Welcome to the first of many interviews with the senior players, coaches and supporters of Falkirk Rugby Club. We start with none other than Club Captain William Hansen

Name: William Hansen Date of Birth: 17th December 1987

Born: Brisbane, Australia Current Position: 2nd Row (lock) Club Captain

Q Do you have a nickname that your teammates call you?

A: Easley

Q When did you first become interested in rugby and at what age did you start playing?

A: I became interested through my dad, he loves and coaches rugby. Also, I was not very good at cricket. I started playing U9’s rugby at Everton Park in Brisbane.

Q What clubs, including your junior years have you played for?

A: Everton Park Rugby Club, Albany Creek GPS, Marist College Ashgrove (school), Norths Brisbane RFC

Q What is your greatest achievement or highlight in your rugby career to date?

A: My greatest achievement would be playing 50 times premier grade for Norths in Brisbane. This is closely followed by winning the 1st XV AIC school premiership in 2005 with my school, we were undefeated.

Q Who has been the biggest inspiration in your rugby career and why?

A: My dad Wayne has had the biggest influence as a coach and a mentor. He has taught me a lot about the game and coached many of the teams I have been involved with. I still remember him pulling me from the rugby field for doing a kick in an U13 game and saying “locks don’t ever kick”. Not sure I have ever deliberately kicked in a game since then.

Q What is your favourite and least favourite thing about rugby?

A: My favourite thing about rugby is the camaraderie that comes from training and playing with your team mates, I often say that my drinking club is my rugby club. My least favourite thing is trying to be friendly to referees, as a role model and club captain, I always respect them, even when they are wrong!.

Q Tell us how you scored your best try?

A: It happened in last years infamous end of season tour to Holland. I had little sleep due to my roommate, who shall remain nameless causing me to sleep on a hard floor, not great preparation for a rugby game the following morning. The first half was a blur, but at half time I got a miracle bottle of refreshment, I then found myself 80m from my opponents try line and off I ran to score. I still needed my team mates support, as I ran down the line they continued to spray me with that half time refreshment. Probably the best refreshment in the world

Q If you can have any super power, what would you have and why?

A: I would have a real weird one that would not be much use to anyone but me. I would like the ability to always “basketball shoot” things into bins, hoops, cups or whatever from anywhere, any distance, with any object from “downtown”

Q In your squad:
Who would you say is the best team player?
Graham Gilliland – Grizz by nature Grizzald by nature!!!
Who would you say trains the hardest?
Billy (Stewart McCulloch) though not often with his brains!!!
Who would you say is the most skilful player?
Only one clear answer to this question, ME

Q If you can go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?

A: “Will, I have invented time travel and this is how to do it ….”

Q What is the most important lesson you have learned in rugby?

A: NEVER give up when things get tough and all backs moves should be called “scrum for forwards over here now :-)”

Q Who are your heroes and role models?

A: Julius Ceasar – ruthless, uncompromising, greatest general ever and the perfect orator and politician and when he died the most powerful man in the known world. Probably would have been a great rugby coach too. Rugby has to be the games greatest 2nd rower ever, the Wallaby legend that is John Eales (watch the tackle against Ireland in the world cup semi 91 or the 99 final)

Q What does a junior player need to do to realise their dreams?

A: Keep playing. Always make time for your rugby, it could take you anywhere, it brought me to this lovely sunny country!

Q What advice would you give to a player wanting to play in your position?

A: Become a good lineout jumper and get as fit as you can. Being able to do the work in the tight comes from being fit and clever about picking your moments.

A big thanks to Will for telling us something about him. Will is sponsored by Lyndene Engineering.

Why not come down to Cala Park and watch Will and the rest of the 1XV this season.