaching by numbers but he would never, stifle individual flare and you could go outside the square.
Which other coach impressed you most?
Graham Henry brought me into international Union coaching with Wales and it was an honour to work with him. Delighted he won the World Cup with NZ.
Play any other sports as a kid?
Lots of athletics. I raced 100m and 400m for Carmarthen Harriers on the old cinder tracks and could do 100m in 11 seconds.
Rugby idols growing up?
Take your pick! As a full-back, JPR Williams was my inspiration. He re-wrote the books and invented the attacking full-back. Phil Bennett is another.
Replace JPR for your one Welsh cap?
I did… against England at the Arms Park in March 1979. He ripped open his calf and it was 3-3 when I came on. I missed my first tackle but we won 27-3… all one touch rugby!
Why head to Rugby League after that?
It was heartbreaking to leave Wales but I decided to take the money. I couldn’t get a job in Wales but St Helens came in and it changed my life.
League or Union?
I fell in love with League but I’d never choose between the two. Both have given me such tremendous memories and it’s been a great journey.
Best players played with or against?
JPR and Phil Bennett was a magnificent captain at Llanelli. Then Gerald Davies was a fantastic wing man who once said, ‘Well played, son’ to me after we’d played London Welsh. It was, ‘Beam me up, Scotty’ time after that!
First coached Union at London Welsh?
Yes, between 1997 and 2000. The club had been in strife but Kelvin Bryon got involved and we won three successive promotions to reach Premiership 2.
Best guys you’ve coached?
Jonathan Davies at Warrington was a great captain and I’d say the late, great Mike Gregory, too. Iestyn Harris was up there and I’d also say Jason Forster, an inspired leader of men.
Have any time to chill-out?
Not really. I used to play golf but now just enjoy going to the gym and keeping fit. I’m endlessly watching rugby on TV, picking up new things.
Any rituals or superstitions?
Don’t like seeing one magpie. I used to say, ‘morning Mr Magpie, hope you have a lovely day,’ but I saw ‘two for joy’ once and we got beat, so that’s out of the window.
Pet hates and annoyances?
The M62! Living in St Helens I’ve been over it hundreds of times and it’s a car park. I also don’t like people who disrespect other people and their property.
Anything you’d change in rugby?
Scrums. Nobody knows what’s going on. And make it two points for penalties and drop-goals because people want to see tries and entertainment.
Your view on the situation in Wales?
Sad. It depresses me. Teams like Abertillery, Neath and Maesteg used to get big crowds but where are they now? We’re piddling in the wind down there.
Donny’s realistic ambitions?
Looking to consolidate and I’m confident we can with the squad we’ve assembled.
You’re 60 – how much longer in coaching?
It’s a myth that I’m 60! Once I lose my competitive edge and passion for the game it’ll be time to put petrol in the lawnmower and do some gardening.
