AN INTERVIEW WITH: BEN DAVIES

Name – Benjamin “Paul” Davies

Position – Backrow/2nd Row

Height – 6ft 3

Weight – 17st 6

DOB – 5th September 83

Star Sign – Virgo

Previous Clubs - Bonymaen

Representative Honours – Wales Schools U18

Sponsored by – Downie Drywall Systems Ltd

Interview:

Ben has been playing for Neath Rugby for the last four seasons. He previously played and gained experience with Bonymaen RFC before joining the Neath Rugby U21s squad in 2002. He is now playing for Neath Rugby full time.

On Rugby….
Ben, you’re now in your 4th year with Neath rugby. What do you feel you have gained over the last four of years?
I have gained a lot of experience so far and I also believe my game has improved whilst playing for Neath. It’s great to be part of a successful team. I am looking forward to being chosen for the first team in the near future.

What would you say is your greatest rugby achievement to date?
Gaining Wales U18s Caps. Also winning the Konica Minolta cup and the league with Neath.

What advice would you give to a young aspiring rugby player?
My advice comes threefold!
1) Don’t neglect your skills and weight training.
2) Don’t allow yourself to be led astray with drugs and smoking
3) Don’t go chasing the big money straight away:-chose a decision based on your personal development rather than a quick buck. If/when you become good enough, the money will come in abundance.

What are your strengths?
I don’t give in, I don’t cut corners, I have goals and aims that I’ve yet to achieve… but I will get there!

What are your weaknesses?
I love late nights, and can’t get up in the morning and my time keeping is awful!!

On Life….
Who would you most like to meet and why?
The US Secretary of defense, or anyone who can explain and reveal the popular conspiracy theories i.e. Roswell, 9/11 etc.

If you were an animal what would you be and why?
A Big Soft Bear! Because I’m hairy, cuddly, but I do have a bit of a temper when I’m hungry!

If you won £1 million what would you spend it on?
A 3 Bedroom townhouse down Swansea Marina, a new car, a Harley-Davidson (custom made), pay off my Uni debts, and invest the rest in a business. I’d also have to book a massive holiday for me and all my mates!

What 3 things could you not live without?
My mobile, my car for my independence and my bed for a good nights sleep!

On the future…
What would you most like to achieve in the next year? (Personally or Professionally)
Personally, I would like to pay off all my debts, and start saving for a deposit for a house.
Professionally, I want to establish myself in the first 15 and have a very dominant season.

Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
In my own house, with a nice little family, with a good job (If not pro-rugby!)

Have you got a message for the supporters?
“Thanks for everything over the last 2 years! We’ll be doing everything we can to win the league and the cup this year. Don’t stop chanting as hearing you chant “Neath, Neath, Neath!” is an amazing feeling! ”

Ben Trivia
On Sport … Ben enjoys playing American football, and mixed martial arts.
On Cars … He’d love to drive round in a VW Corrado GT TDI.
On Food … He doesn’t like seafood especially squid and mussels.
On Clothes … He doesn’t “do” underwear
Something we don’t know … He claims to be able to play the triangle and the tambourine!!!

Coaches Commentary
“Ben probably, up until this season, would have been known as “Mr. Versatile” as he has been able to play any position on the back row and even on the 2nd row (at once)!!
Ben has got a lot of potential as a player and he’s starting to realize his potential and fulfill his promise. He’s a very popular member of the squad who’s only downside is that he doesn’t stop talking regardless of what is being said, who is speaking or how important the conversation is as he feels he needs to talk all the time!
He has had a minor injury setback but I am confident that Ben will start to improve and go from strength to strength!
Rowland Phillips, Head Coach