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
Ireland Reign Supreme? Really? Of the 6 nations two (Wales and Italy) were not contenders for the title. No credit to Ireland for beating them. A further nation (France) was off the boil. So it was really more like a 3N tournament. Of the two remaining Irish opponents, one (England) is in rebuild but still managed to beat Ireland. The other (Scotland) was an Irish win, but hardly a beating. It was pretty close, despite being an Irish home game. Ireland were excellent early last year, but this year they struggled to win a 6N tournament that should have been unusually easy for them to win. They were not dominant against the better teams, and they certainly don’t Reign Supreme. Let’s hope they reinvigorate their attack before the SA trip.
3 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and totally correct. Definately too many teams which is unfortunately an effect of the 21st century hubris that began after our 2nd World Cup win. Honestly we weren't like that before then. If NZ beat us in a Rugby League or cricket series (which has occasionally happened) they don't all of a sudden think they are our equal or even better than us. Unfortunately for Australia, we got carried away with ourselves and wanted to jump from 4th biggest football code to biggest…in 5 minutes. More teams, more matches against the All Blacks (so we could beat them even more). Bring it on. It’s been all down hill since then. Assuming Melbourne are gone, there are very good reasons to keep the remaining 4 in SR, or so it would seem. The Force?…wronged previously, and have $s. Surely not. The Brumbies?….easily the best performed. Surely not. The Waratahs?….most players (50%) and most followers. Surely not. The Reds?….easily the best current team, and nearly as many players and followers as the Waratahs. Surely not. I’d argue that based on how strong the combined Reds n Rebs would be and how strong a combined team of all of the other Oz SR teams would be, we have players for 2 teams…..which would be good. Good enough for a propper SR competition…or maybe good enough for Japan….if they’ll have us. Existing SR teams?….keep them and have them play a second tier…or maybe NZ's NRC….if they'll have us. This is biting the bullet. We have the cattle
1 Go to commentsbest news and very helpful
4 Go to commentsA year ago Ireland and France looked impressive. In this 6N neither looked special. Both have lost good players, but more importantly teams have figured out how to shut them down. In particular the Irish loss to a rebuilding England and the home game struggle against a brave Scotland did nothing to prove that the Irish RWC result was undeserved. If the Scots can shut down the Irish attack, then SA can do so with interest. Rassie will have watched that game with confidence. Farrell is smart, and the Irish team is talented, so we should expect a more creative game plan in SA. But if all they bring is what they showed against Scotland then Ireland is going to struggle against the Boks. It was a fun 6N tournament, but the win for Ireland was as much about weak competition as about Irish brilliance. It was mostly due to France being off the boil, Wales and Italy not being contenders, and Scotland being a home game. England are looking much better, but “much better” should not be enough to topple a team that is supposed by some to be The Best in the World. I hope that Ireland can bump it up a notch or two for the Bok tour. A year ago they were fantastic to watch. It would be great to see that again.
24 Go to commentsLooking forward to the Wallabies being competitive again. No doubt that Joe can get them back on track.
1 Go to commentsThanks, Nick, not only for this fine article, but for all the others during 6N 2024. I really enjoyed this 2024 tournament, and felt it was one of the best for many years. That final match in Lyons was really good. England were certainly unlucky when that speculative hack by Ramos lead to a French try. It could just so easily have landed in English hand.s, and they score at the other end. I did think though that the French played some great rugby, and some of their driving play in the forwards was just fearsome. I watched Meafou with interest, and he has a good start to his career. It is interesting to compare him with Will Skelton. Lot of similarities, though so far Meafou has not shown any offloading threat. All credit to Borthwick for being prepared to change, and what great result, even if that last game was lost at the death. I feel they are a real chance to cause the AB’s problems this winter/summer. Finally a comment on Ireland. I thought their last game was their worst, and they did not look like the world’s No 2 side at all. What really worries me is that the loss to England was, in my view, down to poor decision making by the coaching group, and ofc Andy Farrell wears that. It was a big mistake to move JGP away from scrum half. Murray should have been the one to go to the wing. And the “finishers” should have been on the field earlier. And this is the second time this has happened. The RWC Qf against the AB’s, and not getting Crowley onto the field was a huge mistake. Finally, finally, watching Italy play was a joy. How wonderful that they are no longer the punchbag of the 6 N.
44 Go to commentsGreat story. Rugby needs new investment in teams like Brussels another pro league in Europe would be great.
1 Go to commentsAlso, looking at the data from last year, it seemed like by far the two biggest predictors of success were (1) kicking more than your opponents, and (2) having a higher rate of line-out wins than your opponents. I haven’t gone through the stats this year with a fine tooth comb, but the increase in kicks per game and the increase in tries from lineouts would suggest that these two metrics are only getting more important. England’s move away from a kick-heavy game to win against Ireland was seen by some as evidence that running rugby is on the rise. Alternatively it could be taken as evidence that if one team kicks more, and the other team wins more lineouts (as England did) a match is bound to be close to a draw.
