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Paul Hayes - 20 Question Challenge

Paul Hayes - 20 Question Challenge

Ian Grantham16 Dec 2017 - 08:00
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Paul Hayes completes the 20 in this Christmas Treat!

The picture is definately 'one for the ladies'. It was in a time when material available to make shorts was in short supply! Somehwere in there is Paul Hayes and Steve Murley!

The normal process for these articles is that I dig around the first team players for some juicy details to entertain you all in a humorous (well I think they are funny anyway!) introduction piece...and this is what Paul thinks I have been doing (and with some success he's been led to believe).

Well you big lug the game is up.

If you scroll until your finger hurts holding the button down you will find his 20 question challenge answers. First of all Paul [and Jan] a few people wanted to say hello....

Adam Pearce - A giant of a man in both stature and personality with a heart of pure gold. Well respected and admired by all of his fellow club mates. The blue print for a true saint!

Al Cummins - I think Paul Hayes has done a fantastic job as Chairman to St Austell rugby Club. He has steadied the ship and moved things forward. Paul’s polite, a good communicator and very diplomatic in his approach. He has been the stalwart of St Austell Rugby Club for many years; He will be missed by everyone and a very hard act to follow. Behind every good Man is a very understanding Wife! A Big thanks must go to Jan for the amount of support she has given Paul over the years he has spent in office.

Jake Carr - Paul Hayes is a nice chap and a great asset to the club. He’s always in good spirits and never fails to supports the team and club.

Cav Boyer - Haysey is someone who does masses of work behind the scenes for the Saint’s squad and the whole club. For me game day isn’t the same without him, he’s always getting behind the players and giving really good advice pre match to psych you up. He’s the stash God! Always able to sort you out if you’ve lost stuff! I think Paul Hayes is the definition of a club man.

Chris ‘The Shop’ Inman - Paul is a true "Saint" a real clubman. It is clearly obvious that he works incredibly hard to further the cause of St Austell RFC. Paul acknowledges the commitment of everyone who helps to keep the club running smoothly. It is, therefore, pleasing to be able to acknowledge the tremendous commitment, he himself provides. It is not an over statement to say that Paul's commitment is infectious. It has certainly rubbed off on me. It is a pleasure to be able to work alongside him.
Thankyou Paul for all your endeavour on behalf of St Austell RFC. Long may it continue.

Pete Rowe - Paul is a top bloke who will help you out the best he can! Paul and Jan are brilliant, a modern day Bonnie and Clyde. I also heard he once auditioned to be the man in the moon and Father Christmas.

Adam Kellow – Top man! As committed as they come. Got to know him very well via SEVERAL disciplinary hearings. He was my voice!

Graham Walker - Paul often thanks me for taking pictures of the games and recently asked how I always manage to make him look older, less slim and more follicly challenged than he really is. I must admit it is difficult, but I manage with special lenses and a bit of Photoshop.
I know, like most of us, Paul has a deep love for the game and St Austell RFC. As chairman he particularly appreciates all the free advice he is given in the bar on a Saturday evening. Simply put Paul is a top bloke whose act is going to be hard to follow.

Hector Bright - My dad always said Hayesy was tall, athletic had great hair and a fair head-butt.
I don’t know that man. I know a great clubman who provides the ‘nouse’ and know-how for the club to operate as a beacon for the community, while understanding what rugby is all about. Paul always sponsors a young player and this year I was lucky he chose me.
Thank you Paul!

David Clarke - Paul Hayes is a giant of a man in every way. He not only is he a great physical presence, but also he manifests a supreme intellect as well. He has one of the keenest, sharpest senses of humour of anyone I have ever met, made so by his great command of the English language. Paul can also be a quiet person, working away in the background, tirelessly putting the Club's requirements first and making sure that everything that needs dealing is carried out. More often than not this results in lots of benefit to the club. I think we are very lucky to have had Paul Hayes as Chair of St Austell RFC.

Milo Bright - As a colt I was introduced to a tall, slim chap who had great hair on the evening of a midweek game against the Police. It all kicked off and I acquired the knowledge of the head-butt from my new teammate.

Later the same season my new teammate started hitting me on the head with a tin tray after a match at IIlogen. I was becoming hooked on senior rugby but it took another foray to seal it. An all in brawl at Penryn, Dawsy jumping out the back of the ambulance for a bit more and the calming words of senior players, “well done lads!” That was it. Hooked!
Rugby has changed and Hayesy has too; He is now responsible, going to other people’s appeals on their behalf, not condoning head butting and last but by no means least, being the best of clubmen. He can do all this as he has done it all, understanding what it takes to provide a great club environment, all the while being a great role model.

