Wednesday's Ruck & Maul

UNSUNG HERO – ON THE FIELD

Nathan Oliver

Plenty of rugby afoot but none on the CW front. The Ruggernut recently caught up with club MVP, Nate Oliver and got the skinny on his presence with CW rugby. This “Mighty Mite’s” yellow head gear can be spotted anywhere on the field where the hard yards are needed. He has been duly rewarded this season, receiving the MVP honor. Nate has played as hooker, flanker, center, and #9, all with noticeable vigour. He has a “nose for the ball”, witness his six CDI tries. Recently we were able to catch up with him (not sure how!) and ask a few questions about how things are going for him.

Nate Oliver, Sammy Rocher and Matt MacLean are the latest in a line of Aussies, going back some thirteen years to have worn the Tricolour jersey. It started in 2002 when Johno courted Eastwood’s Jeff Reid to toss his hat into the 2003 RC RWC’s campaign. Reidy was selected and came off the bench against N.Z. and started against Tonga, in Canada’s only win. Next was Casey Dunning who came with Exner, Abrams and Webb when the Pacific Pride program folded. Casey managed five ‘Caps’. Casey’s young bro, Josh came from Eastwood and despite a totally macerated leg fracture, showed his toughness in rehabilitating and captaining Canada U20s at one stage. Then, from GPS club in Brisbane, came debatably the best, Seamus Gay. Sea was often, unfairly viewed as a player without sufficient size. I would bet that all of his opposite numbers would name him in the top 2/3 of “most difficult”. Sea at least was rewarded in 2011 when, with his boys in his arms and Bianca by his side, he showed open emotion when CW celebrated the CDI Premiership. Next, from Brisbane Brothers was Andy Pope whose dad, Alex, had a Wallaby cap and Andy played with similar guile. Jed Alexander from Nelsons Bay followed and I hope no one has been omitted. This brings us to Nathan Oliver.

CW: When and where did you start playing rugby (union)?

NO: I first started playing with a small town team, the Nelson Bay Gropers in their Try Rugby program at about seven years of age. I played all my junior rugby with the Gropers until U17’s.

CW: What clubs have you played for in NSW?

NO: I played at school, Hunter Valley Grammar School. When I completed school I moved to Sydney and joined the Parramatta Two Blues. I played U20 Colts and some senior side grade rugby.

CW: What positions have you played? What is your favourite? Who is your favorite player and why?

NO: I have played “bits and pieces” of all positions but mainly at flanker, center and hooker. Although I enjoy all positions, from some perspective, my heart lies in the #7 jersey. It’s where I am most comfortable. A favorite player is hard to pick but it would be between Stephen Larkham and George Smith.

CW: What influenced you to come to Victoria and play with CW?

NO: Some CW players ended up playing with Nelson Bay on their Australian travels and some mates and I became interested in deciding to come and see what the fuss was all about. Sam Rocher and the notorious, Chad Northcott and I, hit the road.

CW: After two seasons with the Tricolors, one has the sense that you are enjoying life in Canada. What is your job and do you have some thoughts about the future?

NO: What’s not to like about CW and Victoria? It’s a great lifestyle here. I am enjoying doing courier work with Access Records. It has been great and they offered to keep me around for a bit which sounds like a good plan to me!

CW: You have seen a fair amount of rugby during your stay here. What are your reflections on the CDI Premier League? What about Canadian men’s and women’s rugby in general?

NO: I wasn’t sure what to expect of Canadian rugby before I got here. I think the CDI and Victoria in particular is a great hub of rugby culture with a lot of good talent. Canadian rugby at the national level is obviously on the up and up, both men’s and women’s teams showing good form which is good to see. CW is a great club. I’m proud to be part of it. You guys really do rugby right, here!

CW: Thanks, Nathan for joining up with our club. We love watching that yellow head gear bobbing up in the strangest places! Your efforts have been appreciated, week in and week out. We wish you all the best for the future.