Following my graduation from Cardiff Met University I was interviewed about my journey up until that point. 

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What made you consider an MSC in Sports Rehabilitation?

Since retiring from Professional Rugby I have ran my own Personal Training business and fitness classes. I have a passion for health and fitness, and my own experiences have enabled me to understand that everyone is different, with different goals, objectives and challenges. Supporting clients along their journey is incredibly rewarding. I have also enjoyed the business side of being a Personal Trainer and running my own business.

During my Professional career I suffered significant injuries, I am aware of the impact an injury can have to training programmes, discipline and mental health. With a better understanding of rehabilitation to injury I felt I could better support my client’s development and expand my expertise.

I had completed a BSC in Sports Science in Swansea, but at the time my Professional career was more of a focus. A colleague advised me to consider the MSC saying they thought it was a good Professional direction, well suited for me.

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Was it harder than you expected?

(With his head down and shoulders slumped, Piero looks up shaking his head, his familiar smile creeping back) Chief, it was harder than I could ever have imagined.

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What was the hardest part?

Managing my time between my business, my family and my studies. I have a wonderfully supportive wife and two kids, but of course they wanted to see me. Everything was a juggle to ensure I was able to complete the course. I wasn’t interested in just scraping by either, I wanted it to be my best work.

 

What did you enjoy the most?

Learning and developing my practical skills of assessment and rehabilitation. I was able to see my own growth and development throughout my studies, and, once confident I really enjoyed being able to draw on my own experiences as a Rugby player when working with relatable injuries, helping from diagnosis to rehabilitation.

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What did you want to be when you grew up?

A rugby player was all I could imagine, in 1999, the dream came true when I started playing for Merthyr R.F.C, then in 2001 I signed Professionally with Ebbw Vale R.F.C., I went onto play regional rugby with Newport Gwent Dragons. Towards the end of my career, I played a season in Italy, but a change in structure made me return home after the season, I wish I had stayed longer.

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What was your greatest Professional achievement?

(Without hesitation Piero replies) Touring with the Welsh Senior squad to South Africa and Argentina in 2004.

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Do you think there is enough support for Professional rugby players to plan for their Post Professional career?

I think it is a lot better now than it used to be. I think it is key for players to start planning for their post Professional career whilst they are still playing rugby, now there is better focus and support in place to enable them to do this.

 

What is your tip for someone looking to get into shape and set up a new routine?

Don’t rely on others for motivation or help to kick start a new routine.

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid, replace motivation with discipline, and be disciplined enough to just get on and do it. Even if you don’t want to, try just twenty minutes, because that is better than nothing. You will always feel better after you have done something.

 

What are your thoughts on crash diets and quick fix weight loss?

(With a far more serious face than usual) Crash diets drop your body mass as fast as a slight change in intake will increase your body mass.

You have to lower the NORM line through slow, consistent and disciplined training, not intense or high volume training, as some of my clients are led to believe.

Finding a pattern for regular training and controlling your intake is often the hardest challenge.

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Who has been your biggest inspiration?

(Unusually for Piero he pauses for a minute, and is clearly lost in thought and memories)

Inspirations in rugby is difficult because there are so many coaches and older players who have helped along the way. But, in 1995, I watched Jonah Lomu at the World Cup and I was hooked. From that point I was a huge fan, later I played against him for the Cardiff Blues….I was almost pinching myself, I couldn’t believe I was going to play against him.

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Finally, if you could say something to your ten year old self what would you say?

(Laughing, and smile beaming Piero throws his head back) Ahh Chief, I’d have a lot more to say to my 20 year old self. The 10 year old is free to make the same mistakes.

The 20 year old would get an absolute grilling…because he had a great opportunity, and could have done so much more.