LOUGH EXCELS ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Q: James, first of all how have you found season 2017 at Gordon Rugby?

A : The 2017 Season has seen the club take a huge step forward, both on off the field. For me personally, the transition into grade has been made so easy due to the 70 other blokes paving the way. There is definitely a feeling of club pride, brotherhood and professionalism building throughout all the grades.

Q : Please explain to us your rugby pathway and how you started playing rugby for Gordon?

A : I began my days as a Junior Gordon Stag as an under 10, continuing right through to becoming the under 16’s State Champions. From here, I was lucky enough to play two years as a New South Wales school boy, captaining the NSW 2 Team. After school, I found myself running around in my old Gordon colours, personally I could not have been happier with the decision. There was something to say about coming back to my home club to play the rest of my footy. It also provided great opportunities to play for the NRC emerging Rays. In my second year of Colts, I was lucky enough to be taken up to 1st grade as the starting openside flanker. Even though it was a big jump in not only physicality but also in speed, it was overall a great playing experience. My pathway through rugby has kept me at Gordon. Watching the club grow into the powerhouse that it will soon be is what keeps us all moving forward. Some exciting years to come.

Q : James, you are a UTS Elite Athlete Scholarship holder. What benefits does this provide and how has this helped balance your life off the field?

Straight out of school, I was lucky enough to receive a UTS Elite Athlete Scholarship. This has been an exceptionally useful tool, not only from a financial perspective, but also due to the limitless support you receive from the UTS elite athlete staff. Whether it be changing your subjects or exams due to training, or the free academic support in any of your subjects, UTS Elite Athlete Scholarship has made Uni life vary smooth.

Q : The club placed you into an off-field role as a intermediate accountant at Cor Cordis. How has this helped and what advice do you have for guys looking to move into a role that looks after their career post university & football?

A : Once again, the Gordon Club has gone above and beyond. Justin Rodgie, the Club’s Operating Manager, put me in contact with Cor Cordis, a chartered accounting firm, specialising in insolvency. From there, I went through the interview process, and have now found myself working part time as an intermediate accountant, surrounded by industry professionals. My advice to any guys looking to move into roles in various industries is don’t be afraid to ask and use the vast range of networking that the Gordon Club has entwined through the generations of players. The “foot in the door” as they say is only a step, handshake or a beer away. Make sure you use the many resources that the Gordon culture offers.