3 Go to commentsI have been finding it odd that points per 22 entry has become such a talked about stat, given that your points per entry can be driven down by having more entries. These data would seem to confirm that it isn’t a useful metric, or at any rate is less useful than total entries.
3 Go to commentsI think the last two games England have played is some of their best rugby they have played under Borthwick. There has been a lot more attacking instinct and as a reward have created some well worked tries. Ollie Lawrence is a good foil at 12 as he offers the hard direct lines whilst the rest of the backs can play open. As much as it pains me to say but I do hope England keep playing this way. On a side note my favourite try of the weekend was Lorenzo Pani’s for the nice loop play that put him away and his finish was excellent. Thanks as always Nick.
44 Go to commentsMost exciting player on the planet right now, worth the price of a ticket.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith and Ireland live rent free in Safa’s heads. Their comments only triggers because its true. If the Boks had dismantled a 14 man AB’s, then there would be more respect. But they didnt, in fact quite the opposite, the 14 man NZ were clearly better. And the Bok have always been ordinary between RWC’s, thats why their supporters are now ‘only RWC’s matter’. They know thats BS. Its BS to both AB’s and Bok’s due to their history. But now its all the Safas have. Now we’ll hear excuses when they lose “oh we didnt have all our players available, the ABs/France/Eng/Irel were at full strength”, forgetting for a minute that its because of their own dumb policy. Oh well, makes a change from blaming ‘cheating refs’.
24 Go to commentsNo Nick, they did not, in fact, justify any ‘probables’ label. At no time did they seriously compete for the championship. Ireland led from start to finish and in the end, as a result of glaring referee errors, were never under serious pressure to lose their crown.
44 Go to commentsMoney for him, and his family, has been the sole motivator since he signed for Queensland aged 17. Why else sign for Melbourne. Tupou is poorly advised. If he’d stayed and developed in NZ he would have had a long Test career. If Leinster offer him a few more coins than he’s currently earning, he’s goneburger.
4 Go to commentsFinn. No one would say Ford had played well up until the last game. One standout performance in 5 is hardly in form . It should be a given that a 10 will control play . Not in Fords case be praised for suddenly doing so. Where was he against Scotland ,Italy. The pundits were saying how far away from play he was standing and one even said that the Ireland game was his last chance saloon to perform . Not exactly top form catching anyones eye. If he can play like this game after game then great. Keep him in . But after 90 odd caps we all know he just doesnt keep it going . By all means keep him there but the issue is that Borthwick will persist even when he plays poorly. Which is more often than not. Thats why i am concerned that Smith ,despite fab form , cannot get a game at his preferred spot. Can you imagine Ford at full back .
5 Go to commentsI do not really get why put Ollivon at 6 when he’s a 7, while Cros was the best Frenchman of the tournament, playing at…6. His only game replacing Aldritt at 8 doesn’t change much in terms of his impact. Lamaro was also outstanding in that brilliant Italian side, probably better than Reffell. So putting 2 Welsh players from the wooden spoon holders, and none of the 4th nation (Scotland) is also strange. Is it about showing that in this harsh transition Wales is, there were some standouts…?
7 Go to commentsThe events at this year’s six nations should undermine many of the arguments made against promotion and relegation between the six nations and the REC. If Italy had been allowed to yo-yo between divisions it conceivably could have really hurt their development, but if Italy, Wales, and Scotland are all at risk of relegation, with none of them being relegated more often than once every 3 or 4 years, you’d have to back all of them to muddle on through it, especially when you factor in the likelihood they’ll still be guaranteed world league matches against tier 1 opponents. Another way of looking at italys resurgence would be to say that the development model of adding an extra team to the six nations has worked, and now must be done again. Georgia could join to make it a 7 team round robin, and if and when Georgia demonstrate an ability to consistently win games, Portugal can also be added to make it an 8 team 2 conference competition. Frankly at this point I think it falls to world rugby to demand that the 6N act in the interests of the game. If the 6N won’t commit to expansion then the 6N teams should be handicapped in world cup draws (i.e. world cup seedings would not be based on their ranking points, but on their ranking points minus a 5 point penalty).
6 Go to commentsSteve Borthwick deserves credit for releasing the shackles on his England side and letting them play in a manner that somewhat resembles the top sides in the Gallagher Premiership. Will they revert to type in New Zealand in July.?
44 Go to commentsJames Lowe wouldn't get in any other 6N team. He's a great example of Farrell’s brilliance, and the Irish system. He is slow. His footwork is poor. But he fits perfectly in that Irish system, and has a superb impact. But put him in another team, and he'll look bang average.
7 Go to commentsCrusaders reached their heights through recruitment of North Island players, often leaving those NI teams bereft of key players. Example: Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock robbed the Canes of their lineout and AB locks. For years the Canes have struggled at lock. This rabid recruitment was iniated by rule changes by a Crusader dominated NZR Head Office. Now this aggressive recruitment has back-fired, going after young inside back Hamilton Boys stars. They now have 4 Chiefs region 10s and not one with the requisite experience at Super level. Problems of their own making!
4 Go to comments