"More than just fetching the ball"

Ball boys and girls play a vital role on match days at Royal Wootton Bassett and often have the best seat in the house! We caught up with Head Ball Boy Rhys Floyd to find out exactly what is involved.

When did you start being a ball boy?

I was 9 years old when I first started being a ball boy. My Dad was the 1st XV Captain and I was doing it with him and found it fun. I did this with my dad till I was about 11 and then I started doing it on my own.

Apart from Being a ball boy, what else do you do in rugby?

I’m in the Bassett Colts now and I play Scrum Half. When I don’t have a game or I’m injured, I help with some of the younger ages at the club. I’m at Hartpury College and also coach there. I’ve worked with the Wooden Spoon charity and refereed all their competitions this year and will be refereeing at Kingsholm.

What time do you arrive On match days?

I used to arrive at 12:15, or a bit earlier for an away fixture - but now I arrive at 1pm because I have to work before.

What do the ball boys do before the match kicks off?

So what we normally do is:

• Put up the post protectors and put all the flags out;
• Wash the balls if they are muddy;
• Fill up the bottles and get all the drinks sorted for the lads for half-time;
• After this we go out and help with the warm up - being on hand with water bottles and drying the balls.
• Then it’s game time!

So what are your duties during a match?

Apart from fetching and returning the ball during the game, we also take on the kicking tee when it is needed and the water bottles for the players. Ultimately we are trying to let the players concentrate on the game not worrying about the other stuff.

This year you have a couple of helpers. how do they help?

I have two little apprentices this season called Jackson and Jamie. They play in the Bassett Under 12s and they do a great job on match day.

What about after the final whistle?

We normally collect all the bottles and players’ tracksuits after the game and get all the post protectors and posts in from the pitch. And then we go in for food.

What are the best and worst bits about being a ball boy?

The worst bit is when Bassett lose in the last minute, or its really bad weather. The best bits of the job is that you make good friendships with the players and the club members.

What were the most memorable events during your time as a ball boy?

The funniest moment was when Alan Low was coming off the bench at a Home Match and the opposite prop was saying all this rubbish about how he was going to power over Alan. But Alan won the penalty. The prop was so sad.

The most memorable moment was when we were at the Bassett Beer Festival and the 1st XV Captain David Hogg got me a pint of ORANGE JUICE AND LEMONADE. Cheers Hogg’s!

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to carry on being a Ball Boy this year and next, and then hand the reigns over to Jackson and Jamie. Eventually I want to play for Bassett's 1st XV and hopefully the ball boys will suffer in the rain. ;)