Ollie ate like a human dustbin on the leftovers of cake and cheese and biscuits, (he'll have nightmares eating cheese so late and better check his nutritional sheet) and GG brought a distinct favouritism to his home country to the evening, as well as baby talk with Matt Poole, after the recent birth of his baby son Jed. Clearly an under-rated player, Glenn, and the young star, Ollie, combined together for an informative evening ranging from the eternal question of where should Oz play to the back seat coach competition.

The evening started off with dinner of either chicken curry, beef stroganoff or vegetable pie with rice and potato wedges, followed by a variety of choices for dessert, to which TT sampled the chocolate gateau. Communications manager Sam Rossiter-Stead took some questions from the audience. SRS outlined that Tigers had put in an offer for the Granby Halls site but that there were 14 other offers, and Tigers offer was not the highest. Tigers would like an additional strip of land to be able to develop the Members Stand, and there is a condition in the sale that they would be allowed this.

SRS also highlighted that from the Saints game, the programme is going to be longer with an additional 8 pages, and have more content for the fans. The Fan's Eye View from the match day programme was raised and the fact that the fans were missing Ian Cockerill.

Rugby-related questions
Leicester
Q How has been your worst and best room mates?
OS: I always seem to room with GG! The worst has been Kafer because he talks in his sleep!
GG: At my first away game, I was with Stimmo and it took me a while to get on his wavelength. But all of the guys are top and we all get on well together.

Q What made you take up the game of rugby?
OS: When I was at Thurlston Church of England school I went down and had a go, showed some promise and its gone on from there!
GG: I showed some promise last century but not this! My folks were sport crazy and I enjoyed football, tennis, cricket etc and had the ability in South Africa to play sport all of the year round. The opportunity came to play rugby professional and I took it.

Q Are you superstitious?
OS: Not really. Cozza always turns out the light last in the changing room.
SRS: The white kit was unlucky until we won in it at Saints.
GG: I use it as an excuse to get a pizza - ham, pineapple with lots of cheese - I did this when I first broke into the team on the night before a game and have done so since.

Q Tigers have made a shaky start to the season, but have got better and put together run of 7 unbeaten games and won two games without the England boys - how do you rate our current form?
OS: Well, GG wasn't playing at the start of the season, so that could be a factor. The referee has been a lot more helpful recently and the results have been going our way, especially missing the England rock stars.

Q There have been some great memories over the past few years, 4 Premiership trophies, and 2 European trophies - what has been your favourite game?
OS: To put the shirt on in every game is special. However, the European Cup means so much.
GG: I have been involved in two European Cup Finals, Cardiff was awesome but Paris was so special because we came from behind and had so many fans supporting us. Other times have been my first game for Western Province (1991) and captaining Border Bulldogs to victory over Wales (1989).

Q Is Tigers training as hard in South Africa, as you've been in the national service?
GG: In 1992 I did a year of compulsory service in the army. I had studied what it would be like and I looked for short cuts, like getting a cushy way of life as I used past injuries. I benefited from the military training as I grew up (away from home, had to do your own ironing!), but the military way of life didn't excite me. Tigers training has become a benchmark for standards and for other clubs - players can't rest on their laurels, as if we did we wouldn't have won all of our trophies.
SRS: Ollie, why do you always look so knackered?
OS: Because training is so hard and I get plenty of sleep!
SRS: Perhaps you should try Boothie's philosophy - when asked if he likes night games, he replied yes, because you can sleep all day before the evening kick-off!

Q Who would you have in your best back line of all time?
GG: Well, I wouldn't make the squad! 15 Serge Blanco, 14 Jonah Lomu, South African centres with Gareth Edwards at 10.
OS: 15 Cullen, 14 Lomu, 12 & 13 Herbert and Howard, but its very difficult because there are so many good players past and present.

Q Issue in the media highlighted of using dummy runners to confuse opposition - have you got any views?
OS: There is not much you can do about it but I hope it doesn't end up like American Football.
GG: The use of dummy runners should increase as it would allow a higher number of tries per game and ability to run better lines. The Southern hemisphere seems to get away with it, whereas the Northern hemisphere clamps down on it.

