AN INTERVIEW WITH: RICHARD JOHNSTON

An Interview with Richard Johnston

Name – Richard “Stuart Alex” Johnston

Position – Wing

Height – 5ft 10

Weight – 12st 7

Dob – 26 February 1980

Star Sign – Pisces

Previous Clubs - Pontypridd

Representative Honours – Wales U16s,
18s, 19s, 21s Wales 7s, Wales A (Rugby League)

Sponsored by – Sunseeker Properties SL

Interview:
Richard has returned to Neath after his earlier rugby apprenticeship in 1998 for two years. Richard re-joined Neath Rugby in 2003 after gaining experience at the top level from his time at Pontypridd. On top of this he is an exciting rugby player in his own right, with tremendous speed and natural ability. Richard also had a successful year in sales and marketing with Neath Rugby in 2004.

On Rugby….
Richard, your now in your 2nd year after returning to Neath rugby. What do you feel you have gained over the last couple of years?
It’s great to be back playing regularly for Neath again and I have fulfilled my childhood dreams in winning the Welsh League and cup in the last two years. Although I still have ambitions to play rugby at the highest level, I hope my past experience will help the younger members of the squad to achieve their goals.

What would you say is your greatest rugby achievement to date?
Representing my country at junior levels and winning both the Premier League 04/05 and the Konica Minolta Cup 03/04. More recently winning my senior cap in rugby league.

What advice would you give to a young aspiring rugby player?
Train hard… Fight easy! (Steve Richards AKA Ritters)

What is your funniest rugby memory?
Playing a rugby match in France with Pontypridd, the game had kicked off and after 10 minutes we realized there was no hooker on the pitch! They were both sat in the stand talking to eachother!!

On Life….
Who would you most like to be and why?
Tiger Woods… Simply because it would be nice to see how it feels to hit a golf ball straight with every shot!

What is your most embarrassing moment?
Performing the New Zealand Haka in front of 300 people with Brian the Bull

If you were an animal what would you be and why?
I’d like to be a dog! So I could be taken for walks, lay about all day, go to the toilet anywhere and lick my own ………. Paws!!

Who would you like to be stuck on a desert island with and why?
Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie… would make a very interesting conversation and also Ray Mears the survival expert!

On the future…
What would you most like to achieve in the next year? (Personally or Professionally)
To win both the league and cup with Neath in a season!

Have you got a message for the supporters?
“Thank you for your support over the years! Please continue to support us as ‘we are the future of Welsh Rugby’ ”

Richard Trivia
Craig’s favourite car is an Aston Martin DB9.
He loves to a vodka martini … shaken not stirred
He enjoys a round of golf and weight training
If he had £1 million he would spend it on global warming, world peace and an Aston Martin DB9!
His favourite teacher at school was his PE teacher – being a keen sportsman meant late homework was never a problem!

Coaches Commentary
“Richard truly is a Neath boy born and bred who plays every game with his heart on his sleeve. He is a very committed player with a very professional approach and he’s a prime example for all the younger players who are about to embark on their rugby careers!
From a coaching point of view, Richard is a very coach-able player. He always shows a great willingness to learn and improve. Richard recently joined a very elite band of Rugby Union players to be capped at senior rugby league level in the recent win over Scotland and we congratulate him on that achievement.
Richard is an extremely valued member of Neath Rugby”
Rowland Phillips, Head Coach