Thank-you Paul!

Hugh Noott - He’s a true Saint and would do anything for any player. I have the upmost respect for him.

Michelle Knuckey - What an absolute gentleman! Paul can always be relied upon to be there when you need him; he is one of the most genuine, well respected and level headed people I know. We're all very lucky to have Paul as part of our club, he works so hard with all the day to day stuff, not to mention all of the behind the scene work that's goes on. I think it's safe to say all of us look up to Paul (literally!) and he is definitely one of the people that holds the club together.

Darren Thompson - If you want to be Chairman of St Austell Rugby Club, never expect compliments. Paul deserves as many as I can collect in one missive. Without a doubt, his term as Chairman has been one of the most difficult periods for the club that I can remember and yet Paul has managed to not only keep us moving forward but has dealt with every issue big or small with consistent tact and diplomacy.
He was instrumental in moving us to a more professional outlook in regards to business, and at the same time has been passionate about restoring the social element to our club, as our Doom Bar sales can testify!
He has managed so many elements of the rugby club, international ticket procurement, creating the club shop, populating the website and even designing the membership forms, that I know I would forget to list all of them; suffice to say that many of the things us members take for granted Paul has had a hand in.
On a personal note, I have learned a great deal from Paul over the years whilst we have worked together, and I sincerely hope that he continues to feel he is one of the most respected members of the club in my eyes and many others.

I might even buy him a pint.

Andy Inch - Haysey has always gone above and beyond the role which is expected of him and is a key figure on match days as well as around the club in general. He is always the first person to let you know if you have had a good game and will help you with any issues you bring up.
On a personal note he helped with an issue which became apparent a couple of years ago and a reference he wrote was greatly appreciated so a huge thank you for that too.

Adam Barberry - True saint. He and Jan always have the best interest of the players and the club at heart regardless of the amount of work they have to do behind the scenes. Has probably had to defend Kellow at disciplinary meetings more than any man ever should! Top bloke and the club have been very lucky to have him at the helm. He has become a great friend since I’ve been there.

Max 'Big Dug' Duggan - Absolute top man! Does all the behind the scenes stuff for the team and club that goes unnoticed and he deserves a lot of credit! Helps out loads on the side-line! Definitely wouldn’t be where we are in the league without him.
Michael Shakespear - Paul is a massive part of St.Austell RFC! If the club was a clock Paul is one of the vital cogs to keep it running smoothly. Without him the club wouldn't be the same.

Tony Knight - What can I say? He is the most unselfish and genuine person you will ever meet. The work that he does for the club is amazing and there is so much more behind the scenes that none of us even see! I was so glad we could win that county cup last year because the smile on his face said it all, an amazing club man and am looking forward to touring with him next year.
Thanks for everything Paul Hayes (legend)!

Mark Vian - Paul Hayes as far as I’m concerned is a wonderful man. Not only dose he go above and beyond for the club but he is a big family man and I know he thinks an awful lot of his friends and family. As a fellow Gorran man I’m proud to say I know Paul and that he has honestly always been there for me on and of the field offering me nothing but wise words and a lot of support.

Daryl Cook - If you had to level an observation against Paul Hayes, it would probably be about how much he does for the club that most people don't see. I have had the pleasure of working with him on the Exec Committee, when he was Treasurer, then Chairman and now as First Team Manager. The fact I have to list his roles tells a story in itself. A better or more committed man for the Saints I have yet to meet and his input will be sorely missed.

Shane Johns - Paul and Jan have been really helpful to me since leaving the Army. They helped me settle in to the club which made the transition into civilian life a great deal easier.
He always adds some entertainment to match days and always smiling, also extremely thoughtful with his after match rewards, end of season awards never leaving a squad member out and involves everybody!! Always got us together and created a really good group of lads telling us where we are going right or wrong and everyone respects his word and decisions!! All round great bloke with a big heart.

Jon 'The Voice' Winter - Paul Hayes is the epitome of a club man. He is supportive and welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds as he knows that there is a role for everyone in such a wonderful club. If the Saints should ever have a mascot it should be based on the cuddly frame of Haysey.

Sid Venner - Paul has been a massive part of the club over the years having a huge impact. Not only does he help out on a Saturday with the boys but also works tirelessly behind the scenes which doesn't always get the credit it deserves. Always in good spirits and where you get Paul you get Jan so together are also always a great laugh after games.

