Joe Makin (middle), is no stranger to our game. The Hull Ionians second rower may have dabbled in football in his formative years, but it is clear to see that his passion and enthusiasm for the egg shaped game has not faded during his career.
We caught up with him on his return from his third England Counties tour to ask him a few questions about what it meant to him to captain his Country and most importantly what was that song that got everyone up and singing in Kutaisi?
Q: What does England Counties mean to you?
For me it’s the biggest honour you’ll get and to be the captain of the team is just incredible.
A lot of rugby players at level 3, 4 and 5 don’t get the opportunity to play professional rugby, yet still have dreams of playing at the top level. For many including myself this is the absolute pinnacle of their career. But it’s also important for countries we visit as the whole idea is to develop emerging nations- I’d hate to see it go; it’s something players strive to be part of and it’s important to me to keep it going.
Q: Who was the first person you told?
I told my dad first- and he was very proud!
Q: How does the team bond given the short turn around in time?
It’s a big effort from everyone, there were only 4 or 5 of us from the tour the previous year so everyone else was new into it. We come together and decide what our game plan is and the style of rugby we want and need to play.
In the lead up to a game the format is pretty much wake up, eat, train, sleep repeat for four days. There are of course numerous recovery sessions which consist of swimming and ice baths but overall the whole set up is great, it really gives you an insight into –what a professional rugby players life is like day to day.
It's intense but, there’s also a lot of downtime, so it’s a chance to get to know people. All I can say is there are a lot of card games- which seems to be a common theme on these tours!
One of the most rewarding things is the outreach community programmes we have done. Sadly there wasn’t one this year, but in previous years we have held coaching sessions for local kids who then come and watch our last game. It gives you a huge buzz and sense of achievement and even though we may not be the 'actual professionals' they still treat us like we are! At the end of the game some of players gave them their shirts, socks and shorts as a keepsake. It's just a really nice thing to do.
We did manage a night out in in Kutaisi. There was just one bar open on a Friday night despite it being the second biggest city! ‘Luckily’ it was karaoke bar. The team split into front row, second row, back row, centres, back three and fly halves. Our request was Enrique Iglesia's, Hero- so you can imagine how that went! After that it was a free for all and people just got up on stage randomly and started singing!
The camaraderie between counties is just great, you make friends and memories for life.
Q: What was hospitality like?
The Georgians were very welcoming and looked after us well. We had a guide from the Georgian RFU who looked after our every need along with his two young sons (aged 10 and 14) who just wanted to lend their old man a helping hand. Although we were please to head to Tbilisi to have some slightly more European style food!
Q: What was the match day experience like?
We played in the evening due to the heat and humidity, even then it was still 80% humidity – you’d walk and just drip sweat! The team arrived 2 hours before kick-off, with a strict schedule of timings which included team photos and the captain’s toss.
Steve Johnson and Dan Cook our Team Managers, did an incredible job with setting everything up and preparing us. On game days you’d walked into the changing room to Jerusalem belting out of the stereo, and then with your name above your peg and your shirt waiting for you. I think I had a bit of imposters syndrome!
Q: What’ve you’ve done with your shirts?
I’ve given my mum and dad one and one to the club, then I have one which needs to be framed along with my Yorkshire ones. It’s all on the to do list!
What next?
Well, I'll just have to see what comes. I'm enjoying my rugby and that's the most important thing. You have to enjoy what you do and make the most of it, if you're not enjoying it change it. Do what you can while you can.
Wise words indeed from our captain fantastic!
