URL: What gave you your passion for rugby?
SR: It’s a way of life growing up in New Zealand all my family and friend play rugby so I jumped on the bandwagon as well. Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to play for Counties Manukau – my province.
It wasn’t till I was a bit older I realised you could do it as a job!
URL: What is the story of how you came to Ulster Rugby?
SR: I got the opportunity to a preseason trial around 5 years ago. Off the back of that I got offered a 1 year contract and I’ve been here ever since!
URL: Describe what it was like to play for Ireland.
SR: It was pretty emotional! My family has strong ties here in Ireland and the opportunity to represent those people is a real privilege.
URL: Jacob Stockdale famously plays with Lego before big games. What is the most important part of your routine on match day?
SR: Getting enough sleep in and just trying to relax as much as possible. I feel if I over-think the game too much it can be pretty draining.
URL: What are the most important qualities of a back-row player?
SR: You have to be hard-working, selfless and having a good understanding of the game.
URL: How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
SR: Failure is a given with every sport. The key is to learn as much as you can from those failures, move on and improve.
URL: Are there any quotes you think of often or live your life by?
SR: My wife constantly tells me to enjoy the little things in life to and not get to caught up worrying about he big picture.
URL: What goals/ambitions do you have for yourself and Ulster in the next few seasons?
SR: Just trying to help Ulster be as successful as possible. We have come along way over the past few years it’s important we keep driving forward.
URL: What was the highlight and lowlight of your career?
SR: Highlight would have to be the chance to work doing something you love everyday.
Lowlights has to be good friends you have moving on from the club you’re at.
URL: What was your favourite sports team growing up?
SR: Counties Manukau or the Chiefs.
URL: What would be the one rule in rugby you’d change?
SR: The one rule I’d change in rugby would be to introduce the 40-20 rule similar to league. I think this would give teams opportunity to attack more with the ball.
URL: Who are your best friends in the Ulster squad?
SR: I’m pretty tight with everyone!
URL: What would you be doing if you weren’t playing rugby for Ulster.
SR: Enjoying the sun in New Zealand.
