I nipped over to the Scarlets stand this morning and was lucky enough to steal Rhys Priestland away for an interview – we can’t have the Scarlets boys walking around the Maes without giving our Llais Y Maes readers a little something now can we!
Ll y M: From what age did you know that you wanted to become a professional rugby player?
RP: Twenty
Ll y M: Really? that old?
RP: I used to enjoy playing rugby but just with my friends and the youth team and school team. But then I went off to uni to study and that when the Scarlets offered me development contract so that’s when I came back when I was 18.
Ll y M: What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
RP: Probably winning the Grand Slam in 2012, that or the World Cup
Ll y M: Has there been anything in your career that you’ve particularly struggled with, and if so, how did you overcome it?
RP: Kicking. I’ve never been good at kicking. I just keep working hard at it, you have your good days and your bad days but hopefully I’ll have more good days than bad days now.
Ll y M: How does it feel to run out onto the pitch in the Millennium Stadium with your red jersey knowing that you’re out there to represent your country?
RP: I don’t know. I’ve been asked this question loads, I don’t know how to describe it really. I get nervous going down the tunnel. You can’t really here anything in that particular area but once you’re outside a wall of noise hits you and you see all the fireworks going off and stuff. I’ve never experienced anything like it.
Ll y M: Can you explain to me in three words how it feels to have the home crowd sing Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau?
RP: Loud, different, and emotional
Ll y M: Do you have any words of wisdom for young people who aspire to become professional rugby players?
RP: Just enjoy it. Me and my friends when we were younger used to play all sorts of sports; we played rugby in the winter, and in summer then we played cricket and tennis. Just enjoy as much as you can and if you enjoy you’ll keep doing it then.
Ll y M: We’ve got a little ‘either or’ session now, so, ketchup or brown sauce?
RP: Brown sauce?
Ll y M: Chocolate or sweets?
RP: Chocolate
Ll y M: Chinese or indian?
RP: Oh, it depends on your mood doesn’t it? I’ll say Chinese
LL y M: Cat or dog?
RP: Dog
Ll y M: Salt and vinegar or cheese and onion?
RP: Salt and vinegar
Ll y M: Beach or mountain?
RP: Beach
Ll y M: Spiderman or Superman?
RP: Superman
Ll y M: And finally, tea or coffee?
RP: I don’t drink either
I’ve supported Wales and the Scarlets (with some encouragement from my Dad) since I was a little girl and it was lovely to finally meet one of the players who I’ve watched over the years.
For your chance to meet Aled Davies, Steffan Hughes, Rob Evans, Richard Kelly, and Jake Ball pop over to the Scarlets stall between 11 and 12 tomorrow. Get down there early, there’s bound to be a queue of people waiting to have their photo taken with their rugby heroes! Don’t miss your opportunity to have a selfie with the boys; I’m glad I didn’t miss mine.
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