Player Profile - D.J. Monroe

This past weekend the Pacific Cup took place down in southern California, as was documented very well by Alex Goff on Goff Rugby Report. As I scrolled down the list of teams participating I noticed the Bay Barbarians where participating, a team put together to participate from my original neck of the woods. After doing some digging I recognized a name on the list of players , Monroe. I reached out to D.J. Monroe to see if he would like to answer a few questions about his time playing in the Pacific cup and how he was introduced to the game of Rugby. D.J. is only a sophomore but has a very bright future ahead of him in the sport, not just a work horse on the field but also one off the field and a multi sport athlete. I would like to publicly call out, invite, those on the coaching staff for the HSAA's and up to speak with this young man and to keep track of him as he navigates through high school comp. and moving on to the college game.
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LLR- What school do you currently attend and grade are you in?

D.J..- I attend Westmont High school and I am currently a sophomore.

LLR- How where you introduced into the sport of Rugby?

D.J.- I was introduced to rugby by my dad and Chris Fisher, owner of the Los Gatos club. My dad played when he was younger for a long time and always talked about it, I guess it just sparked my interest.


LLR- What position are you currently playing ?

D.J.- I am currently playing either 8 man, blindside , or open-side flanker.


LLR- A few questions for people to get to know who you are a bit better, what is your favorite rugby team professional or armature level?

D.J. - My favorite rugby team is The New Zealand All Blacks.


LLR- Do you play any other sport in the rugby off season?

D.J.- I play football and I wrestle in my off season.


LLR- Which club team do you look forward to playing during the season?

D.J.- I look forward to playing Peninsula Green.


LLR- How did you come to join the Los Gatos Lions?

D.J.- I became a lion when my dad and I were approached by Chris Fisher and his son, Royce, at a wrestling meet. I was in 8th grade at the time. Chris and my dad had been chatting in the stands while Royce and I were wrestling. After our match, Chris and my dad asked if I was interested in playing rugby for the Los Gatos Lions. Of course I said yes and we went home and signed up that night.


LLR- What professional sports star in any sport do you look up to most?

D.J.- My favorite professional sports player would have to be the 49er's running back, Frank Gore. His work ethic and determination to succeed absolutely amazes me.


LLR- Is there a college in mind you would like to attend, would you like to continue to play rugby there?

D.J.- I am interested in going to St. Mary's and I would like to continue to play rugby there.


LLR- You recently participated in playing in the pacific cup, playing for the Bay Barbarians, can you explain the experience you had and the way players where selected for this team?

D.J. - I do not know how my other teammates were selected for the Bay Barbarians Team. I was invited to play by Coach Moses, an all star selector. He approached my dad and I on the Sunday before the team was supposed to leave for San Diego. He told me he was impressed with my defensive style of play, along with good rucking, and hard running when I did get the ball. He then asked if I was interested in driving down with the varsity Bay All star Team, of course I said yes. My experience at the Pacific Cup was interesting. I quickly realized that I was not the only hard-nosed player and that in fact all the teams that were at the tournament were there for a reason. The rugby was very high quality and very intense. I figured out  how to play in this highly competitive environment in the first few minutes of the first game. Overall I played well and my team slowly molded together.


LLR- Did the team have enough time to practice together and prepare for games against the other clubs participating?

D.J.- The team had no where close to enough time to practice with each other to compete against such high quality competition. The first time we played with each other was 45 minutes before our game during warm ups.


LLR- Is this event something you would like to participate in again if given another chance?

D.J. - I would absolutely participate in the Pacific Cup again just because of how much experience you can earn from competing with such high level teams.

 

LLR- Last two questions, there has been many articles and talk the last few years on athletes in the high school level who are turning to rugby instead of football. What would you say to those who are considering playing but are not quite sure if they should take that final step?

D.J.- Most football players crossing over are scared about the whole no pads thing. My words of encouragement are that rugby teaches you to tackle smartly so there is no need for pads. I would also say that rugby is such a great experience all around with having the ability to tackle or run the ball whenever the opportunity arises. Where in football you play your certain position that does one certain job.

LLR- Lastly if you had a chance to speak with a national team coach, what would you say to them that best describes yourself as a player and person?

D.J.- If I had the chance to describe myself to a national level coach I would tell him that I will do whatever it takes to be one of the best. I always work hard, I show up to practice, I do extra trainings, and I work out on my own. Most importantly I am a leader. I will carry my team on my back for as long as necessary and I will play to the best of my ability and in whatever way that secures the win for my team, be it supportively or selfishly.

 

*If you wish to contact D.J. and speak with him some more you can contact him @ djmonroe27@gmail.com or with Facebook: D.j. Monroe