Josh Black: Rhys it’s wicked to have you on this week. You have done it all with Birstall and continue to show that you’ve still got it. How did it all start for you?

Rhys Chivers: Thanks, glad to do it. I suppose it started at two different times for me. Once when I was younger, watching my dad play and captain the Greendogs that were rebuilding so I was already in and around the club from a young age. Then again when I was asked and encouraged to play by Bonser and Steve, whilst at college. Starting with a run out on Presidents day for the 2’s to joining the season after! The rest is history as they say and I’m still here 14 years later!

JB: Your speed has always been a massive part of your game. But are you still the quickest in the club?

RC: Good question! I’d say I’ve still got that turn of pace but I’ve probably lost a yard or two as I’ve gotten older and bigger (No thanks to Covid), but my style has developed too. I suppose I’m more deceiving to the opposition (a big 14 as Aldridge RFC would say!). I think give me a couple of weeks to get back into the swing and il be right back up there!

JB: Is there one try that sticks out the most in memory from all of those you have scored?

RC: I remember quite a few of my try’s but I think there is one that will live long in the memory. Thorney (Away), last play of the game and we were down by 3 points. We had just turned over a scrum on the left and the ball was floating left and right until it came to me in the middle of the park. I just opened my legs and broke through a gap in the middle, shaking off a couple of players and rounding the full back to score under the posts, keeping our title push on track. I’m sure there is a video somewhere!

JB: I was there! I still remember running to Ade going crazy with Lingard. Off the pitch, we have always been a very social team. Which is your favourite event that the club puts on for its players and why are they important?

RC: Being a social side from it’s creation Birstall has had a lot of successful social events and the clubs continues to thrive because of these, whether its because it promotes the club or recruits new players to the club. My personal favourite has always been the ‘Wine and Cheese’, definitely some messy nights were had in Rothley during one of these.

JB: Completely agree.
I have had it put to me that I need to repeat one of the questions I asked a couple of weeks ago. If you’re at a buffet, which are the five most important items that go on your plate?

RC: A balanced and evenly proportioned plate – that’s the right answer right? Sandwiches are a given, followed by sausage rolls. After that there always has to be some kind of chicken side and cheese. Lastly some pasta salad to at least make it look healthy and have some kind of green on it.

JB: On the point of food, what’s your favourite crisp sandwich?

RC: What’s that? Never had one.

JB: Like many players, you were close to our dear friend Woodpig. What is your favourite memory you have of him from either a playing or non-playing perspective?

RC: I’ve known Woodpig in a few different scenarios growing up so have lots of different and great memories I’ve shared with him!. Firstly being around the club when I was young and he was just beginning his coaching at the club and I was just on the side line watching the team play and got to know a lot of the lads (Old dogs) that way. A couple years later I was playing football and played against his son’s team. Woodpig being Woodpig knew about me and told his sons team to keep an eye on me as the opposition’s striker as I was quick but not to worry too much as I couldn’t hit a barn door! – He was right, hence why a few years later I gave up football and played rugby where I didn’t have to kick a ball! I obviously joined Birstall then and was quickly taken under the wing by him and coached by him. Still never letting me forget I couldn’t kick a ball to save my life! We then toured together in Bristol where I had a task to serenade a women in a bar. Tour being tour I had to complete my tasks but this one was made easier when he joined me with a few other fellow Greendogs.

JB: You have been a Greendog for a long time and within that you were once the first team captain. In your opinion, what is the one quality above all else that a Greendog should have and why?

RC: Hard work – that is all. If you give everything you can on and off the pitch it makes this club what it is. Training hard to get into the team and giving your all if given the chance. Off the pitch the hard work continues with the people working behind the scene. The team as players is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this club. We see the team play and have unparalleled success on the field but it is everyone working behind that team which is what makes this club so welcoming, brilliant and successful!

JB: I’m assuming that you’ve seen your fair share of disagreements between us and other clubs on the pitch. In those scenarios do you turn into a heavyweight boxer or tactical negotiator?

RC: Those that know me well know I’m not the one who’s going to be throwing the first punch. I’ve always given a little dig into the opposition when the opportunity arises and been as annoying as I can to the opposition in my own way but I’d definitely say I’m more the tactical negotiator, I prefer the mind games.

JB: To finish as always, why should people come and join Birstall RFC?

RC: Put simply, why not? This isn’t a team or club, this is a family that gives you an outlet to play rugby but most importantly be a supportive network of people that not only provides entertainment on a Saturday but a welcoming, strong and supportive community.