A Word With: Andrew Olorenshaw | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Canterbury rookie prop ANDREW OLORENSHAW talks to The Star

 

 Must have hurt watching from the sideline in Mt Maunganui on Saturday?

You were always hopeful the boys were going to pick up and do well, and hoping the boys would come right. It was a little bit frustrating towards the end when you couldn’t get on and do something, but that’s all right, you learn from it and carry on! Everyone got a good wake-up call from the game on the weekend, and will be into it pretty hard this weekend.

Otago’s record isn’t wonderful this season, but obviously that won’t matter when they come after the Shield on Saturday?

They’ve lost a few games narrowly. Bounce of the ball or a couple of different calls, and they could have been winning, so they’re not far away and they’ll be tough. They’ll be up for this game.

Is missing the All Blacks hurting Canterbury?

It gives other guys an opportunity, and I think everyone’s got everything down pat now and know what they’re doing. It’s just a matter of getting out there and putting it on the park, and getting everybody to work together on the same page.

A quick biog?

I’m 24, born in Ashburton and grew up in North Canterbury, played for Ashley when at primary school, then boarded at Christchurch Boys High School, in Adams House.

First rugby memories?

Playing for Ashley and going to Oxford. The ground’s frozen and running around with wee studs on the bottom of your boots that don’t go into the ground at all. And having seven in our team and having to get a couple from the other team to make up the numbers.

You’ve got a job away from rugby?

I work for Ravensdown as an account manager. So I get out and see the farmers and advise them on what fertilisers and chemicals and products to use. That provides a couple of days a week away from footie and it’s good to have that variation and do something different. And I guess the footie helps things as well because a lot of customers are interested, and it keeps the relationship going well. I’ve had a couple of text messages after games and things.

You’ve got a Lincoln degree?

Yes, BCom (Ag) at Lincoln. I finished that in 2007.

When was your Canterbury debut?

Against North Harbour this season. I think I’ve played four games now.

You’re Canterbury’s guardian of the shield – what does that entail?

Getting it safely back from Wellington was the first job. There hasn’t been much else since!

What are your interests away from rugby and work?

I grew up on a farm so I enjoy going back out and seeing my family, and was out there on Sunday helping the old man do a few jobs, which was good. A change of scenery and catching up with friends. My father John farms between Rangiora and Oxford, up near Ashley Gorge.

Favourite movie?

Top Gun or something.

TV?

Don’t see a lot of TV.

Music?

All sorts. I enjoy different genre, it goes with mood and things. I’m probably more of a general rock pop listener.

Last book you read?

Angels and Demons.

Favourite holiday destination?

Nelson’s good, I’ve probably been there most often. Usually stay at Tahuna.

Food?

Again, I like variation. Always a safe go-to is doing a chicken pasta or a Thai chicken curry.

Best mate in the team?

Probably Will Catherwood. He plays for Burnside as well, and for the last few seasons with me in Canterbury B. Playing in the front row together builds a strong bond!

Team stirrer?

Keatsie. I think he gets it back from everyone else just as much.

Who spends most time in front of the mirror?

Luke Thornley, our trainer. We always give him a bit of grief about that.