Tigerstart mixing with the players

By Tigerstart
September 12 2002

Tigerstart may have a wild and loud reputation, but another side of her has seen her mix with big wigs from the world of rugby - league players to international stars.

You will all be hugely jealous but in true journalistic style, TT dedicated herself to meeting the stars and getting that all-important quote. Some may disagree and say it was only a ploy to meet her favourite players, but she was practising her interviewing skills for a journalistic career (now disbanded in favour of PR).

Back in 1994, TT was invited to interview England’s leading capped international, Sue Dorrington. TT met the hooker at a squad training session in Leamington Spa, on their build to a developing England campaign, which saw them win the World Cup. TT, from personal experience, witnessed an intense training session. For Sue, her life was the game and she got herself into the game “by blood, sweat and tears” and treated he fitness regime like a top-class athlete. She felt that women’s rugby had developed into a structured league and national side but that it was still more coverage. TT’s claim to fame saw this interview in the 1996 South Examining Board (SEG) GCSE English Language paper on “change”.

The next step up saw TT invited to interview England’s World Cup winning captain, Karen Almond in 1995. Another Loughborough person, like my dad, Karen Almond was a talented fly-half who was inspired by Jonathon Davies. It was very interesting to meet a player in their work-capacity, in the days of amateurism and seeing Karen as a school teacher. Equally committed, Karen juggled a job with training and beat a strong USA side to win the World Cup in 1994. England played against Wales in 1995 at WR. Who can forget Jeff Proybn’s naff comments on Rugby World whilst in the company of talisman captain Gill Burns (who succeeded Karen Almond) – but women’s rugby has come a long way in terms of development and structure, and it was nice to have meet two leading women.

Backy is TT’s all time favourite, so when the opportunity came on work experience, TT got some time at “The Leicester Mercury”. A day at WR saw me met journalists and see them at work, and speak to The Blonde Bullet, as TT preferred to call him. Backy’s character of hyperactiveness, dedication and ubiquitousness have helped him carve out a successful league and England career. Neil commentated that “what motivates me is my desire for change” and said of Jack Rowell (former England manager that had a thing about size) “he is a hard and difficult man to understand”. Ultimately, what has kept Backy at the club has been “the tradition and enjoying playing with a variety of players” – that has grew even more so now, with competition for places. But Backy kept in fitness in check with a strict philosophy over training, time management and eating (remember when he hired a personal trainer during his 6-month ban and went training during his honeymoon)?

Imagine the scene a few years later, a crowded bar, TT quietly sitting in the corner by the door (she does do that from time to time). Then in walks the player who saves her from the table from hell next door. Tim Stimpson revealed himself to be a true team player and that there was a strong team spirit in the camp, epitomised by “a competitive nature, banter and the highest performance demanded by all”. Stimmo added that “the commitment put Tigers into the position of being able to win the double (1999)”. To be an all-round player, you need to be a good rucker, mauler, tackler, runner, tactician and ability in the tight. Tim also felt that part of his game “was to give confidence to younger players” and he felt he settled so quickly because everyone was friendly (including the fans). And yes Mad-Hatter, I can reveal that the all round good-egg Stimmo decided that TT should be escorted home and much to her delight, he had come in Paddy’s car! Mr. Howard kept his car very clean but one thing was revealed, that he had a notebook full of real English beers that he was trying! Thank you Tim for your kindness.

TT’s met the man-of-the-moment and favourite player, Pat Howard, was the last star to be interviewed. The spark of Tigers back-line for 2 seasons that set the game alight and created an array of new moves, was in similar style to Joshie with his southern outlook (remember him being held in custody in Prague as he was busking). Equally so, he was dedicated and focused, yet so approachable. Paddy’s philosophy was “everybody plays the game because they love to play”. Howard felt honoured to be the first Australian to win a League Championship and bring his skills to another arena where everyone around could learn. Pat felt that his game was enhanced by “playing when other ran the line and talked to you”. How true did Paddy speak when he said “the European Cup will become the premier competition” (won it two years on the trot mate)!

Mixing with the stars became a way of life for TT – not had any more interviews but do train with some of the players at my local gym. A new obsession has started – groupie! Two new players have become TT’s favourites – Boothie and Joshie.

When Pat Howard left, a new love had to be found and it was Boothie, despite remaining loyal to Backy. Small but with a distinct swaggerness and ego, he has stepped out in style, (dig those silver boots), to be a fast finisher for Deano, as well as a bit of a style guru, (did contemplate having my roots done or some streaks put in to mirror my man Boothie)!

Acting as Joshie’s official groupie started at the Healey v Justin Harrison Q&A session at the Walkabout back in December 2001, continued onto the Quinnell & Johnson Q&A at the Walkabout both times where he had a jamming session. At the play-off game against Bristol, he played with “Burn” and received a rapturous reception (as TT was at the front of the crowd!) Joshie has also winked and spoken to TT. Kronfeld adds a new dimension to the game, being knowledgeable, approachable and dedicated to both rugby and harmonica playing. It amazes TT that he can play the harmonica so well (not the average instrument), which probably reflects his southern, athletic culture.