RWU HQ – I had the chance to catch up with USA Eagles 7s & 15s star Brett Thompson. With that, it’s our pleasure to bring you this latest RWU Rugby Q&A. Enjoy!
Q: How did you first get into rugby? Was it because of your dad?
A: I grew up on the rugby pitch. My dad would bring me and my brother to every training/game as a way to basically babysit us as my mom had work in the evenings back in the day.
Q: What has life been like being the son of a coach? I can image there might be a bit added pressure there?
A: No added pressure, just opportunity to prove people wrong. When I made the USA U20s, I remember people saying “Oh, another Thompson? What is this a family vacation?” Stuff like that. People thinking I’m getting the opportunities because of my Dad’s standing but it just motivated me more to show I deserved to be where I was.
Q: Your dad was coaching at Arizona State but you choose Arizona? How come? How did your dad take it?
A: I chose Arizona to play football, no other reason. I only decided to play rugby later on.
Q: You played football and rugby at Arizona for your first two years. What was that like?
A: It was cool, I enjoyed the opportunities and experiences playing football. It was my priority and I only played CRCs my first year but moved more into rugby my sophomore year because I lost the passion for football.
Q: Why did you decide to fully commit to rugby?
A: Lost the love for the game of football.. Still loved playing games but everything that went into it was too much for me.
Q: Who is faster, you or your former college teammate Peter Tiberio?
A: Prob Tibs, he’s got dat speed.
Q: Dave Sitton was a great person and rugby guy. As one of his former players, how would you describe being coached by him?
A: There aren’t too many people who are as passionate as Dave Sitton. He did everything he could to make U of A rugby as successful as it could be. I have so much respect for him.
Q: Is your contract with Edinburgh for three months or the whole season?
A: It’s a whole season.
Q: You are a warm-weather guy. Have you ever been to Scotland between September 1st and May 1st?
A: I lived in Ireland for a year, so I know what’s to come and excited to get started. I’d much rather be playing in sunny San Diego, though.
Q: What was it like to get your first 15s cap against Canada?
A: Still is pretty surreal, things happened so fast, from not making the team to starting against Canada. I’m a bit of a perfectionist though, so I’m not overly impressed with how I played. Need to get more involved!
Q: What was it like to score the game-winning try in that game?
A: I just ran a flat line and got a perfect straight pass from Folau Nuia. Was the finishing move off a great combination of things… I’m glad everyone rushed me because if the people were expecting a celebration they would have probably got an awkward smile and some weird celebratory hand movements..
Q: Do you guys in the Eagles squad have talked amongst themselves about the big crowd expected in Chicago and what they deem a successful effort against a side like the ABs.
A: Not really. I look at it as an opportunity to play the most successful team in the world in the biggest rugby event this country has ever seen in one of Americas most prestigious stadiums. What else do you want?
Q: What is life like in the OTC?
A: Full time job. Great facilities, great staff, also nice to socialize with other athletes.
Q: Are you looking to play in both the 2015 RWC and Rio?
A: I’m looking to improve myself as a player and take advantage of opportunities that head my way.
Q: Diplomatically answered! Okay, so USA Rugby is making a big push to land the 2018 RWC 7s. What city do you think would be best to host it?
A: After experiencing 2014 RWC 7s, I think there are a lot of cities who could produce better than Moscow. First one that comes to mind would probably be Seattle. Big rugby community that continues to grow.
Q: Let’s take a moment to talk about something off of the pitch… If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
A: Brett Favre– He’s a legend.
Chris Farley– He would make dinner hilarious.
Sophie Vergara- You already know.
Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring two items, what would they be and why?
A: A satellite phone and lots of water
Q: Finally, why do you continue to play rugby?
A: It’s fun. I’m a competitor and I always will be. Want to keep improving and see how good I can get at this sport/where it will take me.
Q: Thank you for your time Brett.
A: It’s been my pleasure DJ.
