Eric Howard, a fourth-year member of the Gryphon men's rugby team was recently selected to Rugby Canada's Senior Men's National Team. The 5-foot-9, 230lb hooker has already played in two Summer Series games and is now set to play in this weekend's game vs. Italy (Sunday, June 26 – 12PM) at BMO Field in Toronto.
Eric spoke to us recently about getting involved in the sport of Rugby, the team's goal going into this weekend's match vs. Italy and what's next for this aspiring Gryphon.
Q: How did you get involved in the sport of rugby?
I got involved in rugby when I was in high school. Since my school didn't have football, which is the sport I would have initially joined, I started playing rugby instead.
Q: Growing up, was rugby always your first choice or were there other sports you played competitively?
Rugby was definitely not my first choice. In fact, before rugby I played hockey, soccer, and football competitively. I didn't take rugby seriously until I was in grade 12.
Q: What drives you on the rugby pitch to compete? And what do you love about the sport?
What drives me most is knowing that today, I can be better than who I was yesterday. I know that I can only do that by training and giving my best at each and every game or practice. I bring this attitude when I go out on the pitch, and that always pushes me.
What I love about the sport is the camaraderie. Whether on or off the field, I know I can count on these guys. Regardless of what level they're playing at, we've all become very close friends. Due to the nature of the sport, we've come to depend and trust each other.
Q: What's your biggest strength on the rugby pitch?
I think my biggest strength on the rugby pitch is my stature and leadership. I say stature, because I can get really low which makes it harder for people to tackle me. As for leadership, it doesn't mean I'm always leading, but I'm also able to step back and follow other leaders on the team. I think that with this combination of strengths, I'm able to compliment the rest of the team, allowing us to be successful on and off the field.
Q: What was it like when you heard you were invited to camp and then that you made the team?
It felt amazing to be invited to the camp. At first, I felt speechless, since I all I could think about is what I'd be doing if I wasn't doing something I love. When I found out that I made the team, I was ecstatic. It felt like a dream. It has been a long road from when I first started playing, and I feel that my passion for rugby only continues to grow.
Q: What is your training like right now?
We train twice a day right now. In the mornings, the backs and forwards split. For each unit, we do a workout and then run through a few new plays that we may add to the game. In the afternoon, we are brought together and focus for the game coming up. Additionally, we talk about the things we feel we have to work on from last game and provide constructive criticism to each other.
Q: What are you doing in your down time? Any chance to explore your new city for the summer?
In my downtime we usually explore whatever city we're in. Either go see a local attraction or just spend time with the guys. I definitely do feel like a tourist sometimes, but it's fun exploring new places. For example, in Vancouver we went to the aquarium. That's not something I would have gone out of my way to do if I was back in my hometown, but it was definitely fun!
Q: Your team has already had some experience this summer dropping a close game to Japan. Going into your next Summer Series match with Russia and Italy what is your goal and the team's goal?
My personal goal is continue improving myself. In order to do this, I need to continue training hard, as well as working on strengthening our team dynamics. Our goal however, has always been to come out with a victory. After the game against Japan, we reflected on what our strengths and challenges in the upcoming games. In doing so, we can be better prepared for our match with Russia and Italy.
Q: Any pre-game routines that you would be willing to share? How do you prepare before a game?
I actually don't have any pre game routines. To prepare before a game, I go through my throws, then anything else I feel like I should get in before a game. This might include a few hits or poaches.
Q: What are you studying at school and what interests you about that program?
I'm majoring in sociology, but my main focus is criminology. Who and what defines social deviants, as well as what society or institutions can do to alleviate crime and criminals from receding. The criminological aspect of the program is what really interests me.
Q: Do you have long term goals to play for Team Canada? What's in the future?
Yes, I definitely have a long term goals to play for Team Canada. At least until the next world cup. This means I've got to keep training, keep improving, and keep moving forward. As for the future, I'm not too sure, but I know it will consist of the things I enjoy doing.
Tickets are still available by clicking here while Rugby Canada's official broadcast partner, TSN, will have live coverage. Kickoff is 12pm ET/9am PT.
