GB Student Lions Interviews: Tight End Rob Cartwright

Players Questions
Name: Rob Cartwright
University: NTU
GB Position and Number: TE #46

Rob "Gronk" Cartwright taking instruction from Coach Paul Sherrat c/o Bec Edwards

DC: First off, congratulations on being named to the travelling squad for the Great Britain Students Men’s Program vs Sweden Students. How has the whole process of being involved in the student program been, from applying to trial to now?

The whole process has been really smooth, all of the coaches and staff involved with the whole program have been brilliant. The trial stage was really good fun, obviously with there being so many people it was hard to judge how well you were doing but in a way it made the whole selection process a lot better as you had to go all out all of the time.

The training sessions with the whole development squad has been awesome and all credit goes to the guys running the days and doing all the behind the scenes work.

DC: With the relatively short period of time between trials and going to Sweden, with limited training which has been affected by the weather, how have preparations gone going into Saturday’s game?

I would say that the weather cancelling the session and pushing it back has only helped. Obviously it is a new playbook for everyone involved with the team and it is easiest to learn when actually running it so having the session on the 30th makes sure everything is fresh in the minds of the travelling squad.

The progress made in only 2 sessions has been crazy, the coaches can focus on such fine elements of every technique due to every player having a high level of understanding of the game and skill level.

GB Student Lions Interviews: Safety David Saul

Name: David Saul
University: The University of Sheffield
GB Position and Number: Safety #9

Saul (yellow tights) in action c/o/ Bec Edwards

DC: First off, congratulations on being named to the travelling squad for the Great Britain Students Men’s Program vs Sweden Students. How has the whole process of being involved in the student program been, from applying to trial to now?

It has been an unusual process for me; I had reconstructive surgery on my shoulder the week before tryouts so I had no idea whether the coaches would consider me for the squad being only a few months post surgery. I got the email inviting me to camp but I wasn't sure if I had done enough to prove both that I was fit enough and that I was sharp enough to be selected for the travelling squad.

Thankfully the coaches thought so and I've been working hard to make sure i'm 100% and ready to contribute to a GB win when Saturday comes.

DC: With the relatively short period of time between trials and going to Sweden, with limited training which has been affected by the weather, how have preparations gone going into Saturday’s game?

You can never have too many practices but preparation has been fine; Coach Hill and the rest of the staff have explained what they expect from us and have worked hard to make sure we are ready for the game.

GB Student Lions Interviews: QB Coach Ryan Baker

The first in a series of interviews from the GB Student Lions team ahead of their game in Uppsala vs Sweden.

Name: Ryan Baker

University: University of Birmingham

GB Coaching Position: Quarterbacks

Coach Baker speaks to GB WR Tom Singleton Wells c/o Bec Edwards

DC:First off, congratulations on being one of the coaches for the Great Britain Students Men’s Program. How has the whole process of being involved in the student program been, from applying, to trial, to now?

RB: Thank you, it's a real honour to be a part of this program. The whole process was a little bit of a whirlwind. I had my interview with Wayne and Russ, and within a couple of days, I had been offered the role. Once that was done we had multiple conference calls as a staff to get things ready. This program had a real focus on aligning with the GB adult program.

I am lucky enough to be a part of that staff too, so I got tasked to ensure some consistency within the two offenses. That has been an exciting challenge for me personally. Then working with the guys on the field has been the best bit, we have some great men and very talented players.

Womens Elite go from Strength to Strength‏

The Elite arrived in a bitterly cold Marlow for the rescheduled game versus the Wolves minus injured Natalie Parker, Afia Law and Jenny Cooper. The remaining players knew they would have to put in an extra shift to make up for the loss.

#16 Captain Louise Lee c/o takingthepixel