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Raise Your Game: What motivates you?

Xavier Rush: I love the feeling of being involved in a team sport. When the team does well, you get a real buzz at the end of the match and if you've put in a really good performance you get a buzz, and that's what we search for each week.

RYG: What makes you work harder?

XR: It's got to come from the individual to be honest. You've got to want it, and so, for me, it's probably more carrot than stick. No-one has to push me to go and do it, as I like to train. I like to feel fit and I like to feel well. My bonus is that you do feel well and you do feel fit when you've tried your hardest.

RYG: What's the best part of training for you?

XR: Training can be a bit gruelling and demanding sometimes but you've got to keep thinking about your reward. My reward at the end of each week is getting to play a game of rugby, it's what I love doing.

RYG: So what's the worst part of training?

XR: The worst part of training is when it's a wet, muddy sort of day.It gets quite cold over here (laughs), being out in those wet, miserable days you just have to wrap up warm and put up with it!

RYG: In terms of dedication to the sport, how hard is it getting up and training in this cold wet weather?

XR: I love doing what I do so it doesn't really get all that tough for me. I love the feeling of coming off a rugby pitch having put in 100% and preferably having won as well. That's my bonus, that's my inspiration!

RYG: Which great players have you played with?

XR: Michael Jones would be one of the greatest players for me. Also Kevin Mealamu, I love his attitude to the game, Carlos Spencer for his flair and the way he can change a game, Rua Tipoke also.