Catching up with Seb Pearson

With this round of Cup competition coming to an end across Europe, we were able to catch up with a young Canadian back-row, whose club has been making strides in the R.F.U.'s National Division One. We spoke to Seb Pearson, just following last weekend, and was able to tell us some of what he has been up to on and off the frozen pitch this season.

"I've been working for the Coventry Sports Foundation as a sports coach. It's been great to gain experience, as we are coaching all different types of sports and not just rugby. In terms of on the pitch happenings, things have been going well. We have had a few games canceled but we have won 4 of our last 5, so things are coming together."

Pearson, whose work with the Coventry Foundation was the subject of a local British newspaper write-up, has been pleased to see his side improving, after a slow start to the National One season.

"Our only loss (recently) came at London Scottish away, and they, for the most part, are a full-time outfit, but we could have won and we played very well. Hopefully, we can continue the winning form. I do feel fitter than I was last year and I think it has shown on the pitch as my involvements have increased massively on last year's, in term of tackles and ball carries, so I'm very happy with that."

Pearson has always been known for a high work rate, and certainly Canada's selectors will be pleased to hear about his increased fitness levels. Doubtless, some of that progress can be put down to the top flight facilities that Coventry offers their athletes, and Pearson was quick to praise the first class set-up at his club.

"Coventry is very professional, and even with awful conditions, we haven't missed a session. On Saturday, with no games to be played, we have done 90 minute fitness sessions to maintain the levels that we got to in preseason, and have taken the time to increase intensity in the gym. Hopefully our upcoming game against Stourbridge will be on for Boxing Day, and we can do the double over my old club, which would make me very happy and would be a great result."

Seb Pearson's hard work, both in his community and on the rugby pitch, should be a huge inspiration to young Canadian athletes looking to test themselves overseas.

Jeff Hull is a freelance media contributor to Rugby Canada. His Rugby Canada Pro Report can be read each week on www.rugbycanada.ca, and in every issue of Rugby Day In Canada magazine.