We’re pleased to be back for our Player Focus feature. A big thank you to James “The Pheasant” Olsen who kindly sat with us for the first interview but has seemed to struggle with the starlight the exposure gave him. A peripheral player since the article came to light, he has been out gracing the bars and clubs in town until the early hours most evenings, somehow still finding his way to our last 2 games where his contribution to both has been, well, questionable.

Let’s hope this isn’t a curse on future interviewees!

Which brings us onto our next star player… no volunteer was sought this time as we knew exactly who we wanted for this issue. Unfortunately the early excitement quickly waned as soon as we started talking. Perhaps he was too tense, perhaps under-prepared – either way, blood + stone springs to mind. A man who is happy to play any position it seems, being a master of none – inhuman strength but gets bounced about the pitch effortlessly. Ladies and gentlemen sitting down with me this week is Tom Childs.

Tom, thank you for joining me. Let’s jump right in the deep end – tell our readers something about you that no one else knows?
I’m an open book, don’t really have anything no one knows.

That’s not the exciting start I was hoping for… OK so speaking of books what book are you currently reading?
I’m not reading anything, not much of a reader. Probably not the sort of exciting interview you were looking for.

No, I must admit I’m missing Pheasant already. OK OK – let’s ease into this slowly. What brought you to Christchurch RFC?
Well had a message from one of the coaches, Reggie, talking about starting a new club and it seemed like it would be a bit of fun. Plus it’s a new challenge. So far I’m really enjoying it and it gives me a break from the missus.

Rumour has it she’s even more grateful for the break than you.. Perhaps we’ll see more of her though when we look at launching a women’s team?
Yeah wouldn’t surprise me and I will try to convince her but she loves football which is a problem.

Oh I’m sorry to hear that. Regardless, we’re all very happy you travel the distance to join us week in, week out.
Tom, apparently in your spare time you like to work out?
Well she is Portuguese so rugby isn’t really played there. I do my best to get to training and yeah, when I have the time I like to go workout.

What’s your biggest area of focus in the gym? I mean I’m no expert but you don’t have the biggest of legs…
Ouch, thanks man. I’m doing my best to make my legs grow but I’m guessing I need to do more work on them.

Well I’d say across the board personally. Look I’m just saying, there seemed to be a big bounce in one of our games recently where you went F L Y I N G. What went wrong for you there?
Haha I need to learn from that, I didn’t go low enough.

That was clear! I think James managed to tackle him immediately after, perhaps spend a bit of time watching how he does it?
Yeah OK, haha. I got him a few times after that, just the first tackle wasn’t the best.

Well, it wasn’t even a tackle was it.. Steam train springs to mind. Hey, perhaps that could be your new nickname! Thomas the tank engine?
No, it wasn’t and I’ll stick with Baywatch.

Fair, you haven’t exactly earnt that name yet. Speaking of nicknames, you’re one of 4 or 5 Toms on our team, nicknames have been dished out – why is yours Baywatch?
I was a lifeguard before I started my current job and one of the guys I worked with started calling me Baywatch and is has just stuck since.

Oh, that’s interesting.
Tom I’m going to ask you some questions about the team and I’d like you to give me your views about players, up for it?
Yeah I’m up for that.

Right… Who is the best Tom on the team?
For all round player, I would have to say Tails.

Fair, he’s been a great addition. Who is the most annoying Tom?
Most annoying Tom, I’m not sure about that one.

If you’re not sure then it could be you?
More than likely, or just all the Toms aren’t annoying and loved by the team.

Possibly, but if we put all the Toms in a ring and they had to wrestle it out – who would come out victorious?
I’m going to say me.

I would have said you to – the others lack substance. Who do you admire most on the team?
Got to be Papa Bear just because he has a laugh on and off the pitch, plus the way he destroys players.

Who would you say is most skilful?
Damo.

Playing it safe Tom.. Least skilful?
I’m not sure on that one, I know I’m not that skilled, I just run straight into player.

And bounce off them, am I right?!... Last one, favourite coach?
Now that I can’t decide on. It’s two different coaching styles for different areas of the game. Because I do more training with the backs I’m going to say Reggie.

Centre, No. 8, Flank and 2nd Row – quite a few positions, which one do you prefer?
Between centre and 2nd row.

A strong utility player – maybe 10 next?
I would be happy to give it a go, just need to work on passing.

Thanks Tom, finally sum up your thoughts and feelings of the club so far?
We are a young club starting from the very bottom but the numbers we’ve been getting in has been amazing and because of that I can see great things for Christchurch. We are improving as players, as a team and as a family. We have a laugh on and off the pitch and that’s what it’s all about – having a good time.

Tom, really appreciate your time and commitment.
That’s OK bro, no worries!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next Player Focus hitting the site soon!