It has to be said that Dave Walder (England and Falcons), had one of the worst starts to last season!  A broken leg kept him out of the Falcons team until the last couple of matches of the season, enough to make any player despair!  Dave has kindly taken time out, to talk to Unofficial England Rugby fans and tell us about the highs and lows of 2003.

Kath: Dave it must have been a great relief to get back on to the field playing again, what was uppermost in your mind that first game back for Falcons?

Dave: I was just pleased to be back playing again and  my only thought was helping the team to get a much needed victory.

Kath:   After those couple of games, you received the call up to join England’s Churchill Cup squad to tour Canada and Japan.  Can you tell us your initial reaction to this and your thoughts?

Dave: It was nice to be back in the fray at England level but to go on the Churchill Cup tour was unexpected.  I was very excited especially when Hugh was named as skipper.

Kath:  The tour proved very successful for England, winning the Inaugural Churchill Cup. Looking back what personal achievement's) stand out most for you on that tour?

Dave:  Our aims for the tour were to go unbeaten and to be able to play the role I did in helping us win the matches, is what gave me the most pleasure.

Kath:   From that successful tour, you were called up to join the 43 man Rugby World Cup training squad at Pennyhill Park   How did you feel about this next step up?

Dave: Again it was more than I had ever hoped for when sitting at home in my cast at the start of the year so obviously I was delighted.

Kath:  Having experienced training both on tour and at Pennyhill Park, what were the major differences in training sessions and workload?

Dave: It is hard to compare the two as the training on tour was all geared towards the games at the weekends and the training at Pennyhill was more of the pre-season training with matches at the end of 4 weeks work.

Kath:  The ‘Ice Baths’ being used at Pennyhill Park during training are new; where did this idea come from and how did they help you as a player during training?

Dave:  I've no idea but they definitely reinvigorate your muscles although it is hard to get into them!!

Kath:   Dave, I am sure you must have been disappointed at not making the 30 man Rugby World Cup squad!  However, some would say this is now a golden opportunity for you to play fly half for the Falcons and demonstrate your skills over the next couple of months. 

How do you view this opportunity?

Dave:    Every cloud has a silver  lining and I am looking forward to giving 110% to the Falcon's cause whether at 10 or 15. Obviously I would rather be away in Australia but the chance has gone and I am excited about the start of the Premiership and hopefully to some success with Newcastle.

Kath:   Finally, can you tell us your goals for this coming season and long-term goals for the future?

Dave: My main aim is to help Newcastle to get some silverware and to perform to the best of my ability each week. Long term it is to get back into the England squad and also to gain my helicopter flying licence.

Thank you Dave for taking time out to talk to us and from all England and Falcon fans we wish you success for 2003/4.Dave has his own Web Site at:  Dave Walder Web