The Insider

Weight rooms and Physios

December 1, 2008, 3:10 pm

Its now 3 weeks since my operation took place and I must say I have become particularly accustomed to the London Irish weight room. Twice a day I sit and attempt to throw as much weight around as possible. With the help of a member of London Irish’s strength and conditioning team, I have battled through an intensive upper body program for the past 3 weeks and will continue to do so for another 4 weeks. When an athlete is faced with an injury, his immediate reaction is to think about how he can make his time “off” as productive as possible. I was no different. Once the operation was out the way, I sat down with one of the fitness team and we discussed how the time could be used most effectively, targeting weaknesses and looking to build on strengths. With regards to the injury, I am hopeful to be running within the next 4 weeks and do all I can to battle for a position within London Irish’s, even more so at present, superb back row.

 

As a London Irish man, it was fantastic to see Delon Armitage and Nick Kennedy perform so well in the match against the Pacific Islanders. In a match which showcased what London Irish have to offer, “Kendo” was physically imposing, sharp and carried an air of intelligence throughout ; something many of the press would argue that the team as a whole are lacking. Obviously, Delon put in a performance which would cause quite a stir for all the right reasons. The general feeling around the club the week after that match was a case of “suprised? not really”. Both guys had played exceptionally and many had thought both would march into the starting line up for the match against Australia. I’m sure your all aware of what happened next.

 

Then on Saturday England stumbled again. However we need to realise what we have been up against. We have just played arguably the three best sides in the world, in a row. With the greatest respect to some of the guys, they like me are ‘young pups’ still, playing against seasoned and experienced professionals. Now that doesn’t excuse a loss, nothing does. As I was taught from a young age, ‘even when winning is illogical, losing is still far from optional.’ So I hope that they guys take note from the past few weeks and see the potential that is there. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Delon and Kendo for their perofmances.

 

Cheers guys,

 

 

Fish

A 'little break'

October 29, 2008, 10:41 am

   Since my last blog, much has happened in the world of a young, aspiring sportsman. There was the two first team starts, the improved scores with regard to body composition and the days spent grafting, sweating and tackling in the famed sand pit. Oh, and to top it all off, precisely 34 minutes into the game against Harlequins on saturday...Snap. My poor metatarsal. The 5th one to be exact. For someone who had never experienced a broken bone before, I quickly became accustomed to the feeling. Admirably, I personally think, I tried to continue. However, as I hobbled around, I began to display the athletic prowess of a player who previously graced the grass of the stoop. In fact, he may have captained England and appear frequently blabbering on about Kiwi’s on this site.

But thats beside the point. I was soon ushered off the pitch alongside the team doctor and I sat on the sideline, staring at the prospect of 2 months icing, compressing, elevating, moaning, being positive, icing, oh and of course being positive. In all seriousness, I am faced with a road to recovery. Its one I must confront with concentration and dedication. There is indeed no doubt i will return to the game even more equipped than i was before this “little break” was forced upon me.

 

The teams wins in the ECC against Rovigo and Connacht were very business-like. We achieved what was required and now stand in a comfortable position with intentions of progressing in the competition. With regards to the EDF cup, our performance against Worcester was unfortunately sub standard. We failed to play in the correct areas of the pitch and as a result we were unable to grasp the chances that were on offer.

Our most recent game against Harlequins saw a most complete performance, with many of the squads “fringe” players rising to the challenge and laying down a marker in an attempt to contest selection for their position. On an international front, it is extremely pleasing to see the inclusion of so many of the London Irish guys. “Kendo” has worked hard with me on improving certain areas of my game and I am very pleased for him and hope he is given a chance. I have heard murmurs that the first test against the pacific islanders is a case of “which fly half do the Engand team wish to sacrifice...”...Uh oh.

 

Cheers,

 

Fish.

First Things first, Stay away from South Africans

October 16, 2008, 9:11 am

 

 

On the 1st of July 2007, I arrived fresh from school as an energetic, ambitious back row forward who was about to embark upon his first year as a professional rugby player. The setting was London Irish’s training base in Sunbury. From the age of 14, I had been a member of the club’s youth academy. I obviously felt a sense of satisfaction, realizing that i had successfully progressed through school and put myself in the position to train and potentially play for a professional outfit. However, this sense of achievement lasted for a period of about 8 seconds. 8 seconds was about the time it took to leave the changing room, leap up the stairs and confront the door of the gym. Now the work would begin. 

 

Throughout the first few months, several things became very clear to me. Firstly, steer well clear of the South Africans during contact sessions. Especially those who resemble the planets first Man-Bear. Secondly, I desperately needed to learn to cook. One could argue I had gathered quite the collection of Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver cookbooks over various birthdays from unimaginative aunts & uncles. However, no matter how much the fiery scotsman swears in an attempt to look like the Vinnie jones of the kitchen, he unfortunately does not quite cut the mustard when it comes to describing to a 19 year old how to cook “Chicken in a white wine sauce”....”The Chickens cool mate, but the nutritionist says I’m not allowed alcohol”.

 

In all seriousness, my first year into professional rugby proved to be a notable one. I was able to make my debut in the premiership, represent England sevens in Hong Kong, Win the Grand Slam with the England u20’s and conclude the season by just falling short to the Baby Blacks in the u20 World Cup Final. Although each achievement came as a result of sacrifice, hard work and attention to detail, they are things which I am undoubtedly proud of.  

 

I am now deep into my second season with London Irish and it continues to be a club which i am incredibly proud to represent. With the group of players we have, we are adamant as a team that we must obtain some form of silverware come may next year. Obviously, Brian Smith did a tremendous job guiding the team to the semi-final of the Heineken cup last season and to his merit, he is now in a position as England backs coach where he is going to be an influential figure in the future of English rugby. It is a desire of the club and one which i share, that we establish ourselves as genuine contenders over the next few seasons. For me personally, this year is one where i will need to continually progress and improve certain areas of my game. I have played in various premiership games this season and i can assure you, each bite only makes you hungrier. In terms of London Irish, with the talent we have amongst the players, the coaching staff and the youngsters consistently making an impression it has now become a very achievable target. 

 

   

Fisher Joins RuckU

October 3, 2008, 11:06 am

RuckU Members,

 

 

Welcome to the launch of a new feature on this wonderful site. It is a feature we will be calling 'The Insider.' On which note i would like to introduce Jonathan Fisher, current RuckU Member and also U20 Grand Slam Holder and IRB Junior World Cup Runner Up.

 

 

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Hailing from Wellington College, John became a member of the London Irish academy. From there he has proved a talent and has made his way through the A League into the Premiership, featuring in four out of the five games this season.

 

After Six Nations and World Cup success with England U20 and a very promising start to his Premiership career, John is tipped for big things.

Fish will be our insider in the Premiership giving us a unique and personal view on day to day life at the club, training regimes, team banter. With photos, videos and unique content that no one else can achieve, keep checking back to be in the loop.

 

Fish, welcome to RuckU.