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July 2010
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Poll Results...

► Ben Lewis

Name: Ben Lewis

Age: 19

Subject: Marine Biology BSc

Year of study: 1st

Sport: Rugby, Back Row/Flanker

From: Mumbles, Swansea

School: Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr

How long have you been participating in your sport?

I have been playing rugby since I was 10 or 11 for my school and for Mumbles Rugby Club Under 11’s. I also played for Mumbles Youth up unitl 2004. I play for the Ospreys Under 18’s and Under 20’s last season. I got four caps for the Welsh Youth team the European 4 Nations and for the British 4 Nations. We won both competitions and didn’t lose a single game.

I also play for Swansea RFC and scored on my debut, this season I started in the first five games.

I was Captain against Ireland and Vice-Captain of the Wales Under-19’s against France in the 6 Nations tournament. Last season I gained 10 caps for Wales Under-19’s.

What is your average training schedule?

I try to get three weights sessions in at the Unigym a week and I train once a week with the Ospreys Under 20’s. Twice a week I train with Swansea RFC and I could have two games a week, one with the Ospreys and one with Swansea.

At the moment I am alos training eith the Wales Under 21’s and hoping to break into that squad for the 6 Nations and the World Cup in June 2006, which wil be held in France.

What facilities/kit do you use?

I use the Unigym, which is great for me as a sporting scholar I get free use of the facilities. In the summer I go running along Swansea Bay and when the new Athlectics Track is finished I will definatley use that too.

What is your highest achievement in sport?

When I was Captain of the Wales Under 19’s againsyt Ireland in th 6 Nations. We won the game and every other game in that competition. I was pleased with my personal and the team’s performance and we won by a large margin. Everything came together at the right time.

Do you have a funding or scholarships for playing your sport?

I am paid a nominal fee by Swansea plus I have the Sporting Scholarship. The money is spent on Travel to games, and to training which can be held in Neath or Cardiff. I pay Medical Insurance plus I have to buy general kit and boots. The hidden extras cost a lot too, energy drinks and nutritional supplements on top of the usual student expenses. The scholarship really helps a lot in this respect.

Why did you choose to come to Swansea?

I knew I wanted to study Marine Biology and Swansea has a very good reputation for the course, especially as the natural environment lends itself so well to practical field studies.

The sporting and academic facilities at Swansea impressed me too. The main reason I came to study here was to stay close to the teams I play for, to be able to have access to the coaches and the Ospreys Academy.

Missed my first field trip to the Black Mountains because of an injury

What is your ambition for the future?

My ambition for this year is to try and break into the Wales Under 21’s squad and gain a cap playing in the 6 Nations and the World Cup. Also gaining a development contract with the Ospreys Academy would be a very positive step forward because I would have further training with their expert coaches and be on the fringe of the first team. The next step is to aim for Captain Under 21’s. Ultimately I just want to be the best player I can and play for Wales.

What support do you get from the university to combine study and training?

So far balancing my studies and my sporting commitment has been fine. Occasionally I have to miss lectures but the online learning system, Blackboard, means that I can get hold ogf the lecture notes and catch up very easily. I have two compulsory practicals a week which don’t interfere with my training so its fine. Should I have any problems my supervisor of personal tutor would work with me to resolve them.

Do they feel Swansea stands out from other universities in the importance it attaches to sport?

The calibre of the sports men and women who have studied here is phenomenal; Rob Howley is a rugby legend and recently Richie Pugh and Huw Bennet have shown the that Swansea know how to nurture talent.

Playing rugby at a higher level puts increasing demands on your time and ability. Rugby is my first priority and I will do what is necessary to progress, but at the same time it is really important to have a life outside of rugby. More and more players have gone into higher education to develop as rounded individuals. The University is supportive of that. This year another member of my team was able to study his course part-time, which was a first for the department.

Which sporting figures do you most admire?

Lance Armstrong because of his dedication and attitude towards his training and life in general. He has consistently broken records and won competitions; that is an incredible achievement.

Who has been your toughest opponent so far?

Vern Kano for the New Zealand Under 19’s. He plays Open Side Flanker; he was as wide as he was tall, a moari lad. He was a very tough customer, but you never let yourself feel any fear as mental attitude is half the game.

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