20 Questions: Sam Katz – Jersey fly-half

One week before the start of the Championship, all ready to go?
Our last pre-season game was last weekend. We’re off this weekend so we’re just putting the final touches before it all kicks off.
Confidence high after three pre-season wins?
It’s a brilliant feeling especially to beat Worcester last weekend. It wasn’t expected but we put in a good shift and it paid off.
What worked so well?
Our defence held very strong and we were more aggressive in the contact area. Our phase-play in attack was pretty good, too, so it bodes well.
Main thing to take going into the season?
We’ve got a competitive squad with a few players in each position able to add things to the game. We’re going to Richmond on the opening day which will be a challenge in itself. They’ve got nothing to lose being the promoted side.
Goals for the season?
It’s my first season at the club but the message I get is that we want to improve from a pretty good season last year. We’ve made some good signings and it seems to be building nicely.
Will you be pushing for the play-offs?
It’ll be nice but we’re not thinking about that right now. All we want to do is go into the season under the radar and see if we can build on our good pre-season.
Is there less pressure on teams because London Irish are expected to dominate the league?
Teams coming down from the Premiership are favourites but there are a lot of very good teams in the Championship and we’ve seen in the last few years how the favourites can struggle. There are some tough places to go to in this league.
Like Jersey you mean?
I’ve heard we’re holding a bit of a fortress here and there’s a lot pride in that. I can’t wait to experience it and that’s what drew me here.
How were the last two seasons in Spain?
It was a great experience playing for El Salvador and we did the league-cup double last season. We played the cup final against our arch-rivals in the Valladolid football stadium in front of a sell-out 26,000 crowd which was incredible.
How’s rugby developing in Spain?
People are taking more notice, especially since both men and women’s Sevens teams played in the Olympics.
How did the move come about?
I played for England Students while at Loughborough and I was hoping it’d lead to me joining a Championship club but it didn’t work out as there weren’t that many clubs interested in a young fly-half coming out of University.
So why Spain?
I had offers from Italy and France but I had a couple of mates who were playing in Spain and they told me how good it was. I took the risk and moved there in 2014. It went so well that I ended up doing a second year.
What do you take back?
I’m fluent in Spanish which could come in handy. In terms of rugby, I’ve learnt a lot about myself because I was responsible for my own training.
Looking forward to playing behind the big Jersey pack?
I’m a kicking No.10 so playing behind a big pack is great for me. It’s clear we have some big boys here and they’re hard to stop once they get going.
Still dream of the Premiership?
I have to see how the Championship goes first but of course I’d like to play in the Premiership. I’ve never really been part of an academy but playing in the National Leagues and Spain I’ve built some good experience. Hopefully I’ll cope this season.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I worked in finance while at university so probably something like that. But my rugby journey has opened my eyes to a different world.
Do you miss the Spanish tapas already?
I do and especially the tortilla which is a thick omelette with potatoes and onions in it.
Three dinner guests?
Jonny Wilkinson, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Best and worst banter at Jersey?
Ross Adair has the worst but Regan King is always good to have a laugh with.
Best and worst dressed?
Best would be Jake Woolmore while Nick Selway is the worst.