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.
Continue reading below…
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
Very 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.
2 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 commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to comments