Plato and Rugby: Interview with Chris Wyles

written by Vincent McLeod IV

Plato once said that, "a hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men."  As USA Rugby supporters, we tend to forget about the others behind the superb leadership of Captain America, Todd Clever.  However, if you know Rugby and watch the Aviva Premiership ever, you will no doubt know this man; Mr. Chris Wyles.  Originally born in Stamford, CT and raised in Allentown, PA, Chris moved to England when he was 11 years old.  He then went on to study Politics at the University of Nottingham.  Chris has played in over 110+ Premiership and Championship matches and currently plays for Saracens (2010-11 Aviva Premiership Champions!).  He has been a part of the USA 7's IRB World Series squad and played in over 23+ matches for the USA Eagles.  The man has numerous honors from Player of the Year titles to squad of the decade.  Bottom line, you will not find something in Rugby today that Chris Wyles has not been a part of.  SCRN takes an exclusive look at the "Sarries" and Eagles Fullback.

Chris Wyles Interview:

SCRN:  Playing for Saracens and being a key part of their success, you have to feel honored after the 2010/11 season?  What are you feeling like being an American Rugby Player on the winning Aviva Premiership team?

CW:  I feel very honored to have been part of the Saracens squad in the 2010/11 season. In all honesty, winning a Premiership is something I have dreamt about and is the highlight of my career. Its great to be one of the players representing the US in the Premiership.  I hope we can continue to get more and more Eagles players over to Europe. 

SCRN:  Looking ahead to the WC.  Ireland, Russia, Australia and Italy.  The US has to feel good this year about possibly getting out of the group stage.  What is your mental preparation like concerning the upcoming task?  What team are you most excited about playing if you had to choose one of them?

CW:  It will be an extremely tough group to play in. I personally am most excited about playing Russia. I think it will be an epic battle and I look forward to testing ourselves in this high pressure situation. 

SCRN:  Being a well developed player, how do you feel you are received abroad?  Alot of Americans complain about playing overseas since sometimes they are looked at as second rate players.  If you were in this situation, how would you go about getting on with your play?

CW:  I feel that over the last couple of seasons I have made my mark within the Saracens squad. In reality all that is important is that your coaches and teammates are happy with you.  Everything outside of that is irrelevant.  So, I would say as a developing player you should concentrate on working hard for these people. 

SCRN:  We have over 55 clubs and 3500 participants in the SoCal Youth Rugby apparatus.  Our Collegiate scene is growing at one of the fastest paces in the USA right now.  What advice can you give to those who want to pursue a Professional Rugby career? 

CW:  To pursue a professional rugby career I think you need a huge amount of discipline and persistence. Along the journey to a career in rugby you will undoubtedly get knocked down and told you aren't good enough. The ones that see this as a challenge and work even harder will be in good shape. 

SCRN:  Fun Questions from our readers: 

• Stranded in East Croydon, Steve Borthwick or Hayden Smith with you? Well definitely not Hayden so Steve. 
• Chelsea or Man Utd? Man Utd
• Machiavelli or Plato? Plato
• Ben Foden, Chris Wyles or Chris Patterson? Of course Chris Wyles! 
• Indian Curry or Fish n' Chips? Curry 
• David Cameron, Tony Blair or Gordon Brown? David Cameron
• Twickenham or Wembley? Twickenham 
• Favorite Aviva Premiership player? Hayden Smith
• Prince Harry or Prince William? Prince Harry 
• Hyde Park or Green Park? Green Park