20 Questions: Laurie Fisher – Gloucester head coach

How’s pre-season been?
It’s been long but very beneficial to us. As coaches, we missed most of it last summer so it’s been good to catch up on all the core work we simply didn’t have time to spend time on.
Did your Super Rugby experience help?
Usually you get eight weeks of pre-season before Christmas in Australia and then four weeks before the warm-ups start. So I’m used to long pre-season.
How do you find the balance between the fitness and the rugby?
We’ve started with the ball from day one but we made sure we had enough intensity in our rugby training to make sure the players improved their fitness at the same time.
Two weeks to go, are you ready?
We’re close. Our understanding of the game we want to play is getting better. We’re still making too many errors but that’s too be expected at this time of the season.
Sounds like you’re in a better place than last summer?
We were learning on the go last season and that’s why we struggled early on. We were working on our game as the matches went on. We’ve kept what worked well for us and added a few layers on top of that.
Given all the changes, was last season that bad?
It was below expectations because we were aiming for better in the Premiership. But if you look at the bigger picture. The way we finished the season and our level of performance didn’t reflect our eighth position. Winning the Challenge Cup was a great reward for our efforts.
What pleased you the most?
We never gave up and I don’t think anyone in the league could challenge us for effort. They could in terms of skills but not in our will to fight.
Plans for this season?
We want to implement a game that sets us apart from the other teams. The basis are the same but we want to be different. We don’t just want to be an off-the-cuff team. We want to be well organised and see the players at their best constantly.
Anyone you’re looking forward to play this season?
Billy Meakes who’s done great last season. Willi Heinz will add competition at half-back. Ross Moriarty has matured since his time with Wales and Paul Doran-Jones is a great footballer so hopefully he’ll stay fit.
What’s your coaching background?
I’m a school teacher by trade but I started from the bottom at club level all the way to first grade. Eddie Jones then asked me in 1999 to coach the Brumbies‘ second team.
That was your big break?
I applied for a job in the academy after that and I was there for three years until the forwards coach from the first team left. I was at the right place at the right time and we ended up winning the Super Rugby in 2004. I moved to head coach after that.
What about Munster?
I spent three years as forwards coach there. It was a wonderful experience to work with the likes of Paul O’Connell, Jerry Flannery or Alan Quinlan.
Did you play too?
Yes. 50-odd games for ACT and representative rugby at University level too.
Is there a place for coaches who haven’t played at the top level like Stuart Lancaster and yourself?
A lot of times, Test players are rushed into top coaching jobs too quickly. There nothing better than club coaching to develop your appreciation of the whole game. It’s all very well to know your position but you’re working with a team and it can’t be all about you.
Dream try?
A 40-metre rolling maul in front of the shed. The whole team would become instant legends if we could do it.
Dream players?
Israel Folau, the most outstanding talent in world rugby, and Kieran Read.
Can you afford them?
Yeah, if we get rid of 20 players and start playing Sevens.
Hobbies outside rugby?
My family is not there at the minute but I try to spend as much time with them as I can when they are. Rugby takes a lot of my time so I make sure I separate the two.
Best and worst banter?
I try not to spend too much time bantering with the players so I’d have to pick a coach. No one is great but Trevor Woodman’s got nothing.
Best and worst dressed?
I have zero fashion sense and to be honest I make a point of looking bad these days. As long as I don’t smell it doesn’t really matter. It’s better to be known for what you do rather than what you look like.