Q What's your preferred position?
OS: Wherever Deano picks me. When I came I was more accustomed to playing on the wing but now I play centre.

Q What is Oz best position?
OS: You must give credit to a player who can play anywhere and has that match-winning ability. It depends where you play him as to his mood on match day morning. He has not done well at No.10 this season. Some may say he should be on the bench.
SRS: Who is the most frustrating player to play with?
GG: If Garforth gets the ball, then you know you'll not get it back! I think its more a case of knowing our potential and getting frustrated if things don't go well.

Q Who is the best centre you have played against in the English Premiership?
GG: I have been on the bench for most of the games. Brendan Venter (London Irish) [bosh player] takes on ball and sets up well. Catty (Mike Catt) [another South African] and Rodney (Will Greenwood) both have a lot of variety.

Q Is there a romeo in the team?
OS: Stay clear of Hazza (who is in fact myself and Pinky's gym buddy...)

Q How much is refereeing standards studied?
GG: Deano and Wellsy study which referee is going to be refereeing which game and analysis their strengths and weaknesses from past games.

Q Are there different attributes to playing either 12 or 13?
GG: 12 you make a lot of decisions, make more passes to set up a platform and assist No.10; whereas at 13 you run lines and make half haps, playing like a winger.
OS: I played at 12 as a young lad and have since moved to 13.

Q At 12 Glen is a rather under-rated player - when we won the Premiership League back in April, you put Wilko on his back - any comments?
GG: It was very satisfying. I don't rate myself, unlike Boothie and OZ who do rate themselves. I wish I were 10 years younger. I was good in South Africa, went to Ireland and played some sociable rugby where they only had two training sessions a week and now Tigers. It's a dream come true for me to play for Tigers, but I don't get swept away.

Q What coaching role do you have?
GG: On Tuesdays and Thursdays I assist in coaching the U19s. Its very important academy, as a team can't always look to fork out for foreigners and should be well supported, as it's the team of the future - it has produced the likes of Ollie and Vesty.

Q Which players do we need to sign to strengthen the squad?
GG: I don't want to harp on about South African players, however Peter de Villiers is a prop playing in France and he would be a good asset to the squad. In the back line, we have unbelievable talent, Vesty is good at No.10 (he has proved his doubters wrong), but we could do with some back up for No.10.
SRS: A centre's view on the front row!
OS: We could do with a fly-half but otherwise pretty happy with the squad and we'll stick with the wining formula.

Q Can you ever remember taking a pass from Leon Lloyd?
OS: Yeah, course! I feel sorry for him, as he's had a shocking 18 months with injury. He is one of my idols. He is taking his time in getting back into centre and battling for a position. Give him time and he will be back to world-class ways.

Q Do you get fed up of being on the bench?
GG: Yes and no - I would like to play but as long as I feel like I am contributing to the side and the cause. I wish I was 10 years younger and be in the same position, but I am very grateful to be in the Leicester team.

Q Looking at the trophy cabinet, it seems like we have been robbed?
MP: Times are tough, we have had to make an insurance claim as Johnno has asked for a wage rise and we've smelted the trophies down to make a halo for Backy!

Q How much analysis is done of the opposition?
GG: On a Monday we analyse the last game and on a Tuesday we look at our next opponents. Wellsy, with Kafer and Kiwi spends 99% of his time in the video room. Wellsy analyses videos and brings the knowledge to our training where we can improve and which type of game we are going to play, so that we utilise our training sessions.

Q Which is worse - facing Deano after we lost to Leeds or a players question night?
OS: Deano! You try not to eyeball him and you head off straight to the changing rooms. The players evening is nice tonight, as great to hang out with the fans.

