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Ben Hinshelwood, Stew Mel
Lions
When did you start playing rugby?
Ben: When I was 15 years old.
What clubs have you played for?
Ben: North Sydney Boys High School,
Mosman, Sydney University, Bedford and Worcester.
Did playing rugby in Sydney before you
came over here teach you a lot?
Ben: Yes, especially having to work
and play rugby, you then appreciate playing rugby for a
living a lot more than if you have been doing it since you
left School or University which a lot of the English guys
have. It is much more fun than a 9 to 5 job.
What circumstances did you come over
here? Did you have a sponsored job that allowed you to play
rugby?
Ben: I came over with the Commonwealth
Bank of Australia to work in their London office. I got
myself a part time rugby contract at Bedford while I was
still in Australia so it was a bit of both.
At what point did you decide to take
up the rugby full time?
Ben: after a year at Bedford, Worcester
offered me a full time contract and I took it. I was still
on unpaid leave from the bank for a while. I was even going
to go and work over the summer there until I went on the
Scotland tour to Canada and North America. After about a
year I couldn't stay on leave.
So who are you playing for?
Ben: Worcester and trying to get promoted
to the Premiership.
What position to you prefer?
Ben: I play both centre and
fullback, really don't mind either.
Do you like the cold?
Ben:Yes, better than hot, don't really
like wind and rain though.
Do you like playing in the UK?
Ben: Yes, trips away can be fun, the
boys are a good laugh though it always good to come home
at the end of it.
How often do you train?
Ben: Everyday, usually have Sundays
off
How did you get involved with Scotland?
I had played a few games up there for Scottish
Exiles, then my coach at Worcester, Andy Keast, spoke to
the Scotland coach Ian McGeechan (they had coached together
on the 1997 British Lions tour to South Africa) and suggested
he take a look at me.
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