20 Questions: Rhys Crane – Ealing Trailfinders wing

Enjoyed the week off?
It’s been good even if we’ve been training. But not having a game will allow us to recharge the batteries before the end of the season.
Four massive games left?
Indeed. But the ball is in our court and we’ve got to take control of our destiny and it starts with London Welsh at home. That’s our only focus as we try to correct some things after losing to Bedford.
How do you look back at it?
We were leading 24-7 at half-time but lost the game 33-24. We let them dictate the pace of the game. We’ve got to change that and play the game on our terms.
That first half must have been a big confidence boost though?
Definitely! We took our form from our win against Moseley the previous week and it went very well. We probably thought we had the game in the bag but they were always going to come back at us in front of their home fans. We should have been better prepared for that.
What are you working on for the end of the season?
Our attacking game has been pretty good all season but our defence has let us down at times. We give away too many penalties which hands the possession back to the opposition allowing them field position to build pressure. We’ve got to cut it out.
How big was that Moseley win two weeks ago?
It was huge for us. Not only it was great feeling but it also relieved a lot of pressure. It gave us the belief we can stay up. Between the players, coaches and facilities, we’ve got everything on our side.
Went over for four tries as well didn’t you?
It’d been a while since I scored that many tries so it was nice. But the team played really well to get such a big win (55-15) and that’s what was most pleasing.
Three of the last four games at home must boost your chances, too?
We’ve got two points in hand and we’ll do everything for it to remain that way. We’ve got to take the bull by the horns and get the wins ourselves. We can’t just wait for Moseley’s results.
What would it mean for the club not to return to National League One?
The club has a lot of ambition and staying up will only help in achieving them rather than be relegated like two seasons ago. If we do stay up I reckon the club will go places in the future.
First season at the club?
I joined from London Welsh and I love it. They throw the ball around and the wingers are heavily involved which is all you can wish.
Won promotion with London Welsh in 2014?
I tore my hamstring tendon off the bone earlier that season but I managed to come back and get into the match day squad for the finals against Bristol. It was the memory of a lifetime but I’ve moved on since and I can’t wait to get stuck into them in two weeks.
Haven’t been lucky with injuries, have you?
In my last season at Sale, I got a nasty knee injury and I was released. I went to Nottingham where I did all my rehab but broke my jaw on my debut so I missed the rest of that season, too. I spent another year there where we finished second before moving to Welsh.
Where did it all start?
I was studying in Cardiff playing a bit of Sevens on the side. I went to a tournament in Amsterdam and from there I was asked to go on trial at Bath. They signed me up and I also ended up playing for England Sevens.
That must have been nice?
I was in the core squad in my first year and I ended up playing in the South Africa leg of the World Series. It was a great way to see the world.
Is anyone going to score more tries than Phil Chesters in one season?
I’ve heard rumours of him scoring 76 tries in one season so that’ll be hard. He’s really quick but he always seems to be at the right place.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I’d like to get into coaching at school level so be head of rugby would be good.
Favourite cheat meal?
There’s a big buzz around burgers in London so we try to see as many burger places as we can.
Three dinner guests?
Ricky Gervais, James Corden and Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallagher.
Best and worst banter at Ealing?
Tom Wheatcroft is the best but the worst is Chris Kinloch.
Best and worst dressed?
Michael Halford has to be worst with his shorts/boat shoes combo while I’ll give best to Sam Rodman.