Andrew Trimble: ‘To get the best out of myself on the pitch I need to be confrontational’

Andrew Trimble was the first player to enter Ulster’s 200-cap club this year and is also their record try-scorer. He has resumed his spot as a regular on the wing for Ireland after injury and is a member of the IRUPA (Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association) executive committee...

Q: From missing the Rugby World Cup squad over a lack of game-time to playing all but 10 minutes of the Six Nations, how would you evaluate your year in the green jersey?

A:

I’m fairly used to it all at this stage. I was disappointed I didn’t make the World Cup but I wasn’t that surprised because Joe and the coaches had any number of players to pick from and everyone was playing their part. I was technically fit but not quite going the way I’d have liked to be going to build up momentum.

So it didn’t surprise me that I didn’t make it, but at the same time it didn’t surprise me that I would get back going well eventually. I was really pleased to get back in the jersey and the Six Nations is always very special. It’s just a shame it took us a bit of time to get going, but when we did get going we produced a couple of performances that we’re really proud of.

Q: You achieved the landmark of becoming the first player in Ulster history to reach 200 caps. Has that put a greater leadership emphasis on you?

A:

You always lead but in slightly different ways as your career goes on. It happens very gradually. As you get more experienced, you know more about what it takes to win games, so I’m definitely trying to develop on that. With all the leaders we have, it takes a bit of pressure off and makes everything work more smoothly.

Q: You’ve gained a reputation for producing try-saving tackles, even in the last few months alone stopping Jean-Marc Doussain, Rory Scannell and Alun Wyn Jones close to the line. Are you as proud of the try-saving tackles as the tries you score?

A:

I didn’t set out to make try-saving tackles my niche. I just go out and try to stick to the system as much as possible. But occasionally when you’re out on the wing, you’re a little bit exposed because the defenders are drawn in. I have to try to solve that, so I like to try to work hard, make sure I read the game well, get off the line whenever I can and, obviously, make the tackle.

Q: In one game against Toulouse you had an under-the-posts try-saver and a chip-and-chase try to your name. Is it still the tries that stand out?

A:

That’s the try that definitely stands out. But really the reason why that stands out is because no-one else has noticed how few tries I’ve scored this season because of it!

Q: Adam D’Arcy said you’ve a split personality in going from being quieter off-the-field to being so uncompromising on it. Do you find it easy to transition into that ‘red mist’ zone?

A:

I do find that easy and I think that’s just the way I am. The key is to be myself on and off the field. To get the best out of myself on the pitch I need to be confrontational. I think that’s true for a lot of people, but it certainly is for me.

Q: After the Wales game you said it was like you’d been in a ‘car crash’. Have you noticed the knocks getting heavier as the years go on?

A:

Definitely. Especially after the Wales game too. That was a combination of the physicality being very high, but the pace of the game being very high as well. It makes it hard to keep up. The game along with the six-day turnaround and travelling to Paris made it very tough. In general, rugby is getting more and more physical and faster. I’m glad I’m 31 and only have another few years!

Q: What’s been your experience of concussion in the game?

A:

Definitely rugby is a macho environment. Traditionally the mindset would’ve been ‘get on with it’, but now everyone’s being a bit more smart about it and more aware of the dangers. I think it’s important we get the right balance between being aware of it and the integrity and physicality of the game. I think the players, coaches, staff and everybody has moved on and we’ve got to a really good position at the minute where everybody is aware of the dangers and deals with it in the right way.

Q: There was an article online entitled ‘Five Top Players on God’s Rugby Squad’, with four of those from Ulster. Is it a unique changing room to be in?

A:

In Ulster we’ve a good few guys whose faith is important to them and that’s definitely the case for me. It’s nice having guys there who you can share thoughts with and have their support there.

Q: Outside of rugby you’ve studied some physics, theology, car mechanics, management and now finance, which is an eclectic mix! Have you always been aware of planning what you’d like to do after rugby?

A:

I don’t know about car mechanics featuring in my future after rugby (laughs). At the minute, I’m doing a finance Masters in Queen’s and I think that’s the direction I’d like to go.

Q: Is it tough to combine the study with rugby?

A:

It’s not as tough as combining it with having a ten-month-old baby. Maybe the combination of all three is getting a little bit too much, but I quite enjoy it all and the variety keeps me fresh.

Q: What’s the biggest change you’d like to see made in Irish rugby?

A:

Something IRUPA’s working on is trying to look after young fellows in the academy – making sure they’re being looked after and getting every chance to commit fully to rugby, and also getting the opportunity to study as well. That’s something I’m a big believer in, giving them the opportunity to give rugby a fair crack of the whip but also have a plan B.

The Heineken Kinsale 7s takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, April 30 and May 1, and is always a popular festival for players and supporters with over 10,000 visitors expected in the seaside town. Now in its 28th year, it is Ireland’s largest 7s tournament and it promises to be an action-packed weekend of men and women’s running rugby for an attractive prize fund, trophies and medals.