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A CHAT WITH MATT COOK

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Staff Reporter / 2010-03-13 12:41:10

La Vila Rugby Club’s first team is not just a standard group of athletes who pitch up for training every day.  It’s a team made up of individuals, and there is always something interesting to find out when you take the time to get to know a little more about one of them.  Matt Cook is one such player – we found out some more about the man behind the (number 8) La Vila rugby jersey.

1. What first sparked your interest in rugby as a child?
I was probably first in a rugby club when I was only a few days old, after that I was going to Jersey Rugby Club every weekend to watch my Dad play before I started playing mini-rugby as a 6/7 year old.
2. How has your attitude to rugby changed since you first started playing ‘serious’ rugby in England?
I have a far more relaxed attitude towards rugby now as a player. In the UK, I was focussed on winning a contract with a premiership club and playing top class professional rugby. Everything was serious and revolved around rugby and training. On moving to Spain I had in effect retired from rugby but knew I would play again for a social side and have a bit of fun doing so. I am now happy playing with La Vila as the club and rugby progresses in Spain, and enjoying this unexpected second chance as a professional rugby player. Hopefully, we are not too far away now from seeing the local youngsters at La Vila making their way to the 1st team.
3. You have been playing for La Vila for four years.  How do you find the atmosphere of the club changes from season to season?
This is my fourth season playing with La Vila and each year continues to improve on the previous one. When I started with La Vila we would be playing against Elche and changing in portacabins at the side of the pitch. Four years later we are playing against teams like El Salvador and CRC Madrid in our brand new 3000-seater stadium. Each year we learn from the previous one and the people involved in the club, players, committee and supporters have always made it a special atmosphere here.
4. If a private jet were to be waiting outside to take you to any place in the world, where would you choose to go?
I’d have to say given the choice I’d choose Hawaii or New Zealand.
5. Bottle of wine or bottle of beer?
A nice cold bottle of beer please.
6. What would you choose if you had to select one food to survive on for a month?
Thai green curry and rice.
7. If you could transport one thing from England to Spain, what would it be?
I would transport decent service stations for the motorways so my time would be more enjoyable on away matches. Also coaches with toilets would be nice.
8. You are on your deathbed: looking back, what was the highlight of your rugby-playing career?
My highlight to date is my 21st birthday. I made my Premiership debut playing for Bedford RUFC against Richmond RUFC, scoring 2 tries in the process. Although an official cap for Spain at some point would more than equal that.

La Vila Rugby Club is situated at Carratera Pantano, Villajoyosa.  Take AP-7 exit N 66 (Villajoyosa).  At the first roundabout head for the mountain.  The club is about 1km from Motorway exit N 66.  Or take the Villajoyosa by-pass, and take the middle exit.   At the first roundabout, bare right towards the motorway entrance and at the second roundabout bare left towards the mountain.

Tags: La Vila, Rugby