Zac Ward: I tend to overthink things, especially with rugby

Irish rugby union player says his biggest fear is letting his family down, or spiders

Zac Ward says he's recently taken up journaling every day. Picture: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

IRISH rugby union player Zac Ward has back-to-back press interviews on the day we speak.

The 25-year-old could talk about representing Ireland at the Paris Olympics this summer and joining Ulster shortly after, on a trial basis. But his focus is the launch of the new season of the Tackle Your Feelings programme (www.tackleyourfeelings.com), encouraging schools nationwide to sign up to help students build resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive mental health.

Your mental state and mindset are essential, Ward says. “More and more that’s becoming even bigger. Getting younger people in schools more aware and giving them tools to help with the mental side of things is massively important.

“If I had tools like that when I was in school, I would have massively benefited from it. It’s hugely beneficial.”

Do you have a morning routine?

It’s not necessarily a routine. I just get up and try to avoid going on my phone as much as possible that first hour or hour and a half. I have a bit of breakfast and a nice coffee. My day won’t start until I’ve had a coffee.

What is one thing you do every day?

I recently started journaling every day. It’s nice to do, no matter what’s going on in your head, and I’ve started benefiting from it.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’d like to say that I’m really strict, but after a long week on a Friday, I’d be prone to having some crisps.

I’m big on smoothies —they are an easy, quick way to get a good amount of nutrients and fruit in to the diet.

What keeps you awake at night?

I’m awful for overthinking things, especially with rugby.

If I make a mistake in training, it’ll sit with me for the entire day. And I guess that comes back to the journalling.

How do you relax?

I’m a big golfer. It’s a way to let off a bit of steam. I’m not saying that I’m very good at golf — it’s more of a nice walk than anything else.

Either that or I go for a walk with friends or my girlfriend. It’s a way to forget about stuff that’s going on.

What’s your dream meal?

I do like a good bruschetta. For a main, it’s hard to beat a good steak or my mom’s homemade shepherd’s pie. I am a fiend for a good shepherd’s pie with baked beans and brown sauce over the top, especially at this time of year. I’m a big cheesecake fan, too — a Malteser or an Oreo cheesecake.

Who are your sporting heroes?

Kobe Bryant [American professional basketball player]. I have a few of his quotes, posters, and stuff on my wall at home.

What is your biggest fear?

Without getting too deep here, my biggest fear would be letting my family down — that or spiders.

When was the last time you cried?

The other day, when I was forced to watch Marley and Me again. [It] always gets me, every time, because my dog is called Harley.

What traits do you least like in others?

People who will say one thing to your face and then do the complete opposite behind closed doors.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I never really know when to say ‘no’. I just say ‘yes’ to everything, which I know people would sometimes say is a good thing. But there comes a time when you need to learn how to say ‘no’ and step away from things.

What quote inspires you most and why?

‘One day or day one.’

I would have been really big at putting things off in the past. “I’ll start on Monday,” or something like that. [This quote] gives me a bit of a kick up the backside just to go and do things.

What’s something nobody knows about you?

I have three passports, which I think is pretty cool. I have my British, Irish, and New Zealand passports.