Episode 19 - The Oli Curry Interview - From Winchester to the Challenges of the Pro Game

Rugby Through The Leagues Podcast

In this episode, Oli Curry shares his rugby journey and the challenges he faced as a player. He discusses the importance of weight in the game and how it affected his career. Oli talks about the pressure to meet certain weight requirements and the impact it had on his performance. He also highlights the opinionated nature of rugby and the reliance on coaches' opinions. Despite the challenges, Oli persevered and found success in his career. In this part of the conversation, Oli Curry discusses his experiences with different rugby clubs and the control and lack of enjoyment he felt in the professional rugby environment. He talks about the weighing rituals and the pressure to conform to strict training and lifestyle protocols. He also shares stories about the culture and atmosphere at Bedford Rugby Club, where there was less focus on control and more emphasis on building a strong team culture. Oli reflects on the challenges of being a young player in the rugby system and the importance of playing the game and getting coaches on your side. The conversation highlights the lack of investment and support for lower-level rugby clubs and the negative impact it has on the sport. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is criticized for its focus on the elite level and neglecting grassroots and championship teams. The defunding of the championship and the lack of promotion and relegation have widened the gap between the Premiership and lower divisions. The conversation also touches on the perception of rugby as a dangerous sport and the need to promote the positive aspects of the game. The importance of investing in culture and community at the grassroots level is emphasized.