Chris Ashwin - Easily the finest wearer of a flat cap in the Duchy, if not South West. He has cracking banter and is in some ways the 'good cop' to Steve Murley's bad (??)!!! As someone who does so much for the club it is difficult to pick things out, but us players would certainly be lost without him and all he does in ensuring we can turn up on a Saturday looking the part and able to enjoy ourselves. I could go on but I’ve never received the Man Of the Match champagne from him, so i'll leave it there!! (hint) Thank you Hayesy!!

Andy Ashwin - On behalf of every player over the last 8 years, the current squad and myself, I would like to thank Haysey for his amazing contribution to St Austell Rugby Club. Many of us players take for granted the fact that we play at a family friendly club with some of the best facilities in the South West, with awesome media coverage, all with players produced largely by a burgeoning youth section. As Saints manager and Chairman Haysey has played a massive part in ensuring everyone has the best possible experience if they are involved in any way in the game and the club that he loves! If I had to sum up Haysey with one quote it would probably be with two!
‘If a jobs worth doing, it’s worth doing properly!’ and ‘COYS!’
From kit organiser, stash provider, travel agent, stats collector, Chairman, journalist/media rep, Cornwall RFU ‘Liaison’ Officer, Saints Manager, MOM announcer, port and cheese provider, club disciplinarian, lead singer…..the list is endless. He has done them all (ably assisted by his partner in crime Jan!) with a hugely infectious and positive manner. He has made an enormous contribution to a fantastic club and all for the love of the wonderful game of Rugby Union and a great bunch of friends! COYS!
Like Adam Kellow says ‘Thanks Haysey, I'm going to miss the late evening trips to Truro Golf club!’

Miles Davey - Paul Hayes’s optimises what a Saints man is! Passionate, committed and hardworking. Paul has been a massive part of the success of St Austell RFC on and off the field for a number of years and will be sorely missed as chairman. Thankfully he is staying on as Saints Team Manager, and will have to put up with us for a bit longer. A true Saints legend!! Saints Family.

Andy Rice - It has been my privilege and pleasure to know Paul for the better part of thirty years through rugby at St Austell RFC, as team mates and in recent years through the management of the club. Paul has proved to be a very able Chairman and has been a source of sound advice and support during some of the more challenging aspects of my role at the club. He always managed things with both a level headedness and a good sense of humour. Time to enjoy the rugby now without the pressures of the club off your shoulders. Top job done by a top bloke!

Joel Double - Since I was cornered by Paul in the bar and "encouraged" to become the clubs treasurer 4 years ago, I have come to appreciate what a devoted clubman he is. An example to all of us how to have the club and rugby at the centre of our decisions and actions. A man who is respected, and epitomises honesty, honour and hard work. His sacrifices for our club are often not noticed. His array of rugby jerseys and t shirts often leave me trying to work out who he follows in the professional game. I have tried to see if it is a specific top for a specific meeting or mood!

Steve Murley - I am very proud to say that I have been a friend of Haysey for several years, first as players and then working in committee and with our senior playing sides. His dedication, commitment and intellect have served us brilliantly as a club both on and off the field and he has undoubtedly been one of the driving forces in our recent development.

He is a special person, respected and loved by players, committee members and supporters. When people ask me what it means to be a “Saint”, I just point at Haysey, a top man.

Here's Paul's 20:

1. Best thing about Rugby and why?
Undoubtedly it is the camaraderie, the friendships made through rugby are bonds that are made for life.

2. Worst thing about Rugby and why?
Leagues have undoubtedly improved the skill and fitness levels making the game faster and more dynamic than my day, but it has been at the cost of some of the traditions that made rugby so unique and it’s a shame these seem to be disappearing from the game. Away teams rarely stay long after a game, sing-songs have almost been consigned to the memories of the misty-eyed and when was the last time a prop imbibed on a post-match pint of after shave?
The fall in player numbers is the biggest danger facing the game at our level, it appears increasingly people would rather watch than play these days.

3. Earliest memory of playing Rugby?
Playing for London Irish Youths and singing the Fields Of Athenry before every game

4. How Many Clubs have you played for and which ones were they?
London Irish, University Vandals, Antlers and St Austell.

5. Best Memory with St Austell ?
Undoubtedly winning the Cup this season but promotion to SW1 as Western Counties Champions is a close second.
As a player, it was probably beating Redruth in the Cup and along with the first ever game at Tregorrick Park against Penryn in 1989.

6. Who has most influenced your game and why?
My Dad who drove me everywhere to train and play rugby and always stood on the touchline come rain or shine, never letting me get big headed in victory nor too down hearted in defeat.
John O'Driscoll was London Irish captain in the late 70s and early 80s, he played for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions and he led the London Irish team to the final of the 1980 John Player Cup. He was an inspirational figure, an absolute colossus but he was full of humility with time for everyone.
Richard Lamb helped to reignite my enthusiasm for the game when I first joined St Austell in 1985.
I am also blessed by the most amazing wife who has embraced the role of “rugby widow” like no other (Cor Blimey!)

