Andrew Blades: We've got the season launch in Port obviously which is the main reason but it provided a good opportunity to run a junior and senior coaching clinic before the trial match, so it should be a lot of fun and it will be good to see the local rugby.

MA: Local rugby union competitions, such as the one we have here on the Mid North Coast, build the foundation for future Wallabies. Where did you start out and what's the best thing about club rugby?

AB: I started out at a local club in Sydney. I didn't get to go to a rugby school or anything. I had enthusiastic coaching which was great and on the back of that I got opportunities playing against players from different areas and tours to other cities where one of the great things.

The main thing is it provides opportunities for guys to get a different experience and hear a different voice. It helps you enjoy your rugby a lot more.

MA: As a forwards coach you're responsible for passing on your skills in arguably the most important aspect of the game. What do you love about your job and what's the most challenging aspect?

AB: The most challenging aspect is not being able to go out on the field and play anymore.

The enjoyable part is seeing guys enjoy their goals.

I'm only a small part of it but I try to give them a hand a long the way.

Being lucky enough to have played for a long time myself you know how much you enjoyed it so the guys your putting time into get to experience it themselves.

I was able to do many wonderful things in my playing career.

MA: You had a successful playing career, representing the Wallabies on several occasions in the 1990s. What's the fondest on-field Wallabies memory you have?

AB: I guess probably getting to play a Test with my younger brother Cameron.

We were lucky enough to play together in a Test match and for me that was a massive highlight.

Obviously being involved in the World Cup winning side was another one. Not many people get to experience that and to be lucky enough to be a part of that 1999 squad was special.

MA: And how about off the field? Is there anything particular that stood out from your playing days? Perhaps a funny story or incident?

AB: I think all of the wonderful things you get to do like touring other countries and getting to meet different people, meet the queen and things like that all add up.

Also just the characters you meet a long the way from the funny ones to the stupid ones.

MA: Who was the hardest player to play against, from both an opposition team and your own team on the training paddock?

AB: I think from an opposition was a guy not many people know, called Olo Brown from the All Blacks. He had to retire very young and didn't get to play against us for too long but he was very tough.

My brother Cameron was always at me and I was at him. We were so competitive and stirred each other up and it got the best out of us.

MA: What is the one key piece of advice would you give to a young player who is trying to better himself at rugby?

AB: The main thing is just to practice your core skills and take every opportunity your given. Take new experiences because every little thing helps you improve. You want to back yourself and go for it.

MA: What do you like to do with your time off? Are you always thinking about rugby or do you like to get away from it all?

AB: Most of the time I think about rugby. I have two daughters who I spend a lot of time with when I can. They're growing up playing touch footy and what not so when I get a chance to do things with them, it's great.

MA: Who do you think will win the next World Cup and super rugby competitions and why?

AB: We're planning on winning it. It's going to be very tough but we're going to be ready. We'll be primed. The Australian sides are doing really well this year and I don't think there's a real stand out. The Brumbies have been good but everyone seems to be on a level playing field.

MA: Finally, tell us something that not many people would know about you?

AB: Oh that's a hard one. I suppose I played 30 odd Tests for Australia but I never scored a try. I held that record for quite a while.