Be a rugby player not someone who plays rugby...enjoy yourself, play with a smile on your face, play and train hard and the rewards will come your team’s way.

- Callum Champain, EGRFC Seniors

Name: Callum Bateman-Champain

Age: 17

Playing career:
I have been playing rugby for the best part of 13 years, in my time playing rugby I have been a one club man and only ever played for EGRFC. I started playing in the minis and built my way up through the age groups and into the colt’s team, where I was lucky enough to be given the vice-captain role which was a massive honour for me, hopefully I can continue improving this season and start playing senior rugby this season.

Why do I play rugby:
I play rugby because of several reasons, rugby is a massive comrade, and it’s all about working as a team which I love because you know when you run on that pitch those guys in your jersey are going to do everything for each other it’s like a massive brotherhood. I also play rugby because I love the sport the minute I started I just fell in love with it, it’s a great game it has helped me develop my confidence as a person and stay more focused while studying academically.

Life outside of EGRFC:
At the moment I am just about to go in to my second year of college, after this my plan is to go on a gap year ‘down under’ and hopefully when I come back go to university to study either sport and exercise science or sport coaching. In the long run I would like to become both an academic teacher and a rugby coach, but a long way to go until then.

Favourite player:
This is a tough one, as a 7 I love watching Pocock and Hooper (Pooper) play together, they are world class back-rowers and when they are on form no other team has a chance against them, these two players alone have won Australia several games.

Watch Callum's favourite players "Pooper" in short clips here in action

Favourite rugby moment:
My favourite rugby moment would have to be when at U15 level, we were playing Hastings in a tight game and in the second half, I scored a try running from our own 22 to the opposite end to score. But really just playing rugby is my favourite part I can’t just pick one day or opportunity because I loved them all, and hope that there are plenty more to come.

Watch Callum's favourite moment here on YouTube

Will Scotland ever win the six nations?
Being ¾ Scottish I had to change this question, yes I do thin Scotland will win the six nations especially under Vern Cotter, you see how well they played in the world cup, losing out to a penalty decision (let’s not get into that) but yes I feel that they have the players and the coaches to win the 6 nations in the next 3 years.

Advice to anyone playing rugby:
My advice is enjoying yourself, play with a smile on your face, play and train hard and the rewards will come your team’s way. Remember it’s about a whole team, over time these team mates will become your friends and you will carry on playing with them. Academics are your number one priority as well, don’t let rugby get in the way of that or distract you from it. Be a rugby player not someone who plays rugby.

Who do you nominate for “get to know members” profile?
Jacob Barry