Galloping Green Patrick Phibbs - Expat in Exeter

Dreaming of a white Christmas

The Randwick Rugby Club GM Tony Lewis was talking to former galloping green Patrick Phibbs about his UK experience earlier this week. The following is an informative description of life for the former Coogee halfback in Exeter as a professional rugby player and sometime surfer. Patrick is currently contracted to the Exeter Chiefs based in Devon.


TL - Phibbsy, how are you handing the weather?

PP - The jumpers and jackets are out of the suitcase now and we have our fingers crossed that we are going to have a white Christmas.

TL - How are the Exeter Chiefs going?

PP - The team is going extremely well, we have had a few thrilling victories lately and are currently in the top three in the Premiership and top of our pool in the Amlin cup (European league) after our win against the Newport Dragons on the weekend.

TL - How would you describe the team at the Chiefs?

PP - The team is a terrific bunch and they have allowed me to fit straight in to the Exeter Chiefs culture. We had an opportunity to let our hair down at our Christmas party after a win at Sandy Park. They play a good style of Rugby and the bus trips on the away games are always enjoyable.

TL - What is happening rugby wise over the Xmas period?

PP - We have a few exciting games coming up over the Christmas period against London Irish and Harlequins.

TL - This will feel strange?

PP - Yes - I'm not use to playing Rugby this time of the year - usually catching some rays down at Coogee.

TL - Do you expect large support over this time?

PP - They're expecting big crowds for these games as its a big tradition here to watch Rugby over the Christmas period. We have two sold out games with a five day turnaround.

TL - Have you caught up with any former Randwick players?

PP - I've caught up with fellow Randwick expat Matt Carraro; we went up to London to watch the Wallabies Vs Barbarians at Twickenham.

TL - Are you enjoying Exeter?

PP - Exeter is a great part of the UK, it is in the Devon County which is South West England so it is very close to the coast and Dartmoor.

TL - Are you living in Exeter?

PP - We are living within walking distance to the city which is a festive place to be this time of year - they love their mulled wine and mince pies. Not to mention the pints and many of them - there is a pub on every corner.

TL - Have you had any vistors to Exeter from the Coogee faithful looking for a free bed?

PP - We're expecting a few visitors from the Coogee region within the next week including Lachlan Mckay (Chubbs). So we're looking forward to showing them around Exeter and Devon.

TL - What is the rugby objective for Patrick Phibbs?

PP - I am looking forward to seeing how far the Chiefs can go after Christmas in the two competitions - (there's even talk we could make it into Heinekein Cup if we keep going the way we are).

TL - I know how much you love the waves. Have you been for a surf yet?

PP - I have been for a surf (see photograph) - to be totally honest I must admit it was early on and they did have a freak heat wave!!! But it is now off my 'to do' list in England.

TL - Anything else you would like to say to the Coogee faithful?

PP - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!