Chuting for the stars: exclusive interview with rugby
star George Chuter
by Sam
Trinity is renowned for identifying and nurturing sporting talent. Ex-pupils include England cricketer, Mark Butcher; Great Britain water polo player, Sean King; England rugby union star George Chuter; Great Britain sprinter Imani Lansiquot and Jamaican footballer Lewis Grabban. We spoke to George Chuter, England rugby star and ex-Trinity pupil. George has 384 professional club appearances under his belt, including 7 Premiership finals. He was the first man to make 250 Premiership appearances and also he won 24 England caps and played in the 2007 World Cup final.
What are your favourite memories of your life at Trinity?
I had a great time there, obviously sport was a big part of my life there and I played cricket and hockey as well as rugby for the school. One of the best memories I have is from my first afternoon of rugby at Trinity. We went out for Games and there was an assault course beside the rugby pitch. We were waiting to start our lesson and I thought I would have a go on the assault course. So, off I went in my brand new rugby kit and boots. Unfortunately underneath the rope swing was a pool of fetid, dirty water. As I tried to get across on the swing, with everyone watching, I fell into this filthy pond! My first ever training session at Trinity School was therefore done in a very wet and smelly kit!
What are your favourite memories of your life at Trinity?
I had a great time there, obviously sport was a big part of my life there and I played cricket and hockey as well as rugby for the school. One of the best memories I have is from my first afternoon of rugby at Trinity. We went out for Games and there was an assault course beside the rugby pitch. We were waiting to start our lesson and I thought I would have a go on the assault course. So, off I went in my brand new rugby kit and boots. Unfortunately underneath the rope swing was a pool of fetid, dirty water. As I tried to get across on the swing, with everyone watching, I fell into this filthy pond! My first ever training session at Trinity School was therefore done in a very wet and smelly kit!
Which part of your education have you found most helpful for a career in sport?
It helps to be intelligent and alert when you are playing sport. But ultimately, I think that sport helps education, more than education helps sport. At Loughborough University, where I currently coach, we try and encourage students to use sport as a way of helping them with their studies. For example, the last two 1st XV rugby captains have gone on to get first class degrees. The discipline, teamwork and self-motivation that you learn from playing sport are vital as a student and indeed in life.
And what was your route from Trinity School to sports stardom?
I didn’t start playing rugby until I went to Trinity. Then I began enjoying rugby and after I left school I carried on playing. While I was playing for the London U19s I was picked up by Saracens and this was the start of my playing career. It was all down to Trinity, though, because the school encouraged me to start playing.
It helps to be intelligent and alert when you are playing sport. But ultimately, I think that sport helps education, more than education helps sport. At Loughborough University, where I currently coach, we try and encourage students to use sport as a way of helping them with their studies. For example, the last two 1st XV rugby captains have gone on to get first class degrees. The discipline, teamwork and self-motivation that you learn from playing sport are vital as a student and indeed in life.
And what was your route from Trinity School to sports stardom?
I didn’t start playing rugby until I went to Trinity. Then I began enjoying rugby and after I left school I carried on playing. While I was playing for the London U19s I was picked up by Saracens and this was the start of my playing career. It was all down to Trinity, though, because the school encouraged me to start playing.
Let’s talk about playing for England. How did you feel when you first stepped onto the pitch?
It was amazing really. I didn’t get my first cap until I was nearly 30. Finally I got onto the pitch and the whole thing went by in a flash. I played for half an hour in that game against Australia and looking back now it’s a great memory. I wasn’t nervous, I knew I could play at that level and so I was calm and just enjoyed the atmosphere.
It was amazing really. I didn’t get my first cap until I was nearly 30. Finally I got onto the pitch and the whole thing went by in a flash. I played for half an hour in that game against Australia and looking back now it’s a great memory. I wasn’t nervous, I knew I could play at that level and so I was calm and just enjoyed the atmosphere.
I fell into this filthy pond! My first ever training session at Trinity School was therefore done in a very wet and smelly kit!
How have you found the transition from player to coach?
Pretty good. I retired on my terms and as a player I had played for a long time and I was ready to transition to a new career as a coach. Coaching is very different, it can be quite frustrating but having said that I enjoy it and get a lot out of it. I love watching players who I have worked with improve and play well, it’s a great feeling.
What advice would you give to the young sports stars at Trinity?
I believe that enjoying sport is the key to being good at it, like anything in life. I played for 18 years, enjoyed training and enjoyed playing. We always talk about skills and talent but the key to success is enjoying what you do.
Pretty good. I retired on my terms and as a player I had played for a long time and I was ready to transition to a new career as a coach. Coaching is very different, it can be quite frustrating but having said that I enjoy it and get a lot out of it. I love watching players who I have worked with improve and play well, it’s a great feeling.
What advice would you give to the young sports stars at Trinity?
I believe that enjoying sport is the key to being good at it, like anything in life. I played for 18 years, enjoyed training and enjoyed playing. We always talk about skills and talent but the key to success is enjoying what you do.