Stephen Hoiles

CA Brumbies No.8 Stephen Hoiles has returned to Canberra after taking part in each domestic and Rugby World Cup Test during 2007. The skilful and mobile back-rower rejoins the side as he looks to build on his outstanding form during last season’s Investec Super 14. Brumby Jack caught up with Hoilesy during his first week back at the CA Brumbies.

Brumby Jack: How would you sum up your Rugby World Cup experience?
Stephen Hoiles: It’s was very enjoyable, one of the most enjoyable rugby trips I’ve had. Rugby-wise it all seemed to be going really well and in what seemed like a split second, turned sour and became a huge disappointment. But long term, I think I’ll remember it for good reasons. And even if I didn’t spend a huge amount of time on the field, I was involved in every game but didn’t have a large amount of game time, all in all I had a great time and it was a very special experience.
 
BJ: You did play in every Rugby World Cup game, you played in all but five minutes of the CA Brumbies’ season and you played in every Test during the domestic season. What’s been your secret to staying on the field?
SH: I don’t know if there was too much of a secret to staying on the field for the Wallabies, I wasn’t there that long. But maybe it’s just enthusiasm. I’ve spent a few years where I’ve been on the bench at Super 14 level and was only really teased with it and I think that adds to the enthusiasm, excitement and motivation. It’s funny that you can be a professional footballer and often spend so long not playing as you come through the system in Australian rugby that when I did get my chance I didn’t want to come off the field. Oh, and luck as well.

BJ: There was some talk at the beginning of the year that you may not be big enough to play No.8 at international level. The fact that you’ve been a part of every Wallaby Test this year, do you think you’ve laid that talk to rest?
SH: I think some of the talk originally stemmed from Knuckles (John Connolly) which was a bit disappointing and may have been his way of justifying my non-selection early on. But I never thought it was a big problem, ideally, and I’ve said it a thousand times, I’d like to get a bit heavier and still be able to have my mobility. But hopefully I’ve put it to rest and now I’m looking for another good season next year just to continue improving in all aspects and hopefully put it to bed once and for all.

BJ: You’ve been back for four days now, what are your initial thoughts on how the squad’s shaping up for 2008?
SH: It’s young but it’s a very exciting and enthusiastic group of guys. You lose three big names and stalwarts of Australian rugby like Ming [Jeremy Paul], Bernie [Stephen Larkham] and Greegs [George Gregan] but that’s always the case in this sport – people move on and others step up into their place. While they go, it provides a great opportunity for a number of young guys and while it might take a bit to gel, we’ve got a solid block of three months to get some combinations going. But it’s a very enthusiastic and tight-knit bunch of guys and I’ve got no doubt we can get the job done.

BJ: You’ll be taking a few weeks off before Christmas to get married. There’s been a lot of talk that the wedding will be reminiscent of the James Packer/Erica Baxter nuptials, is there any truth to these rumours?
SH: If they’re happy to pay for it, I’m sure I can arrange it. But I hadn’t heard that rumour. I’m trying to keep it low key and I’d really appreciate if it stayed that way. We’re off to Hawaii and Fiji for a honeymoon, which should be great and I’m really looking forward to it.