Twitter trolls, Owen Farrell and playing for England U20s - 'Big Jim's Big Interview' with Ross Moriarty
In a new series for RugbyPass, our man Jim Hamilton interviews some of the most prominent figures in the games in Big Jim’s Big Interviews.
To kick-off the series, Jim speaks to Wales and British and Irish Lions star Ross Moriarty about his move to the Dragons, his past in an England jersey and his relationship with his father, among much more.
Jim Hamilton:Right Rosco, we’re in. First question, why did you delete Twitter? Mate, I was loving it on there.
Ross Moriarty: *laughter* Erm, I just can’t be dealing with all these people who, how do you word it, people who’ve never experienced professional rugby or professional sport and who have too much to say and know too much about everything that goes on. Obviously, there are a lot of people on there who do have good comments, people who have experience that I do respect, but it’s just the other side of it that’s tiring.
JH:So, it’s not because of the twitter trolls, but people giving banter and all the palava?
RM: Fine, banter, but it’s the people who think they know everything.
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JH: And do you feel refreshed for not being on social media? I came off for about a month and to be fair, I actually did enjoy it.
RM: Yeah, it’s nice. I just don’t really see the point in it, to be honest with you. When you’re younger, yeah, it’s nice to have it, you get a bit of attention, but then you get to experience what it’s really like and you just realise you can’t be bothered with it.
JH: Ok, good stuff. And on to a bit of rugby, so you agreed to join the Dragons in November? Were you worried when you agreed to sign how the results went last season?
RM: Nah, I wasn’t fussed about their season last season. There’s about 20 players who have gone on to other clubs and they’ve obviously brought in a lot of new players, so it wasn’t really the thing to look at for me last season. The coach [Bernard Jackman] didn’t really do the recruiting for that season, he was more about getting to see the younger players that he was wanting to see there this season, so it was a bit of a project for him to see what kind of squad he wanted for this year.
JH: And off the back of that, he’s brought in some good signings. Obviously, yourself and [Richard] Hibs. Is there anyone else in the Dragons we should be looking out for?
RM: There’s a lot of young players, like Leon Brown is a young prop and he played in the autumn last year and did well. He’s had a bit of an injury problem the last year, but I think he’ll be a big one for the future. Also, Elliot Dee and Cory Hill played a lot for Wales last season. Cory came from nowhere, really, and now he’s captained Wales. There are a lot of players there who have been, not overlooked, but they’ve definitely taken their chance now that they have been given it.
JH: You might not think it or know it, but being the club’s biggest signing for a long, long time and off the back of the Lions tour – and I know you were injured there – you’ve signed in your prime, do you feel added pressure to drive the standards and perform? I know you suffered a lot with injury last season, but do you feel any pressure?
RM: I don’t, really. I think if I feel pressure then I won’t perform to where I’d like to. I don’t really get myself worked up about who I’m playing against or I’m playing with anymore, it’s just a matter of I’m out there enjoying it, knowing what I need to do and applying it on the field. I think I’m comfortable with what I can do. I know what I can do and I know what I can work on.
JH: Are you looking forward to playing for the Dragons? I know a lot of guys in the past moved to Wales just with an eye on playing for Wales and to get looked after, which is rightly so and I’m sure they will look after you, but is your goal, I imagine, to perform for the Dragons and take them up the league?
RM: Yeah, of course. I’m not the sort of player who doesn’t play hard for my friends. There are players who I know through Wales at the club and I get on with them well, so I’ll always put everything in for my friends when I’m playing with them. From what I’ve heard from the boys in preseason, it’s a really good group of players, so that’s what I enjoy doing. Obviously, I love playing with friends, you know when you play with your mates you’re going to put everything on the field and that’s what I’m going to do.
JH: A little bit on the Six Nations, as well, I thought Wales did quite well? Mate, you don’t need to answer this, but the bosses want me to ask– one thing I enjoyed was your little ding-dong with [Owen] Farrell on the floor, what did he say to you when that was all kicking off? He likes a bit of a ta-do. Why did he go for one of the hardest men on the pitch. Were you telling them they were getting the wooden spoon, yeah?
