20 Questions: Ross Moriarty – England U20s flanker
Great, apart from losing narrowly to South Africa which was very disappointing. All the boys are getting on well and we’re staying in a nice place.
Doing much during your down-time?
There’s a pier near us so we’ve been doing a bit of fishing. There’s quite a bit of PlayStation as well and my room’s become a bit of a social area.
When did you get into rugby?
My dad (Paul) and uncle (Richard) were big influences because they both played. I started playing for Swansea schoolboys at 11 and haven’t stopped since.
That was a late age to start, wasn’t it?
I played in goal for Swansea City before I played rugby. I was quite good but found I enjoyed rugby so much more and made the switch then.
Your decision or dad’s?
He just let me get on with it. If anything, he pushed me into playing football, but I wanted to play rugby and it seems to be paying off.
Always been a back row forward?
I was a back until I was 16 or 17 because I was always a bit bigger and faster and scored lots of tries. It’s probably why I enjoyed it more than football.
Why change positions?
I just wanted to get more involved in the nitty-gritty side of the game. I made the switch with Hartpury College 2nds and it’s worked out pretty well.
Has playing National League rugby for Hartpury helped?
It’s definitely been good playing in men’s rugby. It’s helped with my confidence and last season I got a fair few games for Gloucester‘s first team.
A big season when you get back, then?
Hopefully. I had a few chances last year and got up Gloucester’s pecking order a bit, so I’d like to think I could crack on from there and play more.
What’s it like having your dad as a coach?
Good. He was at Newcastle for two years and I didn’t see much of him, so it’s been nice having him around. But he’s very professional in training and treats me the same as everyone else.
Players you most admire?
Schalk Burger, although I haven’t watched much of him recently. Sean O’Brien’s a big player in my eyes and, as a back row forward, he’s one of my inspirations.
Ever seen videos of your dad playing?
I’ve seen a few funny ones! He tells me how fast he was and how many tries he used to score, but I’m bigger than him now and he doesn’t like that.
How do you chill-out away from rugby?
Mainly with my girlfriend, Sarah, just going to Nando’s, the cinema or whatever. I’m not really interested in football now. It’s pretty much rugby 24/7.
You sound very driven to succeed?
I have lots of expectations of myself, yes. I’ve got very high standards on and off the pitch and want to be the best player I can be.
Favourite food?
Probably Nando’s. It’s the staple diet of rugby players. I do enjoy cooking, though, and my speciality is Mexican enchiladas.
Any superstitions or rituals?
One. I’ll never wear a pair of new boots on a match day without wearing them in properly in training first.
Best bit of advice received?
Not to be worried about opponents or people with big reputations, whoever they are.
Best and worst dressed in the U20s camp?
Alec Hepburn is worst, he just doesn’t care what he wears, when he wears it or where. Jack Nowell likes to look good but I’d have to give best-dressed to super smooth Henry Slade.
Best and worst banter?
My Gloucester mate Elliott Stooke is quite sharp and knows how to wind me up. Worst is Jack Nowell… thinks he’s got the chat but often fails.
Anything you’d change about rugby?
Make the game tougher, rather than softer. It’s annoying because I like watching the old school stuff where there was a bit more biff. It’s got a bit soft.
