'I’m building my capacity and I’m in a good, positive headspace' - Big Jim's Big Interview: Rob Horne
Northampton Saints play host to Leicester Tigers at Twickenham this weekend, in a match that is not only a fiery East Midlands derby, but also an opportunity for fans to acknowledge the impact of and to help support former Saint Rob Horne, after the Australian’s career was sadly cut short through injury last season.
Our man Jim Hamilton sat down with Rob to discuss his life-changing injury, the support he has received from the rugby community and how he thinks the game will go.
Jim Hamilton: There’s big news this week, around the derby, but I’ve got other news I wanted to chat to you, if I may?
Rob Horne: Yeah, go for it.
JH: Just talk to me about how bad the Aussies are at the minute.
RH: [laughter] No, no.
JH: They’re 7th [in the world rankings], what’s going on?
RH: Nah, look, I think it just shows the quality of the game at the minute. Everyone can beat anyone, and we’ve seen that recently, so I think it’s more indicative of where the game is at and how close everyone is getting.
JH: Yeah, definitely. I think everyone was glad to see New Zealand get beaten the other week. As I said, I know it’s a big week for you. Are you finding it a big week or are you just looking to get through it? How are you receiving this?
RH: Yeah, it certainly is a big week and it is big week because of the fact it’s a derby game. It’s a huge game for Saints and Leicester, and especially for Northampton’s supporters and community. It’s certainly one that is circled in the calendar and it’s one of the biggest rivalries in English rugby, now on the biggest stage.
JH: I played in six or seven derbies and the Leicester-Northampton one was always the biggest. I think in club rugby there is no bigger one, especially at Twickenham. A little bit of it going into this week is obviously about the story around you and I might even support Northampton, but don’t tell anyone that.
I know it’s been a tough few months for you, but how are you now? How are you physically and mentally? Obviously, you did your interview for Northampton and it seemed like it was still fairly raw, how are things for you now, mate?
RH: Yeah, I’m building my capacity and I’m in a good, positive headspace. I like to think I’ve been in that headspace throughout, so yeah, I’m going well and feeling strong. Just really happy to be back here and be able to see some old friends, and to support my club out there in a massive game.
JH: You say you’ve gone back in, have you stepped away from the club completely now? Do you do any rehab there? They’re obviously supporting you in some ways, but what’s the association now with Northampton?
RH: I’ve relocated back to Australia, but the club has played such a big part in my life, despite it being for a short amount of time. It’s always going to be a part of my life and I’m certainly a very proud Saints man.
JH: And again, obviously talking a bit about your injury, how have you found the profile around the injury and how the rugby world has got behind you and supported you? Has it been surreal? Has it been something you’ve taken strength from?
Or is it something you’ve wanted to shy away from? I know there’s going to be mixed emotions, obviously your career coming to such an abrupt end, but have you taken any positives from how the rugby fraternity has come together?
RH: For sure, it’s a massive credit to our game. The reaction, and you don’t just see this at a professional level, you see this in community rugby all the time, where clubs rally around people going through difficult periods or times. That’s the beauty of our game and I just think it’s a massive credit to, and real show of character, from Northampton and Leicester, given how they’ve both come together.
It takes a joint effort to bring a game to Twickenham and I just feel like a small act in what is a huge day for the game, having one of the biggest derbies on the biggest stage.
JH: What have the boys said about the game? You’ve mentioned the build-up; how do you think Northampton have gone this season?
For me, I think they look a lot more physical. I mean, Leicester – without speaking too badly about them – have been poor. What have the guys talked about going into this week? With the added emotion, do you think they see this as a must-win game?
RH: Throughout my career, I loved playing in derby games, whether it was for New South Wales in Super Rugby or Northampton, because derby games, they’re different. They’re special games. They will be up for it, but so will Leicester. Tigers certainly love playing this game, too, so I’ll be a very passionate and eager spectator to witness the next chapter in this rivalry.
JH: Rob, I appreciate you talking to us. From myself and all the guys at RugbyPass, we like to have some craic and not take things too seriously, but genuinely, we all wish you well and hope the occasion, moving back to Australia and whatever you do next all goes well. Really appreciate you taking the time out.
Comments on RugbyPass
Irish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
4 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
4 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to comments