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LEIGH DI’IULIO PLAYER PROFILE                                              

Leigh is best known to the Birchgrove faithful as a combatant and dynamic Scrum Half who has more than played his part in the rise of Birchgrove through the leagues in recent years. He did have a short flirtation with Waunarlwydd but has returned to the fold and more than proved his loyalty by not only resuming his role at No 9 but also on many occasions more than ably stepping in anywhere in the Back line he has been asked to perform.  Leigh’s flexibility and willingness to put the Team first is the epitome of Community Rugby and  his attitude is to be applauded.

HOW DID YOU GET IN TO RUGBY AND WHO WERE YOUR EARLY INFLUENCERS AND RESPECTED PLAYERS?

my family have always followed or played rugby so I was brought up in a rugby environment

WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING FOR BIRCHGROVE AND WHY ?

Started playing for birch grove at under 11s. Moved across from bonymaen with Percy and also knew coach Conrad Beynon, which made birch grove a good place for youngsters to play rugby.

HOW IS THE BIRCHGROVE PLAYING EXPERIENCE COMPARED WITH ANY OTHER CLUBS YOU HAVE PLAYED FOR. ?

Birch grove is home for me in rugby terms on and off the field. It’s a great club, where I’ve made my best memories and best mates. Although I did enjoy my time with Waunarlwydd, a good club which I have a lot of respect for the club and people there.

WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU LIKE PLAYING AGAINST MOST AND WHY ?

Bonymaen, an old school local derby. Always followed by a good night.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR PERSONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS TO DATE?

Being part of the rise with Birchgrove from the lower leagues

YOU ARE A SCRUM HALF FIRST AND FOREMOST BUT HAVE PERFORMED WELL IN OTHER POSITIONS FOR THE CLUB. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT ?

Whatever is best for the team at the time.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAJOR RUGBY AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE ?

To be part of the highest achieving Birchgrove side in its history.

IN THE WIDER GAME :-

 HOW DO YOU THINK WALES CURRENTLY COMPARES TO THE OTHER SIX NATIONS SIDES AND HOW DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO GO IN THE COMING TOURNAMENT

 I think Wales are realistically looking at 4/5th place finish. But whenever written off they seem to pull something out of the bag.

QUICK FIRE ROUND

NICKNAME- Duls
AGE- 25
OCCUPATION- Plumber
CLUBS- Bonymaen,Birchgrove,Waunarllwyd
POSITION- 9 Scrum Half
SEASON AHEAD GOALS- Top 4 finish
BEST MOMENT IN RUGBY-Winning division 2
WORST MOMENT IN RUGBY- Losing to South Gower last year of youth for unbeaten season in league 
FAVE DRINK- Carling lemon top
BEST DRESSED IN TEAM- Connor Gallivan
WORST DRESSED IN TEAM-Lewis Cox (chubsy)
BEST DRINKER- Shitty ( kris the camera man)
WORST DRINKER- Connor Gallivan
FAVE TOUR DESTINATION- Butlins
FAVE SONG- Revolutions - Tracey Chapman
FAVE MOVIE- Rocky 4

Good Luck in achieving your Goals Leigh and we hope you are right about Wales pulling something out of the bag !