RUGBY

South East Asian (SEA) Games 2007
Interview by Red Sports reader Nicholina Chua.

The national women rugby 7s team is currently in Thailand flying the flag proudly for Singapore. Red Sports reader Nicholina Chua catches up with squad member Angela Zheng, 26, for an interview.

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Angela Zheng. © Chris Leow

Nicholina: When did you start playing rugby?
Angela: 2003.

Nicholina: How did you get introduced to the game?
Angela: I was playing touch for my hall in university and a teammate suggested I join them for training at Singapore Recreation Club (SRC).

Nicholina: What is it about the sport that you love?
Angela: The adrenaline rush, the satisfaction of tackling your opponents and how much it resembles life.

Nicholina: What sport were you playing before?
Angela: Track & Field and currently still playing touch rugby.

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Angela in full flight. © Chris Leow

Nicholina: What school did you come from? Did you play rugby in school? If not, what sport were you involved in?
Angela: SAJC. Surprisingly no, I didn’t play rugby in school. I was a sprinter back then.

Nicholina: How long have you represented Singapore at the national level?
Angela: I'm a rookie on a roll!

Nicholina: Is this your first SEA Games?
Angela: Yes!

Nicholina: Have you played in any other competitions for the national team?
Angela: No. (Although I’m tempted to say touch.)

Nicholina: What’s the training schedule been like for the SEA Games?
Angela: We've been training up to 3 times a week and sometimes even the weekends!

Nicholina: Are you working full time? If so, how on earth do you juggle a job and training for the SEA Games?
Angela: Yes, I'm working full time. We all wish we could be a sports person full-time. I take each day as it comes. When it hits you real hard, I grab it by the horns and hold on real tight. It's tough but we all know it'll come to an end soon enough.

Nicholina: As a result of your work and training commitments, how has it affected your social life?
Angela: What social life ?

Nicholina: Are you attached or married? What does your boyfriend/husband/partner think of your sport?
Angela: I'm single. Most of the partners of my team mates are really supportive of our busy schedules and I envy them!

7s team get off to a cracking start