English speedster Ben Loader fields a couple of questions, from integrating into the DHL Stormers squad and speaking Afrikaans, to the local cuisine.

Can you give us some insights into where you are from and how you became a rugby player?
I grew up in a town called Reading, just outside London. I got into rugby at the age of five or six years old playing at my local club down the road. By all accounts I loved it until we started contact, when I quit and decided it wasn’t for me. But in secondary school I came back to it and started loving it again. I never actually had these dreams of being a professional rugby player, I didn’t envision that from an early age. I just knew that I enjoyed playing, getting better and being with my friends on and off the field. That’s what pushed me to work hard and then it got to the point where I got my first contract with London Irish and I haven’t looked back since.

Your brother is also a professional sportsman in a different code. What has that been like following one another’s careers?
My brother Danny is a professional football player for FC Porto, he has been living over there in Portugal for the last three years or so. It’s been amazing watching each other go through our respective careers. Obviously being older I was a little bit ahead in that respect, but football happens so early that our careers have been sort of going in parallel. We played in the same stadium to start with; him playing for Reading and me playing for London Irish. We played in representative teams for England at similar times, which was amazing. Although it has meant we haven’t been able to spend the most time with each other, we definitely support each other from wherever we are. I’m so proud of him and it is just cool to see him grow in his career, because what he is doing is pretty special.

How have you integrated into the Stormers squad this season? What have been some of the highlights for you?
The integration into the squad has been really good, obviously being the only Englishman in the team isn’t without its difficulties. My Afrikaans is getting better, but still nowhere near conversational yet. The guys have been amazing, players, staff, coaches. They have made it super easy and have made me feel really at home, the transition has been as smooth as it could have been really. Highlights have probably been going down to Hermanus and Wilderness in my second and third week here for our pre-season camps. Although results didn’t go our way, the tour was a really good opportunity for me to bond with the guys in the team and make some strong connections. I really feel part of this squad, part of this family. Both the team and the people of Cape Town have welcomed me with open arms, which has been amazing. Seeing the love and support of the fans has definitely been a highlight for me so far.

Any South African food that you particularly enjoy? Anything that you are still developing a taste for?
The food here is unbelievable, there is lots of stuff that the guys have got me to try. Malva pudding has got to be a highlight for me, Courtnall (Skosan) was the one to introduce me to it and it is unbelievable, just as good as everyone says it is. The braais as well, just the whole experience of braaing properly. My first one here was at Cornel Smit’s house and it was amazing. The meat here is fantastic and there is a whole range of stuff that I am still yet to try, but I’m slowly making my way through the list and I’m not saying no to anything.

For more, see thestormers.com

Photo: Nic Bothma/BackpagePix

 

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