BRFC 2014 Interview: Marian

Blackswrugby: Firstly, what made you want to pick up this sport?

Marian: During my secondary school days, some of my friends and I used to go down old PA to support our church boys during their B Division games. Watching how the boys gave their all, how the sport unites people together, and how it can be so rich in culture made me realize that this is not just a sport but something that can move big things. I started out with touch rugby in my poly days and started to appreciate the game even more.


Blackswrugby: What position do you play and what do you like about it?

Marian: For this season, i'm playing as a Flanker (i'm usually a winger). i like this position because it gives me a 'hunter' kind of feeling and challenges me to make all my tackles count.


Blackswrugby: If you could play any one position of your choice, what would it be and why?

Marian: hmm. Scrum-half? the scrum-half in Blacks are v inspiring!


Blackswrugby: Do you play any other sports besides rugby?

Marian: Used to bowl competitively...


Blackswrugby: What do you like to do in your free time?

Marian: Many things! If i can, more Artsy stuff like spending more time in music, photography, etc...


Blackswrugby: Trainings can be tough at times, what motivates you?

Marian: To be able to play the position well so that during the game, i can perform my best for the team. Also the amount of heart, time and effort that our coach / coach-player seniors have sacrificed to win the Championships motivates me.


Blackswrugby: Are your friends and family supportive of you playing rugby?

Marian: Not so much of my family because of the time it takes away from them, and my mother thinks its a very dangerous sport.


Blackswrugby: How would you describe your experience playing rugby, so far?

Marian: I think rugby has proven alot of 'life lessons' to be true. Being persistent, determined and committed to fitness/trngs do make a difference in your performance and the results from your efforts are clear. Sometimes i think that there are so many things that i can't do, but when thrown in the situation, with the support of your teammates and the right amount of pressure to perform, you might surprise yourself at times. Rugby is really not just a competitive sport but a learning journey to experience with your teammates.

BRFC 2014 Interview: Tao Jing

Blackwrugby: How long have you been playing rugby?

Tao: I think I started in Poly second year, when I was 17 or 18. So I've been playing for about 10 years.


Blackwrugby: Dream position?

Tao: I don't have one. I like what I'm playing now.


Blackwrugby: What do you find most challenging about rugby?

Tao: To look like a winger when you are a prop facing a winger with the ball, or to be able to look like the fastest player on the field when facing a backline


Blackwrugby: What do your students think about you playing rugby?

Tao: They'll be like 'wahhhh', and some boys will imitate rugby tackles and try to do it in front of me. But when I pretend to dash at them they'll run away. Sometimes there are kids who are interested to take up rugby and they ask me more about it.


Blackwrugby: Pre game meal/ritual?

Tao: I'll do visualisation the night before, watch some videos of big hits, and try to drink enough water. I'll make sure I eat enough food haha. More carbs, like pasta or rice.


Blackwrugby: Favourite post game meal?

Tao: Hawker food, like those from Newton. Ba chor mee, bbq chicken wings, fried oyster omelette, carrot cake, popiah, hokkien mee…


Blackwrugby: Favourite moment shared with your Blacks team mates?

Tao: Last year, when we regained the 15s title and Chongfu came back to coach us.


Blackwrugby: Name one country you’d love to play rugby in? 

Tao: New Zealand.