PROPTALK: MARK SMYTH ~ CLUBS OF ULSTER RUGBY JUNIOR CLUBS I XV & OMAGH ACCIES RFC I XV

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NAME: Mark Smyth

POSITION: Tight Head Prop

HEIGHT: 5 11

WEIGHT: 17 Stones

CLUB: Omagh Accies RFC, Minis Omagh Accies & Omagh Academy

WHEN DID RUGBY START FOR YOU: I started playing AT 7 OR 8 for Omagh Accies minis.

WHAT IS A MEMORABLE MOMENT: I played for ULSTER Rugby U18 youth team against Leinster in Donnybrook, and there was a day for Accies where we took 3 in a row against the head!

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO PROP: Physically it is painful, the next day hurts, but you know you’ve had to work when its sore. If you get yourself into the right position it can also be painful for the opposite number. As a prop I feel proud to be the cornerstone of the scrum.

DESCRIBE THE ROLE OF TIGHT HEAD PROP: The job is to keep the scrum straight and steady and disrupt the oppositions ball making life as difficult for them as possible. A team is in serious trouble if the tight head is going backwards. Technique, strength, alot of core strength and leg strength in the quads and thights etc and shoulders in particular. Core strength is vital. I do alot of gym work, including squats, reverse squats, curls, shoulder press and deadlift. I spend atleast an hour 3 times a week in the weights gym and most of that time is spent on those excercises. I believe good tight head technique consists of a nice and low body position, feet shoulder width apart and whenever crouching eyes should be looking up as that naturally straightens the back. Alot of focus and strength and of course a good hard hit in the engagement, explosive hitting!

Who is the biggest messer in the Omagh Accies: No thinking reauired! Its Stuart McCain! lol, DEEP HEAT IN PEOPLES BOXES.etc LOL.
In the Ulster Juniors Alan Woodcroft is starting to stand out as potential messer no 1! lol.

SHAVED OF UNSHAVED: Shaved lol

BEERS WINES OR SPIRITS: Spirits – neat! lol

WHY DO YOU PLAY RUGBY: I love it, the game itself and the social side, the physicality, I don’t know what I would do if I did not play it on a Saturday.