Q The back seat on the bus is always occupied by the senior players or the front row - an unwritten law - do you compete with the bog boys?
OS: I made one attempt at the back seat challenge but my shirt and trousers went out of the skylight. Hazza is always up for the challenge but comes back in a bit of a state.
GG: I leave the back seat alone as it's the forwards!
MP: We beat Sale in the Pilkington Cup Final, we had some very nice Next suits etc. Next wanted to do a publicity photo of the team in their suits, but we were late in leaving, so said we do it when we came back at the Holiday Inn. Having won, we had some beers and at Watford Gap I lost my shoes. We were due back at Leicester for 7.30pm but didn't arrive until 11pm to find that no one had eaten and Next, Lord Mayor and other dignitaries were waiting for us. We staggered off the coach led by Deano who had tied the remaining bit of shirt as a sumo belt, as had sumo challenge between the front and back of bus. West had impaled himself on the table, so when we got inside, he went up to the table of dignitaries which included a Consultant from the Leicester Royal Infirmary, pulled down his trousers and said "Do you think you can put a few stitches in that" forgetting that he'd got no undies on!
SRS: James Buckland came back with an eye injury, when he hadn't played. But he got it from trying to get on the back seat!

Q Who are the quiet and loud ones in the changing room and is Joshie ever awake?
OS: You see Joshie two minutes before the game as he always reading a book. Garforth loses it and "effs and blinds", and goes crazy. Cozza sits still with a towel over his head.
GG: I have played the game long enough - I got bruised when I hit myself against a wall, so I don't do that any longer! I normally say a little pray beforehand to protect myself and have a quiet word to my centre partner. Two different captains are Johnno (relaxed) and Cockers (goes ballistic!)

Q The next generation of young players - comment?
OS: In my early days, I played alongside Vesty and it so nice to see my mates coming through to the main team.
SRS: Danny "posh kid" Hipkiss is a young star who was out for 2 years after having knee reconstruction surgery.
OS: I hope he's not going to be one of my rivals! I played in the game when he hurt his knee and its great that he's come back, as at the time the doctors and physios thought he'd never play again. He has been studying at Loughborough University with me, especially concentrating on his studies, and hopefully will play centre soon.

Q U21s are 10 points clear of their league - any comments?
SRS: This season has been fantastic, as currently leading the U21 Premiership and hopefully they will go on and win the final (bit like main team structure of a play-off to get to the final). It's been disappointing this year for the Extras, as other teams haven't been able to raise a squad.

Q The travelling support turns up in the middle of nowhere, as Tigers fans seem to be everywhere (Pau, Perpignan, Paris and Calvisano), what does it mean to you?
OS: They must have a screw loose! Pau - they were crazy to go that far (TT says especially as on coach and 24-hour trip!) The players really appreciate it and a massive thank you goes to all of the travelling supporters.
GG: The fans must be commended, as home or away we know that you will be there.
SRS: Tigers currently have 12,500 season ticket holders and only 4,500 tickets to sell for each home game.

Q In the recent Radio Five Live Poll, Welford Road was voted the 5th best stadium, ahead of the likes of Old Trafford and Twickenham - have you got any comments about WR?
GG: The atmosphere is fantastic. I have played in bigger stadiums but they don't have such an atmosphere, which is a testament to the supporters.
OS: It's a massive credit to the fans as they make so much noise at home games especially and playing at home is always so special.

Q Respect and silence for kicker - any comments?
GG: South Africa could learn a lot about mutual team respect, as you'd get noise in South Africa. We have something special in rugby, whereas you get disrespect in football.

England
Q What's the score going to be this weekend between England Vs South Africa?
GG: England are going to come close. It has been a difficult time for South African rugby, as their form has dipped, so hopefully this will be temporary and they can get the politics out of rugby. They have played some decent rugby, like in their last 9 Tri-Nations matches. South Africa doesn't like England very much. If South Africa play to their potential, then they should give England a run for their money.
SRS: Josh has commentated that England talk themselves up - do you have nay comments?
OS: England have been very happy in their winning streak whereas South Africa have struggled, so England are going to win again.

Q England have been criticised that they have no flair in their centres - comment?
GG: England have got flair in Rodney (Greenwood) but players out wide are not getting the ball. Wilko and Rodney read the game well and if Guscott was in his prime, then he would fit well into the side. There is defiantly a hole in the England side for Ollie.
SRS: No pressure then Ollie!

