Carlton Super 7’s has attracted many world renowned rugby sevens players from across the world. Among them is the current All Blacks Sevens team captain Derek Jamie Forbes.
Forbes made his debut for the All Blacks Sevens team in the year 2006 and since then has won multiple World Series Championships with them. He recently led the All Blacks to the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens Championship after a lapse of 12 years. Forbes was also voted the IRB Sevens Player of the Year in 2008. With his multiple accolades he is the Rugby Sevens equivalent of Richie McCaw.
DJ represents the Uva Vipers in the Carlton Super Sevens. ThePapare.com sat down with DJ Forbes for a candid interview about his experience in Sri Lanka, food, culture and about the sevens game in Sri Lanka.
What do you think about Sri Lankan Culture, food and its hospitality?
This is my second time here. It has always been good coming here. If it wasn’t good I wouldn’t have come back. I’ve enjoyed meeting the new boys and also the old ones from last year. It is a beautiful country. Not much of sightseeing though just training because after that we are too tired to go out and do stuff. Playing down at Galle was nice, different environment down by the beach. I have tried few curries but nothing from the side shops and carts. Don’t think my stomach could handle that yet.
What do you suggest for our youngsters to build character in the Game of Rugby, especially Rugby 7’s?
The main thing is fitness. You need to work hard when you play 7’s. At a young age it is very easy to get distracted hang around with mates, late nights and get into unhealthy habits. So it is important to get into good discipline nice and early, learn to work hard so you can enjoy the game. This is one of the key fundamentals aspiring young players should take note of.
This is your second year with the Uva Vipers. What are your feelings? Did you find the standards to be different when compared to the standards of World Series 7’s teams?
Yeah, to be fair we all know that. World Series is a lot higher up and these players know that. The local players however have the skills to be up there in the international level, but saying that it isn’t going to happen playing with the international players for a few weeks. They need to do it year in year out every time they get the chance, do the basics because they need to focus on the passing and all those little things which the international players do a lot better.
Compared to other nations Sri Lankan players are not big in stature. But what are the advantages the local players has?
Definitely speed. A lot of them are fast and good on their feet. I think in sevens rugby it doesn’t matter how big or small you are. They have shown a lot of heart especially the smaller players. They have put their body on the line for the team. That is one of the main ingredients.
What aspects of the sevens game should the players improve on?
I think fitness will improve their standards tremendously. If they are a lot fitter they could play a lot better and make better decisions under pressure. Also the basic skills like when to drop and pass, decision making. The more and more they play with international players the more they will find out how crucial it is and learn from them.
From what you have seen, whom have you been most impressed with, among the Sri Lankan players?
I mean I really don’t get to watch across the board but there are about three or four players who have come from last year and you can see their improvement. And in general over the two years the standard has lifted. This is probably one of the hardest invitational tournaments we’ve been to in terms of competition. From what I have seen the Costa brothers are good. Heard they are a proud rugby family. Also Chilanka Samaraweera. He has some lightning quick wheels just that he needs to get involved in the game much more. Riza with his play making and Shenal Dias.
How would you rate the standards of the Sevens play in SL?
You have to put it right up there. You cannot take away the passion and the pride the boys show out there on the field. Just because their skill set is a bit lower than the international circuit you cannot count them out. The boys commit themselves really well.
Finally DJ how has been the tournament thus far? How does it rank with other international tournaments like Hong Kong 7’s and Dubai 7’s?
It has been great. Hardest in terms of competition and it will get even harder when more international players come across. And also among the local players, I expect it to grow on them and through this Sri Lankan rugby can get on to the World Series.
TP thanks DJ was spending his valuable time and thoughts.
