Dale played centre in the Varsity rugby match against Manchester Met last Wednesday – in this interview he tells Her Campus Manchester a little bit about himself and the game! (Spoiler… not only a rugby player, but secretly talented in the kitchen; could you ask for much more from a man?)
What position do you play?
I play centre, however I have been known to dabble in forward play.
What was the score?
36-11
How did you prepare for the Varsity match?
We came back to Manchester quite early and had preseason, a few weeks of 2-3 sessions of training a day. Really showed in the last 20-30 minutes when our fitness dominated them.
Who was player of the match?
Danny Kennedy. I don’t know how much he paid the newspapers but he was all over the report and photos.
What’s it like playing for Varsity?
Incredible. 3,500 fans, streakers, flares, chants and good rugby. There is nothing not to love about it.
The question all the girls want to know, did your mum come to watch you?
Unfortunately not. She wouldn’t have been able to watch anyway, she thinks it’s a silly game and ignores me when I get injured!
Have you ever been tempted to streak in half time?
Well I think the coach would drop me for taking my kit off and running away from the team talk. As a spectator I would have liked to yes! Wasn’t enough skin showing this year so I would have lead by example.
How do you think the team played?
They played really well, we made Man Met look good the first half and then our game play and skill just stepped up and all of the boys put a good performance in.
How was the atmosphere compared to last year?
Incredible! When a lion runs on a pitch with flares in front of over 3,500 you cant describe being part of it. It seemed like everyone had a good time and as always MMU’s just were just awful which made it funnier.
How long have you been playing rugby for?
I think since I was about 9 or 10 so about 10 years now.
How often do you have to train?
Monday, Tuesday, Play Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. So, in very good condition. Does this question relate to the girlfriend one?
Do you think the win is a good start to the season?
Yeah I think so, we’ve just beaten Sheffield Hallam so its all pointing in the right direction. More home support will push us on I think and you’ll see us top of the table by Christmas.
Ok, so enough about rugby now! Do you have a girlfriend?
I do not! A cuddle buddy for Sunday nights wouldn’t go a miss though.
Do you enjoy the female attention during/after the match?
Is the Pope Catholic? There was a solid ratio at the after party, the team sold tickets well this year.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I am actually very good in the kitchen, so 2nd date would be a home cooked meal. No bad reviews so far!