Richard Stanford

Since making his debut with the CA Brumbies against the Chiefs in February, lock/back rower Richard Stanford has earned six Investec Super 14 caps, represented Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield grand final and is currently competing for the Melbourne Rebels in the Mazda Australian Rugby Championship (ARC). This Sunday he will run out against many of his CA Brumbies team mates when he lines up for the Rebels against the Navy Canberra Vikings. With a semi final spot on the line, Brumby Jack caught up with Stanford in the lead-up to Sunday’s game.

Brumby Jack: How have you found your Melbourne experience?
Richard Stanford: I’ve learnt a lot from it. I’ve had to take a bit more of a leadership role and I’ve really enjoyed that. It’s been something really different though and I’ve loved every minute of it.

BJ: How have you found getting regular game time at this level?
RS: That’s probably been the best thing about the competition. There’ve been no ordinary sides and the standard’s been excellent, so getting time on the park at this level has been great for me. The competition’s also been extremely close, and being exposed to quality opposition week in and week out has definitely been good for my game.

BJ: There’s obviously a very strong AFL culture in Melbourne, have you had a good following?
RS: Definitely, our fans have been fantastic. It’s hard to compete against the AFL, so we’ve all adopted a team down here. I’m now a Collingwood supporter and I’ve bought the shoes and a jersey. Our job is to help build that foundation for rugby to grow down here but it’s been good to experience something a bit different.

BJ: What’s it been like to be part of the first side at this level in Melbourne?
RS: We’ve had a few guys come through and train with us from [Australian Rugby Shield side] the Melbourne Axemen and I think that’s helped give them a chance to experience what level you need to play at in this competition. I think getting those guys involved can only help strengthen rugby in Victoria and help raise interest in the sport which is a main objective of this exercise.

BJ: You obviously know a lot of the Navy Canberra Vikings through being with the CA Brumbies. What are you expecting from them on Sunday?
RS: The Vikings are in the same boat as us and will be playing for their season, which should result in a great clash. They were unfortunate last weekend against the Rams, like we were against the Rays, so I think there’ll be a focus on executing with a place in the semi finals on the line.

BJ: How do you feel about coming up against your CA Brumbies team mates, guys like Al Campbell, Adam Wallace-Harrison and Peter Kimlin?
RS: It’s great; I’m really looking forward to the challenge. We’ll all be competing for spots next year and what better way to show what you can do in this competition than doing it against your Super 14 team mates. I’ll be looking to play the best I can and make the most of the opportunity.

BJ: How has being part of the Melbourne Rebels and the Mazda ARC helped your game for next year’s Investec Super 14?
RS: I think there have been a few areas in my game that I’ve been able to focus on a bit more, mainly because I’ve been getting that game time at a good level. Getting that game time not only helps highlight the areas you need to improve but gives you a chance to work on them. The ARC also gives you a chance to experiment a little bit and try things you wouldn’t usually try in Super 14, because it’s so cut-throat.