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Portuguese Bath Academy player trains at Browns with National U-20s - Interview |
During
the weekend 27th – 29th February, Browns Sports & Leisure Club had
the pleasure of accommodating guests Portuguese National U-20 Rugby Team. Amongst
the many well known athletes in the team, BSLC had the pleasure to catch up with
Zurich premiership Bath academy player Duarte Silveira. |
 BSLC: How
are you finding this week´s training at Browns
sports facilities?
DS: Awesome, everything is great, the pitch
and the accommodation. This is a good experience for all of us to be together.
I only wish that we had this kind of facility in Lisbon.
BSLC: What are the Portugal U20´s principle
objectives for the coming international season?
DS: To establish a good stable squad that will qualify for the next world cup.
The ultimate goal is for 60% of the U-20s to go onto represent the 1st national
squad. Which means that we have to grow as rugby players mentally and physically.
BSLC:
Which team do you expect the most challenge to come from?
DS: Spain firstly as they are our neighbours and there is always a rivalry between
Spain and Portugal. Then I would say Russia and Romania as we are all about the
same standard as emerging rugby nations but particularly Russia as they knocked
us out of qualifying for the U-21 World Cup in November in Scotland.
BSLC: How
long do you expect to represent Portugal?
DS: Well, I am only 19 at the moment and have a long way to go as far as playing
international rugby is concerned but, realistically I want to play rugby until
I no longer have fun playing the game.
BSLC: What are your personal goals for
both Portugal and Bath?
DS: For Portugal my goals are to go as far as I can which means playing for the
1st team on a regular basis. I have already had some training with them and liked
the taste of it. With Bath there are a lot more factors to take into consideration
but basically again the same. To go far as I can and give it my best shot. I
have nothing to lose by being in England, only good can come of whether I make
it to the 1st team or not.
BSLC: How did you manage to be playing Rugby in England?
DS: I attended some summer training camps in England when I was 15 and 17, it
was on my 2nd camp that I was noticed by the Gloucester U19 scout. I wanted to
go to Bath as that is where I was interested in going to University so he recommended
me to Bath. However, it took over a year for me to be accepted at Bath, I kept
in constant contact communication with the Academy Director whilst I was playing
for Portugal in various tournaments. Then in June 2003 they invited me to attend
the Academy.
BSLC: How long have you been in England playing with Bath and did
you find it difficult adjusting to living in England?
DS: Not even a year. I went over in June 2003 and was immediately thrown into
training. Then in September I started University after taking an entrance exam
to test the standard of my English so I really did not have time to think about
things. Life is definitely different in England though, especially regard to
sport as they think they are the best and it is easy to see why within rugby
with the set up most professional clubs have. Bath have helped me a lot to settle
in and make things easier for me with regards to going to university. Plus I
work in the club house bar on match day and other events to earn extra money.
BSLC:
What is the greatest benefit from learning your Rugby at a premiership side like
Bath?
DS: Experience and rugby knowledge gained
from playing with quality players. Sometimes you have to pinch yourself to believe
it. Like when I´m working
out in the gym and Mike Tindall and Mike Catt speak to you and offer advice,
that kind of thing can only happen to me by playing in England. No matter what
happens to be by being in England and playing rugby I am constantly learning
and bettering myself which can only help Portugal.
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World Champions Bulls charge into 2005 !
Browns Swimming Club at Portinado Swim Meet March 2004
