20 Questions: Seb Negri – Hartpury College lock
It was unbelievable! I managed to come back from a pectoral muscle injury and got picked to play for Italy A in Romania. I played the first two games and out of nowhere I had a call from Conor O’Shea asking me to join the first team.
Not what you were expecting?
Not at all. I was just focussing on Italy A but injuries opened the door for me and I ended up getting my first two Test caps against the USA and Canada. It was unreal.
Do you remember anything from the games?
Everything happens so much quicker at Test level. To play with some of the guys I’d been watching on television like Simone Favaro and Lorenzo Cittadini was awesome.
What were your international aspirations before that?
I always wanted to play for Italy but I didn’t think it’d happen for another four or five years given I’m a 22-year-old lock. It was great for me to get my foot in the door so early and it’s given me a massive confidence boost for the future.
What’s next?
Hopefully I can get another opportunity at Test level but, as Conor told me after the tour, I’ve got to focus on Hartpury this season, finish my degree and decide what I’ll do after that.
Could a move to Italy be on the cards?
Joining Zebre or Treviso next season could be a possibility but it’s too far away for me to think about it now.
How do you qualify for Italy?
My father is Italian so even though I grew up in South Africa playing for the Western Province, I always had an Italian passport. I played two years for the U20s before moving up to the A side last year.
How did you hear about Hartpury?
My brother Thomas, who is also my agent, went there, so when I was looking for opportunities to further my career in Europe it made sense to follow in his footsteps.
Areas to improve?
I’m still young but to have that experience in America has given me the motivation to get my body physicality prepared for the highest level. I definitely want to experience Test rugby again in the future.
Are you getting some banter from your Hartpury mates?
Everyone’s given me a bit of ‘oh look the international’s back’ and things like that but it’s all good humour.
How’s pre-season going?
Very good. We’ve just finished our third week and even if it’s pretty tough it’s going well. Hopefully we can push for promotion again. We’ve recruited well so we’ll see how it goes.
Did you expect to be challenging at the top of National One last season?
We did expect to challenge but I don’t think we believed we’d get that close at first. I think we realised we could do it 10 or 12 games in.
What worked so well?
We just had a very good balance to our squad I think. The forwards were good and our backs, starting with Jonas Mikalcius, did a lot of damage out wide.
After finishing second to Richmond, you’ll be one of the teams to beat. How can you get better?
We’re going to try to improve on our all-round game but our game plan will stay the same. Hopefully the new players will get up to speed quickly but I fully expect us to challenge at the top of the table again.
How much will you miss DoR Alan Martinovic?
Alan’s moved on but Mark Cornwell and John Barnes are very good coaches and I’m sure they’ll take over the reins really well.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I’m studying Business Management so that could be a possibility or I wouldn’t mind joining my brother in becoming an agent.
Favourite cheat meal?
I do like a Nando’s but it’s not that bad for you!
Three dinner guests?
Steven Gerrard, Richie McCaw and Barack Obama.
Best and worst banter at Hartpury?
Des Merry has got the worst but James Forrester is the best.
Best and worst dressed?
Best would have to be Henry Harper while I’d go for Jake Polledri as the worst.
