ALBION SIGNING ‘MASSIVELY PROUD’ TO PLAY FOR HOME TEAM
Olly Mulberry understands the need to look after your body if you play rugby. The 27-year-old studied sports bio-medicine & nutrition at Cardiff Metropolitan University, where he learned the importance of keeping on top of nutrition, which might explain why the scrum half has managed to avoid serious injury in his playing career.
“I’ve been very lucky, touch wood,” he says. “I’m quite interested in the fitness side of sport and I love the gym and weight training. I know about the health aspects and nutrition and putting the right things in your body. I’ve not had any serious injuries thankfully – there’s been the standard broken nose, broken thumb, dislocated finger but nothing that’s kept me out of the game for any length of time.”
Olly is another fresh name to add to the line-up at Plymouth Albion as new head coach Ben Gulliver shapes his team. Olly has played for Albion before, between leaving school and before starting university in 2011.
Plymouth-born Olly studied at Plymouth College where their enthusiasm for rugby rubbed off on the teenager. “A lot of friends started playing rugby and I picked it up. My parents taught me to be open about new experiences and my dad was a big rugby fan.
“That’s really where I fell in love with rugby. They have a great programme at Plymouth College and the facilities were second to none. They entered national competitions so we had some great experiences. I played for Devon county Under 18s, Under 20s and the senior side and I also played for South West England Under 20s.”
Olly admits that he’s not the largest of rugby players and being scrum half suits his playing style.
“I like to run with the ball and I like to think I’m a bit of a threat from the breakdowns. I also pride myself on my passing and kicking game,” he says. “It’s great to be part of a team like Albion and learn from the other players. I’m always picking their brains and learning new skills from some of the best players around.”
Olly, also a keen cricketer, is hoping for good things for Albion having had a taste of success with Saltash. “I had a great time at Saltash,” he says. “They’re a great bunch of lads and I’ve made friends for life. A couple of years ago we made it all the way to the final at Twickenham and it was amazing to walk out on to the hallowed turf. I also had a short spell at Launceston when they were in National Two.
“I’m massively proud to be signing for Albion and the chance to represent my hometown club. My earliest memories are of going to watch Albion at Beacon Park and then Brickfields. I was one of the kids chasing after the players at the end of the game to get autographs. It’s amazing to think that I’m now one of the players.”
