The OO Interview
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY STAR HAMISH WATSON (10) Hamish Watson was part of the Scottish team who fought to an astonishing draw against England in this year’s Six Nations Tournament, thereby retaining the Calcutta Cup. Here he talks about how Oakham School shaped his formative years and prepared him for his rugby playing career.
Did you have a favourite teacher(s) at Oakham? I got on well with all the teachers, but it was the rugby coaches – Dosser, Mr S, Glenn Gelderbloom – who I can’t thank enough for everything they did for me; they played a huge part in my success.
SPORTING SUCCESS
How did you combine your rugby training and School work while at Oakham? Academics were never my strong suit but funnily enough doing GCSEs was when I worked really hard – I knew I had to work hard in order to stay in the School. I remember Mr Smith driving me to training sessions. By the time A-levels came round I knew I wanted to play professionally. What are your favourite rugby memories from when you were at Oakham School? Playing for Oakham was always pretty special – when you are 13 you dream of playing on Doncaster Close – you really look up to those playing on the 1st team pitch. When I finally did that, it was a big moment. I also remember very well the rivalry between Oakham and Uppingham; whenever we beat Uppingham at home it was a memorable occasion. I also loved taking part in Rosslyn Park in the Rugby Sevens. Our Daily Mail Cup run was special even though we annoyingly went out in the quarter finals.
Photo Credits: Craig Watson & Gary Hutchinson
When did you first start playing rugby? I started playing rugby when I was 5 years old. My Dad made me go to a local rugby club and I really enjoyed it, so I then just continued with it at School. At 13 I met Ian (Dosser) Smith and he sold the rugby at Oakham to me – he told me about all the OOs who have gone on to great things and that clinched it for me.
Boarding was the best experience of my life – being in Wharflands with Mr Paddock and then in School House – having your mates around you 24/7
What advice would you give to aspiring rugby players at Oakham? If you get setbacks, you have to keep going – try to react positively to them and don’t give up. Things don’t always go to plan. I well remember Dosser giving me this
advice after my unsuccessful trial for the Scotland U18s. I kept training and playing and eventually got into the U19 team.
FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF OAKHAM
What are your favourite memories of your life at Oakham School? Being a boarder – boarding was the best experience of my life – being in Wharflands with Mr Paddock and then in School House – having your mates around you 24/7. I’ve got a good group of mates from my time at Oakham and we still keep in close contact. We all reminisce when we get together that being at Oakham was the best days of our lives. Even getting told off and learning from your mistakes! It often doesn’t feel like it at the time when there are rules you have to obey, but your schooldays really are the best days.
What was your greatest achievement at School or memory that you are most proud of? Rugby wise – playing for the 1st team, but I was also part of the School Production of Anything Goes – there were quite a lot of rugby boys involved that year – that’s my ‘you don’t know that about me’ piece of information – the Drama stuff was great at Oakham.
AFTER OAKHAM
How did your career path since leaving School lead you to playing in the Scotland National team? Through contacts at Oakham I went into the U19 Scotland team, then Leicester Academy. What are your future plans? For the foreseeable future I plan to stay in Scotland. I’ve got family up here plus there’s the World Cup coming – I want to stay fit and make sure I’m on the plane to Japan. In the longer term, I would love to go on and get 50 caps – that would an achievement Any advice you would give an Oakhamian on leaving Oakham School? Enjoy it whilst it lasts – you sometimes think you’d rather be anywhere else, but make the most of it – make the most of the opportunities – get stuck in with everything. 161