7. Tell us your favourite [clean] joke?
It is a joke that needs to be put in context, St Austell are playing down at Redruth and somehow leading the mighty Reds 9-6 with 5 minutes to go. We are stuck in Hellfire Corner in the teeth of a howling wind, lashing rain, a baying crowd and a fired-up Redruth pack.
We pack down for a scrum just 5 yards (we didn’t have metres in those days!) from our line. St Austell front row legend Dave Teague then says:
Ere, Haysey – what’s the definition of a virgin in Redruth?
You could feel the Redruth front row tense up as Teaguey answered his own question
A daughter that can run faster than her Father!
All hell breaks out, the scrum comes up in a flurry of punches, the backs bitch-slap each other and people seem to pile in from everywhere. The referee panics and blows for time causing more consternation amongst the Redruth supporters due to the amount of time still left. I remember being covered head to foot in mud and blood but grinning because St Austell were through to the next round!

8. Who is the person you’d most like to be stuck in a lift with and why?
Probably Guppy, I could listen to him recite his favourite pork recipes while we wile away the hours discussing our favourite Spanish wines!

9. Who is your favourite professional player and why?
Willie John McBride for his famous “kick ahead, any head will do!”; John O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell.

10. What is your favourite Film?
Mississippi Burning is a great film, thought provoking and unfortunately, we seem to be wheel spinning backwards as a society to those sorts of attitudes. I also enjoyed the Bourne series as well.
I love stories from Ancient times (even before I was born) Gladiator, Centurion and Siege of Masada. I also like the box sets Viking, Rome and Peaky Blinders.

11. What is your favourite Book?

The Masters of Rome series by Colleen McCullough, a brilliant way to learn history, factually correct but woven around the most amazing story telling.
Hugh Noott’s Good Pasty Guide is a thrilling read and Cav Boyer’s “Grooming Tips For Forwards” should be a number one seller in the Club shop this Christmas!

12. What kind of music do you like pre-game?
Old school punk and Celtic Rock - a bit of Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys would get the juices flowing!

13. Where do you see St Austell RFC and yourself in 5 years’ time in terms of rugby?
A Club at the heart of the Community for the Town, Bay and Clays of St Austell, the most professional amateur Club in Cornwall playing attractive rugby with local talent.
I would like to see Tregorrick Park as a vibrant 7 day a week business across all 12 months of the year that is able to continuously invest its profits in developing its facilities to take St Austell RFC to new heights.

14. What is your favourite pre-match food?
I definitely follow the Nootty regime of a pre-match large steak pasty, thankfully it does now come in powdered supplement form as part of an energy drink!

15. Why St Austell Rugby Club?
Started working at English China Clays, simply no other choice!

16. Which of your team mates is the most mischievous and why?
The team of the 80s and 90s were filled with characters – Charlie Price was a nightmare (“I resemble that remark!”); Nicky Bond; Noggin and Jumbo always seemed to be at the centre of everything and not forgetting Barry (I played for Cornwall) Whitford who was always funny but not always intentionally!
In today’s team it’s definitely the three truffling props of Nootty, Choppy and Pete Rowe although you know you are in for memorable night if Knighter and Kells are on the loose!

17. Who is the best dressed man in the squad?
In my playing days, it was definitely Keith “Jumbo” Cole – he had a certain sartorial elegance that set him apart from everyone else. He somehow managed to wear just enough Club kit to avoid fines without ever conforming. I remember him wearing a surf vest and Bermuda shorts with a Club tie and Blazer. He had more multi coloured boots than Imelda Marcos had shoes.
In the current squad, Max Duggan and Kells set new standards of style and haute couture that others can only dream of!
Liam Freeman also wears the most unfeasibly tight jeans, I still remember the contortionist Rob Jeffs trying to get them on in a Pub in Tiverton.

18. Which team mate is most likely to avoid paying for a round of drinks?

Pick any one of them from 1 to 18!

19. What is your nick name?
Haysey or Lightening

20. Use one word to describe you?
Languid.
Based on my running style!

Next Week: Christmas Break then Steve Murley

Webmasters Note: Paul in the short time I have known you its clear to see you are the glue that binds the players, supporters and the wider club together. I do know how much effort you put in in front of and behind the scenes so the comments above are wholly accurate. I also know that you can't do it without the backing of Jan on many levels so to the pair of you I say 'thank you' and 'Merry Christmas' to you both!

Further reading