
I grew up in a family where there was a lot of playing, watching and talking about rugby. I absorbed most of the rules just through being in the same house as these rugby fans. Even the family pet dog’s name, Deano, was inspired by rugby. I’m sure I caught several rugby games on the TV with my family as a child.
With all this enthusiasm for the game at home, I was excited to try playing for myself when it was given as an option at school in PE. But it was only touch rugby with no dramatic tackles. And then we moved away from the area, and that school, a month later before I could perfect my touch rugby skills.