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This Week we meet John Murphy (Hooker)

This Week we meet John Murphy (Hooker)

Antony Bentham4 Jan 2021 - 19:45
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https://www.camberleyrugbyclub

Recently moved from Essex to Ash Vale

About my career:
Started at 5 playing for South Woodham Ferrers in Essex, went to Thurrock at 21 for 4/5 years was in the team that got promoted to Nat 3, then lost loads of weight and went back to SWF, for a few seasons to get 80min every week, bulked back up, went “back” to Thurrock then Covid hit! Now moved house from Essex to Ash Vale and joined Cambo! Can’t wait to play!

What’s your favourite rugby moment?
When I was playing for SWF beating Rochford at their ground. They then went on to be unbeaten for almost 3 seasons and 2 promotions.

Who’s your rugby hero?
It’s gotta be Johnny Wilkinson, I was 13 when we won the workd cup and it was such a vivid memory.

If you could meet a rugby player, who would it be and why?
Ma’a Nonu, I would like to ask him if he went to wizard school to learn his offloading skills.

If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be and why?
Very overweight! Having not played for almost a year due to Covid as much as I’ve tried to keep fit, nothing compares to an 80min run out on a Saturday.

Which law of rugby would you change and why?
Not being able to boot the ball in a ruck. I used to love doing that before they amended the rule.

What advice would you give to younger rugby players?
Go to as many tours as you can, they’re memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Who inspired you to play rugby?
My uncle Paul took me on a Sunday to the minis at 5yrs old and I haven’t looked back since, and the fact that all the boys at school when I was aged 5 were so much better at football than me, I only had 1 option!

What keeps you motivated to keep playing?
I absolutely love a big head on tackle, maybe why I had 3 operations on my shoulder but it’s what I live for!

Describe Camberley Rugby Club in three words.
Welcoming, good banter (is that now 3) and talented.

What’s your go to karaoke song?
Sweet Caroline, because everyone else then starts singing then you can’t hear my tone deaf tones.

What’s your favourite film?
Saving Private Ryan, never gets old

You’re cooking for six. What’s on the menu and who’s at your dinner table?
Fillet Steak, home made chips and a mushroom infused peppercorn sauce. Me, my fiancé, my car, my motorbike, my mum and whichever of my sisters decides to answer the phone to me on the off chance.

Quick fire one word answers:

Forwards or backs?
Forwards

Muddy or dry?
Dry

Sunny or rainy?
Sunny

Grass or artificial?
Grass

City break or country retreat?
City

Ski or beach?
Ski

Further reading