I studied Sports Journalism as module at University, a part of this module was to interview a local sports person. I was lucky enough to interview George Merrick, an up and coming English rugby player at Harlequins.
George Merrick Interview – Friday 17th April 2014
George Merrick today described himself as unique and he states: “I never compare myself to another player, I have my goals and just see everyone else as competition.”
Merrick faces Leicester Tigers tonight and is confident that Harlequins will gain the victory as the 21 year old comments: “with the tempo and ambition that we play with we will come away with a result.”
Quins have won three of their last four Aviva Premiership Rugby games and are currently fifth in the table, a win against the Tigers at Twickenham Stoop will keep their play-off dreams alive.
Merrick is very aware of the threats the opposition hold as he describes Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi as “a wrecking ball” and that Flanker Julian Salvi “is a very good player at getting low over the ball and turning it over.”
The young forward stated that if his team are psychical from the start it will stop these two players from playing, he stated: “By getting in early and taking them out of the game, we will win the match.”
Sutton-born Merrick, who is 2.01 m (6′ 7″) tall and weighs in at 120 kg (18 st. 12 lb.), joined the Quins academy when he was 17 after representing Surrey at U15 and U16 in 2008/2009.
The Harlequins lock is likely to start in tomorrows game and has had a encouraging season for the Twickenham based team, making 12 appearances along the way.
Merrick, nicknamed The Fridge, played down his accomplishments of starting in the Heineken European cup at such a young age, he commented: “Can’t say I was a nervous or had any other different feelings, just viewed it as another important game.”
The forward, who turns 22 in October, has represented England at U18, U19 and U20 level but does not plan to stop their, with the senior team is his sights.
Merrick stated: “Well my long term goal is to play for England senior team, hopefully within the next 5 years and then see my career out aboard.”
The future is bright for the young England starlet with impressive performances for Quins justifying suggestions he will be England’s future first-choice lock in years to come.
Life of the Lavigne 