Position: Prop
Nationality: Australian
Previous Rep Honours: Hong Kong National XVs
Interesting Fact: Absolutely loves cats, running a total of 3* 🙂
*Jack’s Note: “I hate cats, they are the worst. I don’t know where this fact has come from. Ben cullen, I suspect.”
1. You joined Hong Kong Scottish in 2013, along with your brother Mike. Can you tell us a bit about your rugby journey with the club….
I joined the club after Causeway Bay dropped out of the premiership. My first game resulted in the fastest yellow card in the league’s history after I was subbed on and sent off within 14 seconds.
It was this day that I first met Hammo at a time where he was sporting a handlebar moustache and a purple mohawk. He had some certain words for me at the time and I had thoughts that this club may just not be for me.
Things went up from that point and I’ve had a fantastic few years at the club, with many tours to Vietnam & Scotland as well as many great socials and, of course, playing some great rugby.
2. Now with over 90 caps and a key figure at the club (on and off the pitch), what are some of your Scottish highlights?
Highlights for me during my time at Scottish include playing with a great bunch of blokes that helped me get into the Hong Kong team, but by far the most outstanding memories are from the tours we have gone on in the past couple of years – they have created memories I will never forget. From ‘Prosecco Club’ on the Scotland tour to making sure Sarah got back to Hong Kong safely from Vietnam. All in all, crazy moments that I will never forget.
3. What motivated your move to play in the English Championship and what do you hope to learn from it?
I’ve always wanted to go and have a stint in Europe and originally France was on my radar, but after talking to boys that have gone and done it I’ve ended up heading to London Scottish in the championship. In terms of what I aim to learn over there, I guess probably a different style of rugby that I am not used to as I have played all my rugby previously in Hong Kong and Australia, which is a faster game. To try and play a bit of arm wrestle European rugby will be different and something I look forward to.
Playing different teams more often and also a different brand of rugby in a new environment. In terms of life in London, I have always loved London every time I have visited so to be able to go and explore it more by living there is something that excites me a lot. Also, a lot of boys that have played for the club here I look forward to being able to go and catch up with when I have some time off.
5. Can you talk us through what a typical week will look like for you at London Scottish?
To be deadly honest I’m a little bit naive as to what a typical week will look like at London Scottish. What I have picked up though is that I think we will be training three nights a week, and a further two or three mornings in the gym followed by games on weekends.
In what has already been a disrupted year – which we had a taste of at the end of last season – I’m sure that more curveballs will be thrown at the team. The biggest piece of advice would be trust Hammo as he is, I’m sure more than anyone, wanting to see Scottish do as well as possible and he will always try to do what’s best for the club.
7. 3 things you’ll miss the most about Hong Kong?
There will be many things I’ll miss about Hong Kong, not only the great people but also simple things I take for granted. My family and my dogs I will miss for sure, along with my good mates. Lastly, I’ll miss the freedom and the lifestyle that Hong Kong allows you to have whilst living in this great city.
8. Finally, any advice/top tips for Dean Squire (who is joining us from London Scottish on exchange) and other players new to Hong Kong this season?
Enjoy what Hong Kong has to offer, embrace every opportunity that is given to you and most importantly give your all at all team socials!
We wish Jack every success this season and will be following him with interest.
