#stuart hooper

When SharpLines met… Stuart Hooper

Earlier this week, we caught up with Bath captain and line-out supremo, Stuart Hooper. A former captain of the England Saxons, the current captain of a rampant Bath side, Stuart talks to us about leadership, Sam Burgess and that all important question, who cuts the sharpest lines in the Bath back-line…

To cut to the chase Stuart, is this going to be Bath's year?

We're doing everything we can to make it our year! The standard of the premiership is so high now that each and every game is competitive and really challenging. It's going to be a brilliant year for the spectators and a hugely exciting one for all the players as we are a very ambitious group who demand high standards of each other every single day in training. We feel if we continue to do that we will give ourselves a chance come the end of the year.

How does it feel to be leading such an impressive Bath outfit at the moment?

It's a real honour to Captain Bath. I know it's said a lot and is the usual statement when someone talks about captaincy but being captain of Bath is not my job it's a part of my life. When I'm not at training my role doesn't stop, I'm always thinking of ways that we can get better, ways we can get the most out of each other and ultimately how we can win more games. It's a great squad which is obviously filled with talent but the character of the blokes is what impresses me the most, the young lads are just starting out on their careers and are building valuable experience every day.

Which leaders have you always looked up to and do you study off the field?

On the rugby field I have taken parts from many of the great players and characters I have played with and against. Importantly, not just the captains. Richard Hill for example was never my captain at Saracens but he was undoubtedly a leader. He led by example and left no stone unturned in his preparation.

Away from Rugby I have just finished my degree in Leadership and Management so have done plenty of reading on the great leaders and their different theories. The trick is being able to apply them in the right context to different groups. I'm always drawn to the work of Daniel Goleman and in particular the importance he places on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership.    In terms of building a team, how important is the role of the captain? Particularly when things aren't going so well?

A Captains role is vital in the development of team spirit and a solid team culture. First and foremost a captain must exhibit the behaviours he desires in his team. There is also a need for a captain to be able to manage conflict. I'm a big believer in people having their opinions and if you try to avoid conflict people will keep their opinions hidden leading to problems in the future. A chain therefore must be comfortable in handling, discussing, accepting  and sometimes dismissing other people's opinions.    What is the latest on the development of the Rec? How would you like to see the iconic stadium progress in the future?We are so pleased that The Rec has been boosted to nearly 14,000 this year. The noise and atmosphere there now is amazing and all the players look forward to playing our games there. So much work has gone on over the years to secure our future at The Rec and that will continue until a long term solution is found. It would certainly be incredible to have a new stadium befitting the surroundings as an iconic building in our city.

We are always interested in what players do in their spare time and what they are looking to go into after rugby, what alternative life does Stuart Hooper live? We've heard you are quite a public speaker!

I have 3 sons who keep me pretty busy with various things! They're incredible though and are my biggest fans. They love nothing more than a run around the rec after home games. I also love to cook and if we get a few days off my wife Kate and I enjoy a good hike in the Lake District.    In terms of club culture, having experienced Saracens, Leeds and now Bath. What would you say are the key differences you've found at the three clubs?

Each club was different and faced different challenges and had different expectations. Culture is a word used a lot but it basically just means "the way things are done". The key to the culture of any organisation is the people involved and the behaviours they exhibit - all the time. A sound culture is not based on people doing the right thing when they're at work or in front the boss. More often what people do when nobody can see them defines them and their behaviours. This in turn will add up to the culture of a work place.  Importantly the standard of players within a group does not determine a culture, it is the actions of these players that does.

Having attracted superstar Sam Burgess, and there are now strong links with Will Genia and Steffon Armitage, in addition to an all-star squad as it is, what is it that has made Bath such a special club in terms of attracting the best talent?

I think a good squad attracts better players. We have fantastic training facilities and a team who plays an exciting brand of rugby. This is evident I think to people who are looking to challenge themselves and win trophies.   We have to ask i'm afraid! How do you see Sam Burgess fitting into the Bath team and can he make Stuart Lancaster's world cup squad?

Sam has had an unbelievable RL career and he's rightly held in very high regard by his peers. As far as rugby union goes he needs to learn the game and see how he gets on. We signed him for his ability but also his character so we know he is hungry to learn and excel and rugby union. I have absolutely no doubt he will achieve everything he can in the game and I will help him in any way possible.    Finally, without upsetting anybody, who cuts the sharpest lines in the Bath back-line?   Where do I start! I can't pick just one! All I know is that it is an absolute nightmare in training trying to defend against George, Kyle, JJ, Roko and Anthony!!!

Thanks again Stuart and good luck to you and the Bath boys for the rest of the season!