20 Questions: Jebb Sinclair – London Irish flanker
We played well but the truth is that we didn’t play well enough to win a game. Five or six minutes in each game where we dropped the intensity cost us a lot.
Losing to Romania must have been tough?
It was but so was losing to Italy. We were close to winning two games and making it a very successful World Cup for Canada.
What’s the state of Canadian rugby?
We’re right on the cusp. There’s a good set-up with a lot of good players adding depth to our squad. The Sevens boys are doing great on the World Series too.
Where do you need to improve?
We have a lot of players and sometimes we don’t really know who’s first choice in each position which makes it harder to get continuity.
What about your own performances?
I wasn’t happy with parts of my game. I was pleased to go straight back into the squad after my knee injury but I rushed back and lacked a bit of fitness.
Do you have another World Cup in you?
I’d like to think so. I’ll only be 33 in 2019 for the tournament in Japan so it’s definitely in my mind. As a forward I don’t have to worry about losing a step of pace so I think I’ll still be in my prime in four years.
Gone back straight into it with Irish starting last weekend and scoring against Leicester?
It’d been a while since I scored a try so it was nice. We couldn’t get the win but I was happy with our shape overall.
Didn’t fancy a break after the World Cup?
We spoke before the tournament started and they asked if I’d come back as soon as our campaign finished and I said yes. With it being in England there was no travelling so it was easy. I’m sure my body will need a break later in the season but I feel great right now.
Wanting to impress Tom Coventry must have played its part too?
Definitely! We have a new coaching staff and all the players in the squad want to impress them and put a marker down as early as possible.
Had you met Tom before last week?
I was injured but I was at the club at pre-season. I couldn’t take part in training fully so I was keen to put my hand up quickly after the World Cup now I’m fit.
Do you feel a different vibe at the club?
There’s a lot of enthusiasm. We know we have a lot of potential and we’re really excited about what we can achieve. The coaches are building the players up and there happy for us to make mistakes as long as we commit to what we do.
Confident you can compete this season?
God yeah! With the gameplan we have set we’ll definitely be able to string some good wins together.
How long have you been at Irish?
It’s my fifth season. I joined in 2011 on the back of the Churchill Cup in England with Canada.
Was it your first taste of professional rugby?
I was amateur back in Canada playing for the Atlantic Rock while working as a landscaper.
What about that spell at the Stormers?
I picked up an injury at Irish and missed most of the 2012 season. Their backs coach Robbie Fleck is a good friend of Brian Smith and he asked if Irish had a player who could help out in the back row.
Ended up being a successful spell, didn’t it?
I stayed nine months, played 21 or 22 games in a row and we even won the Currie Cup with the Western Province. It couldn’t have worked any better.
Do you have a cheat meal?
I love pizza and I try to sneak one in after the games.
Three special dinner guests?
Sidney Crosby, who’s a Canadian ice hockey player, supermodel Gisele Bündchen and my dad, Graham.
Best and worst banter at the club?
Luke Narraway is pretty funny but Andrew Fenby is the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
I always get tagged for the worst but in my humble opinion it’s definitely Geoff Cross! And Fenby makes up for his chronic lack of banter by looking good.
