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 Charlie may have thought he had escaped the RFTG interview session with Lisa after he transferred to play his rugby up north, but no. We were delighted to catch up with him and learn more through Lisa's interview. So, he could have been Doctor Amesbury! (Nurse - Screens!)
So let's start at the beginning, how did you first become interested in playing rugby?
I had elder brothers who played rugby long before I was old enough to even pick up a ball. They actually used me as their practise dummy which they assured me was for my own good! I guess they were proven right as it must have laid the foundation for the level I've reached so far. The thought of playing rugby full-time had never crossed my mind until I was about 18. I was all set to join University until, after a successful last year in school rugby and in the Quins U19/21 teams I was offered a year with the academy which was an opportunity I couldn't really turn down. You've been through the Harlequins Academy system, what do you make of the academy set-up with the top premiership clubs? Assume you think it's a great idea? I can really only comment on my own experiences with Harlequins academy. I was part of a year of 14 apprentices that underwent 3 years of high quality physical and mental training. Without these years of tuition I wouldn't have been prepared for the rigours of premiership rugby. It's a testament to the work of the harlequins academy that the first team is now dominated by players from this production line and many make up the core of this current successful team. Newcastle Falcons are well within this bracket, with a star studded reel of names that have gone on to figure highly for England. You moved from Quins to Newcastle, was it a difficult decision to make? It was a very difficult decision. Harlequins is my local premiership club, the team I've been watching since my early years and where I learnt how to play the game. But after 5 years I had to take the game seriously and although I was learning a lot from top class players like Ugo, Strets, Browny and Tommy, it was definitely time to move onto pastures new and set out my stall for a starting birth elsewhere. How did you find settling in with the Falcons team, coaches, players etc? Easy to adjust or hard? I was part of a large intake at the club so with many new players arriving it was far easier than usual. It's certainly a different club to Harlequins, with different philosophies and set-ups, but I feel like I've joined a club with a vision and a job to do. With that in mind, moving up hasn't been easy as we all got our heads down for a tough pre-season in preparation for the ongoing games. It's been a bonus to get a fresh approach to the game and I'm learning a lot from Alan Tait who, being an ex Lions winger, pays special attention to us out in the back three. How are things up North? Big change, North-South devide... Being a staunch Southerner I was somewhat apprehensive about moving North but I've been pleasantly surprised by what it's got to offer. I'm loving it up here, there's so much to do what with Newcastle being a vibrant, young city. Plus the beach and the countryside are a short escape away. I was put up by Alex Tait and Danny Williams for my first month, they did a grand job settling me in and let's just say they were successfull at showing me what Newcastle has to offer (and there are many). Don't talk to me about the weather though! You've had much more game time since moving and obviously the more you play, the more experience you gain. What are your ambitions/aspirations? If you're an Englishman starting week in week out for your team, then that puts you firmly in the frame for international honours. I am a little way off that at the moment, but if I keep getting the experience under my belt then Saxons is definitely within my sights. At Newcastle, after a promising start we have fallen off the pace a bit so I am fully focused on the job at hand, which is to get to safety and climb back up to where we should be finishing in the premiership this year. Personally I have already hit my season's goals, so right now I am just enjoying the rest of the season and come next year I can reset my boundaries on bigger things.
Who are your role models in rugby and life in general? Being a professional sportsman in the public eye do you see yourself as a role model?
In Newcastle, rugby is very much second fiddle to football, so I don't see myself as a role model as it's the footballers whom are recognised and followed. I do agree however that there is a duty to the sport to conduct myself in a certain way. In terms of my own role models, I have a few. Being from the same area and school, I take inspiration from Jonny Wilkinson. The stories of him going out and practicing at lunch break and at every opportunity shows me path where I can make my skills to a world class standard. He has bag loads of natural talent, but he also is a model for practice makes perfect. Jeff Wilson is my second rugby inspiration. Growing up watching him, I was impressed by his flair and his skills and if I could have an ounce of what he had then I would be great player.
Whilst you were with Quins, you got mistaken alot for *Strets* mainly by the kids, (I know it was the hair). Did that bother you at all?
Before I say anything, I had the hair long before Strets came to the club (Harlequins). But with him becoming the England big dog, it was known that I got mistaken for him once or twice. But I think he found it far harder to come to terms with having a better looking lookalike at the club!!! Did you follow rugby growing up? Who were your heroes?
I did follow rugby, but the role model when I was a young'un was definitely Rocky Balboa. Before rugby games at school it was the Rocky soundtrack that was booming out the CD player. He over came the odds and his own feelings to triumph when he was up against the impossible. His training in Russia before his Ivan Drago fight is the best movie scene in my opinion. I would have probably been able to take him though...
If you were a cartoon character who would you be and why?
Roger Rabbit so I can go out with Jessica Rabbit.
Are you a sex symbol at Newcastle?
Yes!
Describe yourself in three words?
Three... top boy ... words
What would you be doing if you didn't play rugby for a profession? And after rugby?
I would be a doctor. I gave up a place at medical school for rugby and it was the hardest decision of my life. After rugby, I'll probably end up back on the family farm. Best piece of advice you have ever recieved and given?
Dr Pepper gave it to me, "What's the worst that can happen?" With that in mind there isn't much to be worried about in life.
Let us in on something that we don't know about you? i.e hidden talents...
I'm learning to ride, so that I fulfill my ambition of completing a cross country course. Right now I am learning to jump, I actually manage to stay on.... when the horse hasn't had me off!!!
Finally is there anything eles you would like to say or add Charlie?
Not really other than lovely speaking to you.
QUICKIE QUESTIONS: Favourites:
1) TV Programme? Dexter
2) Music? Dire Straits
3) Animal? Bull
4) Aftershave? Fahrenheit
5) Movie? Paranormal Activity
6) Colour? Green
7) Sport? (other than rugby) Cricket
8) Saying/Expression? "wa'ai mun thats champiun!!"
9) Book? Harry Potter
10) Possession? My new cowboy hat
QUICK FIRE
1) TV or Radio (cd's etc) TV
2) Xbox or Wii Wii
3) Blonde or Brunette Blonde
4) Comedy or Action Comedy
5) Beer or Spirit Spirit
6) Sweet or Savory Sweet
7) Long or Short (hair on a woman) Long
8) Blackberry or I Phone Iphone
9) Boxers or Briefs Boxers
10) Jeans or Smart Trousers Smart trousers
Thanks Charlie from RFTG! xx For more info on Charlie - click on to Falcon's site 
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