RM: *laughter* Nah, to be fair to Faz, I get on with him. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, I’ve got a lot of respect for his father. I think he enjoys the physical confrontation and I do, too. Obviously, his father was a tough player, same as mine was, and they both came from the same era of rugby league and that’s the way we like to play. It’s always nice to have a bit of old school on the field, which I think is dying in rugby. We don’t really say much to each other when we mess around. I think we just laugh and it’s a bit of a joke, but we try not to hurt each other too much. Fair play to Owen, he played well in that game last season. It’s a bit of friendly banter, nothing more.
JH: Talking of friendly banter, do any of the lads in Wales give you any abuse for representing England?
RM: No, I think they understand the route I took and I make sure they know why I did it as well, because I feel like if I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t be playing for Wales. I think people who know me properly respect what I did and I’m not afraid to say I’m proud of what I achieved when I was with England and I think that was a huge stepping stone for me.
JH: Ah mate, I think it was. This can be off record if you like, but was it weird signing the English national anthem? For me, singing the Scottish national anthem for the first time was a little bit weird, even know I grew up with my Dad being Scottish and having a broad Scottish accent, I’d grown up in England and spent all my Rugby career at Leicester. Was it different for you? The Welsh sing the anthem with a lot more passion? The perception is, they seem to be a lot more passionate about their rugby. Did you know that, from growing up with your old man?
RM: Yeah, I understood that. I also came to know that it was the British national anthem, not the English, so I’m not too caught up about it. I was playing with a group of players who accepted me and I wasn’t going to do anything to make them feel like I wouldn’t put everything in for them, so that was part of the reason for me to sing it.
JH: A bit on [Warren] Gatland, as well. He’s obviously a big fan of yours, picking you for Wales and the Lions, how have you found working with him? I’ve actually loved watching the criticism he’s taken over the last few years, he’s one of these guys who just goes about his work and makes the tough decisions when it matters, but he’s really backed you, hasn’t he?
RM: Yeah, I try to do what he tells me all the time and get better. He’s not one for giving out too much praise to your face but he’s achieved a lot and you can’t knock him for what he’s done. He’s been Lions coach twice, he’s drawn a series against the All Blacks that no one expected, so you’ve got to have a huge amount of respect for him.
JH: On the Lions, I imagine how happy you were getting picked? Some people might have said it was a bit out of the blue, but I don’t think so, I think you fully deserved to go. How was the experience for you, from start to finish?
RM: After the Six Nations, I was a bit enthusiastic to get in, I felt that I did do enough, although a lot of Scottish players would think otherwise but you know, it’s not up to me to pick the team. I’m not going to say no if I’m getting picked, but I felt that even in that first game when I played, I did myself justice. Even with two slipped discs in my back, I put down a marker in that first game. I made a lot of metres with the ball in hand and I felt I had a very solid game. You know, people can say people don’t deserve things, but if I go out there and put things right, I show those people that they’re wrong.
JH: So, you played in that game, Ross, with two disc problems in your back?
RM: Yeah.
JH: Is that what ended the Lions tour for you? Did your back just give out?
RM: Yeah, I felt two discs in my back pop in that first game. It was very uncomfortable but Sam [Warburton] went off with a sore ankle so I had to stay on!
JH: Warrior, mate. Having been on that tour and the last couple of years, the way that your career has gone, have you reflected on anything? You’ve obviously chosen to come off social media, we’ve mentioned that, but in terms of where you want to take your game to the next level, anything different you want to do? Or is it just a case of carrying on as is?
RM: I think there’s always work-ons and the game is always changing. Every season, someone is bringing something new, so there’s always things to learn and look back on your own games and see how people play against you. Just how to make yourself better, I guess. I think myself and social media, it’s not just for the rugby reasons. I’ve let rugby engulf my whole life, which has been quite difficult. Obviously, the family background plays into that, but I just feel that it [deleting social media] will give me a refresh and let me concentrate on myself and not worry about what other people are thinking. That’s probably the whole reason why I did it.
JH: On your dad, I’ve worked with him. Big, massive fan of how he’s emotionally-driven. How is he with you? Is he emotionally-driven with you or can he contain his emotion when he sees you playing for Wales or you’ve had a good game and been picked for the Lions? How does he interact with you?
RM: I think it’s quite a unique relationship. Anyone who knows my father knows what he’s like. He is an emotional person and rugby has been his life since he was 17 years old. I wouldn’t say I’m the same as him emotionally, I like to switch off from it quite a lot, but he’s 24/7, 365. I don’t think that’s going to change now that he’s getting older. He is good, he knows when to give me a talking to, maybe if I haven’t played too well, but he knows how to give me praise in the right way, too. Not too much, so I act like that kid who thinks he’s the top dog, but he’s been good the last few years.