MP I am seeing Stransky on Saturday (England Vs South Africa) - have you got a message?
GG: Come back when England is on a level playing field and have won a World Cup.

MP England seem to have laid the ghost to rest that they can winning after playing catch up - comment?
OS: It's nice to see England do well, but it'll be different next year in the World Cup. South Africa are just s***!
MP: Have you thought of applying for the job of motivational coach for England?

Q Glen's predictions for this weekend?
GG: England should win by 20 points but South Africa are a proud nation and will come out fighting.

Q What's going to happen when the England boys come back to first team action?
MP: The England boys are very concerned with how they are going to fit back into the side, especially Johnno and Kay, as they are s******* themselves. How can you drop players that on fire, like Joshie? Oz will probably feign injury so he doesn't have to get picked.

Q Ollie has been picked in the England Academy Squad - how do you feel?
OS: It's a big achievement and hopefully I can work my way towards a cap and playing for England, like what I have dreamed of since a young boy! Once you reach that higher level, you do get stick and banter off the boys but you see how committed Johnno and Backy are to England. It's easier making that step up, as we have high standards at Tigers, especially in terms of training.

Personal questions
Q If you were all in the Big Brother House - who would go first? (Very topical!)
OS: I would want to get out first and I suppose Oz would stay in the longest for his comedy value!
GG: I am not really into that and players seem to talk themselves up. I would want to be in a sound proofed and padded room, though.

Q Who is your sporting hero?
GG: Danny Gerbert (excuse typo), South African as he scored wonderful tries at centre but was not seen enough on the world stage.
OS: Being a big footie fan, I respect Stuart Pearce for the effort and commitment he put into sport (former Nottingham Forest stalwart and captain).

Q How do you handle your female fans?
OS: Softly (OS proceeds to go red and ask SRS to move quickly onto the next question)

Q Glen has just had a baby son called Jed and former Tigers favourite Cockers (Richard Cockerill) has just named his baby son Stanley Jacques - what do you think to naming your child Stan?
Matt Poole: On sending Cockers and his wife a card, Cockers rang him and said problem, that they'd spelt the name wrong and that his middle name was "Jacques".
OS: Cockers was a model professional and a cracking bloke. As a forward he used to moan at us a lot but we didn't see him that much. It's nice that his enjoying his career.
GG: Along with Garforth, Cockers was the backbone to training and team meetings, as if you were caught smiling then you would get b********. Cockers showed me around when I first arrived, and he is a true gentleman. I got scared after he confronted the Haka (playing for England) but he has a soft side!

Q Matt Poole said that people from South Africa don't have a sense of humour - comment?
MP: Not in the last two weeks defiantly!
GG: It depends, as a South African born into an Afrikaan way of life has no sense of humour, but someone born into a more English way of life does. On the whole, not many South African's have a sense of humour. I was born into a English way of life and have some English and Irish in me, as my wife is Irish, so I have a sense of humour.

Q What did you say to your mum when you played your first game - "I'm scared?"
OS: Yes! She's not here is she?

Q What extra curricular activities do you get up to?
OS: At the moment I am studying PE and Sport Science at Loughborough University but I enjoy reading, TV, cinema and listening to music.
SRS: Not gardening like Garforth? (sarcasm or what)

Q Any player got any unusual eating habits?
OS: When Peter Short goes shopping, he doesn't buy a piece of chicken he buys a whole chicken and eats like a monster. (Telling MP could he bring over some more food for him, as he didn't have any more crackers left to go with the cheese!)

TT decided that it had been along night, so she had a quick sit in the hot seat next door to Ollie and Glen, pretending to be the host with the most! Ollie and GG signed the team poster for TT "To Tigers Tart Loads of Love Ollie and Glen" (bring it on baby!) TT asked GG how fatherhood was and ticked off Ollie for eating cheese late at night! TT saw a mobile phone, thinking it was Ollie's said that he must be popular, but it wasn't but he checked his phone and he'd had no calls, but assured me that he wasn't Billy-no-mates!

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