ROOM 101

DICKIE PIPER

THE HUDDERSFIELD CAPTAIN AND NO.8 TAKES US THROUGH HIS PET HATES FROM THE RUGBY WORLD AND BEYOND

1. Drink-shy young lads When I was a young lad, swilling beer on the bus home was one of the main reasons for playing rugby. Nowadays, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Half of the young lads either don’t drink or aren’t up for socials. Maybe things have got more professional, and they’d rather go to the gym. Whenever Pass the Sambuca is played on the way home from an away match, the young lads look a bit sheepish and move further up the bus so as not to get involved. TRP VERDICT: It’s a glass half full response from us – it’s going in.

2. Trousers – of any sort I struggle to get any trousers to fit because I’ve got big thighs and a big arse. On the few occasions I have to get dressed up, for a wedding or something like that, I hate it. Boxers are a nono, too, I don’t think I’ve worn a pair since before breakdown. I basically live in shorts. TRP VERDICT: This entry is tailor-made for Room 101

3. Beaky’s pre-season sessions Gaz Lewis – or Beaky as we call him because of his big nose – is a real keeno when it comes to fitness, he’s always on his bike and that carry on. To be fair to the lad, he has got the best rig out of all of us, and he’s recently turned 40. Whenever we have guest S&C coaches down at the club, they give you a good flogging, but nothing compares to his sessions. He’s already sorted us out with a pre-season programme. TRP VERDICT: Who are we to stick our nose into your personal grief? It’s a no from us on this occasion.