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Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:44 am
by cjp
Thats part of his interview in the times today.

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 1:16 am
by Rooster
cjp wrote:Thats part of his interview in the times today.
Any link for the complete interview :?

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:20 am
by Wacko Winger
Rooster wrote:
cjp wrote:Thats part of his interview in the times today.
Any link for the complete interview :?
I think this is it: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0, ... _1,00.html

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:45 am
by Rooster
:thumleft: Whacko, thats one of the best personal interviews on a rugby player I have seen in ages. Searched for it yesterday and thought it must be a paper only one.

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:14 am
by Judith Harrison
Oh my God, my heart literally ached when I read Justins' interview. For him to speak of his broken marriage must have been so wretched for him..he's so far away..but in good hands I feel. You may now realise how proud of him I am, his whole family is.

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:32 am
by Rooster
That took courage to do that interview Mrs H, it would be fair to say that most here knew of his marriage problems but no one would have said much about it. Perhaps that will go in some way to clearing his on mind on the situation and heal some of the mental scars.

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:48 am
by Judith Harrison
Thanks Rooster! I'm sure most were awareof the problems but, quite frankly, no-one expected such a crushing 'end', so abruptly. I agree that it is 'cleansing' for him to talk of it- and for him to know that you all now know..!

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:54 am
by Solid Air
What an article! Great interview and insight into the big-man, he certainly pulls no punches on the psychology side of his game, love his thoughts on 'sledging'-that it's better to have two guys running around after you for 80 minutes than chasing the ball!!

I would not like to see him leave Ulster early, if he went for personal reasons then fair play, but I think he has added greatly to Ulster's progress on the field, think big Matt, for one, will look back during his own career at the influence he benefited from, on his arrival?

Wouldn't it have been tremendous to see our local press posting an interview like this..................................

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:02 pm
by ding dong2u
Much respect to the Big Man it takes a lot of courage to open up like that, just hope that in speaking out it helps him in some way. He's a helluva player and a helluva nice bloke.

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:08 pm
by goodaine
ding dong2u wrote:Much respect to the Big Man it takes a lot of courage to open up like that, just hope that in speaking out it helps him in some way. He's a helluva player and a helluva nice bloke.

2nd that :salut:

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:23 pm
by cjp
Will never forget the first time he ran out at Ravenhill and he just walked and seemed to stare in amazement at what the crowd was like. He has transformed our pack and taken certain younger players under his wing and helped them alot. Will go down as one of our best signings. Become the enforcer of the side and will never take a backward step.

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:23 pm
by Judith Harrison
You are both 'spot-on' DingDong and Goodaine! This part of his life has really devastated Justin, and not to be taken lightly-I'm glad he's 'opened up'. Yes he is a hellova nice bloke, and one hellova great son. But he's yours now, he won't leave you.

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:31 pm
by Judith Harrison
cjp- I remember when I came over in May, surprised J. at Borders game- he got yellow carded (unwarrented-truly!!) and Ulster "mob" gave standing ovation as he came off!! And I thought the Brumbies crowd was fierce! And the family here are still bemused when I shout "Stand up.." when listening to games!!

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:50 pm
by Cap'n Grumpy
The Ulster people have recognised the difficulty I’m going through. I’m not sure how knowledgeable the supporters are (about his personal situation) but I’m sure they know more than they let on.
There are certainly some (I don't know how many) who were aware of the problems, but Justin made it clear he didn't want to talk about them. Maybe now he feels the time is right, and I hope and trust this article helps him through the process. Justin has showed his remarkable courage to open up the way he has and I believe it will only serve to increase the respect that the Ulster rugby public have for him.

In the mean time, I hope he will come to know that although some of us knew of his heartache, we were trying to abide by his wishes in not being open about it, but it didn't stop us feeling for him.

I know we can never replace family, and being so many miles from home must be the hardest part, but I trust that Justin knows that he has a "family" here now too who are prepared to help if he'll let them. We cannot replace Judith's arms around her son, but we can give him a big Ulster hug!

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:59 pm
by Cap'n Grumpy
Solid Air wrote:What an article! Great interview and insight into the big-man, he certainly pulls no punches on the psychology side of his game, love his thoughts on 'sledging'-that it's better to have two guys running around after you for 80 minutes than chasing the ball!!

I would not like to see him leave Ulster early, if he went for personal reasons then fair play, but I think he has added greatly to Ulster's progress on the field, think big Matt, for one, will look back during his own career at the influence he benefited from, on his arrival?

Wouldn't it have been tremendous to see our local press posting an interview like this..................................
Agree with what you say Mr Air, but maybe Justin wasn't ready previously to give an interview to local press. I would think we all hope this article has helped, but that as a result of it, he won't be plagued into doing lots of others simply raking over the same stuff just to increase circulation of other papers.