While we frequently post pictures and updates of the club, training and soon to be match action, we thought it would be a great idea for supporters to get to know the players that have signed up to Christchurch RFC. Therefore, we are starting our Player Focus – an interview with a CRFC player asking them about their role, their interests, strange nicknames and why they picked Christchurch RFC. With such a large and diverse squad available, you’ll be treated on a regular basis to an interesting (hopefully) insight into the players of Christchurch RFC.

We were met with an awkward silence when seeking a volunteer for our first interview, however one man stepped forward, nervously, to represent the club. He’s been an anxious mess all week preparing for the interview, doing his hair and preparing a speech – ladies and gentlemen it’s a pleasure to sit down with James “Pheasant” Olsen.

James, thank you for volunteering for our first ever player focus, feeling nervous?
I’d say more apprehensive! But ready none the less

Don’t fret, you’ll set the bar for everyone else this season! Let’s jump straight in: age, your position and what you do for a living?
I am 26 years young! I preferably play open side flanker, but blind can suit me as well. I am a plasterer currently…. Professional plasterer ha-ha.

Would your customers say you’re professional though?
Can’t comment on that, you would have to ask them.

What brought you to Christchurch RFC initially?
A friend of mine told me about a new team starting in the local area and since I hadn’t played in over 10 years, I thought why not get the boots back on, also, a great way to meet new pals.

So what’s your thoughts of the club and everyone at it so far?
Since my first training session I felt totally welcome at Christchurch by both players and training staff. I like the way it’s run, serious but the enjoyment is still very much there.

Glad to hear, it’s great to have you at the club! I’d like to gauge your thoughts on members of the squad, so I’m going to ask you a question and you tell me the first player that comes to mind, you good with that?
Yeah OK, go for it

Most skillful player?
It’s a toss-up between Damon and Dan Barrett for me really. Damon is great on the ball so quick to change direction, keeping people on their toes. Dan seems to find and create a lot of space and is great when it comes to pick and go from the ruck, always making ground.

Very kind words there, so I guess we should ask next – least skillful?
I wouldn’t like to comment on least skillful if I’m honest, I think everyone has their place and it fits well.

Playing it safe, sensible man (you can tell me after).
Who is the biggest drama queen?
I’m going to have to go with Damo again, can see a few tantrums coming from him in the coming season. Or possibly Joe once he’s back from injury.

Strange you should say Joe, a lot of people do! He’s only young but has this reputation for being a miserable old man already.
I like Joe, he’s a quality lad. I do agree with that; just get the vibe he’s going to be a mouthy one on the pitch.

He is a little bit, I think it’s to do with his height maybe, he’s only small?
Anyway, we digress.
Who is the biggest liability on the pitch?
It’s got to be Krum. You never know if he’s going to tackle someone or just whack them.

Oh, well that’s handy to know… What about the biggest liability, off the pitch?
Don’t know everyone that well off the pitch just yet so I’d probably put myself down for undisclosed reasons.

I did have your name first on the list as possible responses, seems to be accurate. Who do you think is the most handsome player?
Definitely accurate. I’d say myself again but to stay away from sounding vain, it’s got to be you Don!

Too kind, I can’t really argue with that either. Final one – whose your favorite coach?
Love both coaches equally, both have their aspects they cover but being a (small) forward, I have to stick with my man, Fister.

Ouch, didn’t think you’d actually pick one…
Hey I said I love them equally! But I have to stick with the pack!
…Do you think that’s going to get a bit salty at training??

No comment, but FYI Pooley tackles quite hard.
I’ll bare that in mind, big side steps coming – watch this space!

Yes, or another recurring groin injury perhaps? Anyway, thanks for your honest take on some of the players there James, which reminds me – no one actually calls you James, but rather, Pheasant. How did you get your nickname, are you a keen birder?
Anytime. Unfortunately I don’t really know myself – Kurm decided one day that I should be Pheasant and it’s stuck! I do enjoy looking at birds, just not ones that fly.

I expected a more exciting reason to be fair, so no pet pheasants then?
I wish I had a better reason but unfortunately no pet pheasants for me. Hopefully a pheasant tattoo in the works though.

Shame, although the tattoo would be a good addition, right next to the CRFC one?
You bet right next to the Christchurch one!

What’s your personal goals for this season?
To improve on my fitness, that’s my main goal. And also to get back to playing and being able to enjoy it.

You look to have come on leaps and bounds since starting training pre season, and you’ve made the squad for our Cup game this weekend away at Poole. Excited for it?
Well thank you, always room for improvement! Yeah really buzzing for the game Saturday, glad to be picked for it, means a lot as we have a lot of good players training regularly.

It’ll be an exciting first competitive game, here’s hoping for a win! Final words James, what do you think the future holds for Christchurch RFC?
Fingers crossed for a win. Just need to go out there and do what we know we can do! Exciting times ahead for us I think, a lot of growth and hopefully a great first season to mark the beginning of the re-launch.

Thanks James for sparing the time for a chat, good luck to you and all the lads for tomorrow when you travel over to Poole.