1.55 am. Just back from Cardiff and my first game of the season. Can’t sleep cause I can never get shut eye after a game so gonna write down some of my thoughts…
i think tomorrow I’m gonna go for a Nandos. I’m picturing myself sitting in front of a half chicken (medium heat) with spicy rice and peas that I have delicately mixed together with some garlic Nandos sauce, accompanied by five chicken wings to fill my belly just about right. Washed down by a tall glass of coke and a side order of some unbelievable craic with the lads.
But who should I go with, I ask myself? Well Chris Henry has been bothering me for weeks to hang out with him so I best just get that out of the way and let him come. Tommy Bowe AKA ‘The night fox” hasn’t had a square meal for days as he’s always too busy stalking in the depths of the night hoking through bins…so ill give him the nod. Stu ’the sledge hammer’ Olding needs a good feed after running headfirst into a stone wall against Cardiff tonight.. Give him a bell. I know ‘Shamoo’ is definitely gonna want to come as well cause he is an absolute legend and hopefully ill get to sit beside him if I get there early enough and try to manipulate the seating arrangements…oh ’Shamoo’ is Trimby btw. Would invite Iain ’The Lama’ Henderson as well but unfortunately no one has seen or heard of him in months so slim chance of finding that desert mule!
Gonna be a good day.
Also watched three Dwayne Johnson films yesterday.. 'Walking Tall', 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Faster'. Dwayne is more commonly known as 'The Rock', WWE superstar and the most electrifying man in sports entertainment. However I like to refer to him by his birth name as a sign that I respect him as an actor. I watch a lot of films, especially when I want to shut down and just relax. Favorite films would include In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, both Colin Farrell films. True Romance (great cast). Along with a few childhood favorites The Lion King and Hook with the late Robin Williams.
Anyway, going to bed now, ill write the rest of this later.
Unfortunately due to a back injury I missed out on summer tour to Argentina and the first few games of the season. I had a good break though and managed to get away to Nice, Monaco, Atlanta Georgia and drove down to Orlando followed by Miami South Beach. Like any young fresh buck with a back pack and a pair of hiking boots I would love to travel the world, so I tried to go as many places as I could in four weeks.
Was back into training on the 30th June with a smile on my face and an incredible tan. Was a slow enough pre-season for me with my back and missed out on most team sessions, which was frustrating but necessary to get to full fitness. Has been the longest I’ve ever been out of rugby and felt a bit rusty on Friday night but thoroughly enjoyed getting 60 mins against Cardiff.
Was pretty tired today after training so decided to chill around the house and organise stuff. I cleaned my room and sorted my clothes. I separated my T-shirts, trousers, jumpers, training gear, socks and boxers all into different drawers. Following this I put on 2 wash loads and made dinner in-between to save time which was strange cause I don’t usually make myself dinner. I live with my brother Paul who loves cooking so he's usually rustling up something in the kitchen. I then retired to my room where I lay on my bed listened to some Mumford and Sons (my favourite band) whilst writing this last paragraph.
Friday afternoon with the team and we are currently taking off on our chartered flight to Parma where we play Zebre tomorrow. I'm writing this blog on my phone, despite being told several times by the stern Flight attendant to turn it off. Now I know this must be infuriating for the air hostess, but let's face it, no one tells the Jack Hammer what to do! Surely if phones were so dangerous on a plane they wouldn't be allowed on board?! I'm sitting beside Craig. He is already asleep after reading one paragraph of his book 'The Wolf of Wall street.' No joke Craig has been reading this book since last season and he is on page 257. "What a simpleton" I think to myself. Now I'm not the smartest guy, but it doesn't take me 5 months to read a book!
Humph is sitting on the other side of the gangway to my left. He's ignoring me though cause I beat him today in a kicking competition. To be fair to the wee man he held in until the end there but no need to give me the cold shoulder!
Time to put my earphones in as Paul Marshall (The Beagle) is sitting in front of me and hasn't stopped talking since we got on the plane 50 mins ago. It's quite amazing actually how he can talk for almost an hour without taking a single breath. Gonna listen to Ed Sheeran's new album and maybe a bit of Mumford if there is time. Chilled sexy vibes!
We have a good fresh squad going over this week. We are fortunate enough to be able to rotate players and give boys a rest, especially as it's a long season with lads hoping to put their names forward for the World Cup. Really looking forward to tomorrow's game and hopefully be able to play a bit of rugby in the sun. As Paddy Wallace would say "Joué!!" Which is French for "play." Insinuating to play some expansive rugby.
Paddy played outside me for my first cap and it's strange to think this is now my fifth season with Ulster. I was very lucky to be given so many great opportunities from a young age with both Ulster and Ireland and I have learnt so much along the way and played with some incredible players. Was really sad to see Paddy and Stevie (Ferris) retire at the end of last season, but they pop in every now and again, hobbling on their Zimmer frames telling everyone about their pension schemes.
Just arrived at our hotel in Parma and I'm rooming with Mike Allen. Word has it he snores like Beaker the Water buffalo so I may be in for a long night!
If you've reached this far thanks for reading. I'll try getting a blog out every now and again.
Stay Golden. PJ