JH: Lastly, you mention the rugby league background, any ambitions to play a bit of rugby league or do anything out of the ordinary?
RM: I’d love to play rugby league. I’ve watched league since I was a kid and I actually probably watch it more than I do union. It wouldn’t be too bad to live on a beach in Australia and play NRL and get your face smashed in every week.
JH: You’d like that?
RM: *laughter* Nah, I’m being sarcastic. Well, the life after rugby wouldn’t be too bad out there, but I think getting smashed in by big Islanders every week is a bit too much for me!
JH: Head to Wigan or Hull, then, you’ll be alright up there.
RM: Yeah, that’d be a great place to settle.
JH: Ok, Ross, so what do you reckon on rugby league? You’re saying there might be a chance?
RM: Very slim. I’m not sure, I can’t really say, but you never know. You can never say never.
JH: Never say never, mate. Cheers, Ross. Say hi to your old man. I’m a big big fan of his.
Comments on RugbyPass
🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
26 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
1 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusades , you can keep going.
1 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
26 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
26 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith Springboks living rent free in his head 😊😂
67 Go to commentsGood to hear he would like to play the game at the highest level, I hadn’t been to sure how much of a motivator that was before now. Sadly he’s probably chosen the rugby club to go to. Try not to worry about all the input about how you should play rugby Joey and just try to emulate what you do on the league field and have fun. You’ll limit your game too much (well not really because he’s a standard athlete like SBW and he’ll still have enough) if you’re trying to make sure you can recycle the ball back etc. On the other hard, you can totally just try and recycle by looking to offload any and everywhere if you’re going to ground 😋
1 Go to commentsThis just proves that theres always a stat and a metric to use to justify your abilities and your success. Ben did it last week by creating an imaginary competition and now you did the same to counter his argument and espouse a new yardstick for success. Why not just use the current one and lets say the Boks have won 4 world cups making them the most successful world cup team. Outside of the world cup the All Blacks are the most successful team winning countless rugby championships and dominating the rankings with high win percentages. Over the last 4 years statistically the Irish are the best having the highest win rate and also having positive records against every tier 1 side. The most successful Northern team in the game has been England with a world cup title and the most six nations titles in history. The AB’s are the most dominant team in history with the highest win rate and 3 world cups. Lets not try to reinvent the wheel. Just be honest about the actual stats and what each team has been good at doing and that will be enough to define their level of success.
26 Go to commentsHow is 7’s played there? I’m surprised 10 or 11 man rugby hasn’t taken off. 7 just doesn’t fit the 15s dynamics (rules n field etc) but these other versions do.
9 Go to commentsPick Swinton at your peril A liability just like JWH from the Roosters Skelton ??? went missing at RWC
14 Go to commentsLike tennis, who have a ranking system, and I believe rugby too, just measure over each period preceding a world cup event who was the longest number one and that would be it. In tennis the number one player frequently is not the grand slam winner. I love and adore the All Blacks since the days of Ian Kirkpatrick when I was a kid in SA. And still do because they are the masters of running rugby and are gentleman on and off the field - in general. And in my opinion they have been the majority of the time the best rugby team in the world.
26 Go to commentsHaving overseas possessions in 2024 is absurd. These Frenchies should have to give the New Caledonians their freedom.
21 Go to commentsBell injured his foot didn’t he? Bring Tupou in he’ll deliver when it counts. Agree mostly but I would switch in the Reds number 8 Harry Wilson for Swinton and move Rob Valentini to 6 instead. Wilson is a clever player who reads the play, you can’t outmuscle the AB’s and Springboks, if you have any chance it’s by playing clever. Same goes for Paisami, he’s a little guy who doesn’t really trouble the likes of De Allende and Jordie Barrett. I’d rather play Carter Gordon at 12 and put Michael Lynagh’s boy at 10. That way you get a BMT type goalkicker at 10 and a playmaker at 12. Anyways, just my two cents as a Bok supporter.
14 Go to commentsThanks Brett, love your articles which are alway pertinent. It’s a difficult topic trying to have a panel adjudicating consistently penalties for red card issues. Many of the mitigating reasons raised are judged subjectively, hence the different outcomes. How to take away subjective opinions?
11 Go to comments