Every fortnight we go behind the scenes to bring you closer to the Warriors players.
This week, we speak with back-row powerhouse, Sam Betty, fresh from his man-of-the-match performance against Newcastle Falcons.
The flanker discusses Warriors’ survival hopes, surfing and animals…
Age:27
Warriors apps/pts: 71/15
Country:England
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption
Favourite food: Shellfish
Favourite band: The Rolling Stones
What was it like to get that first Premiership win under your belt?
It was a relief. To get that win meant a lot. The atmosphere has been buzzing in the dressing room since. There are a lot more smiles and the boys are enjoying it more.
BT Sport awarded you man-of-the-match against Newcastle, how would you rate your performance?
I don’t know who picked that! I thought I had a pretty average game! It’s obviously nice to get it but the win is always the important thing.
A lot of Warriors fans made the trip up to Newcastle to see the win. How important are the supporters in helping spur you on?
The fans are fantastic and to have them behind you, especially when you’re miles from home, is brilliant. Those that came away to Newcastle, which is a long old trip, were fantastic. We really appreciate them getting behind us like that and it was nice to be able to repay them and thank them for their support after the game.
Do you feel like you’re developing under Dean Ryan and the other coaches?
I definitely feel like I’m developing with all the coaches. Everyone is learning. I’ve definitely benefited from a few things that they’ve helped me to add to my game.
Are you looking forward to playing with some of the new signings next season?
Definitely. There are some great players coming in that will definitely bolster the squad and I’m very much looking forward to it.
Exeter Chiefs are next up for Warriors. What kind of test do you think they will bring?
Exeter have a very physical team with a really good work ethic. They’re a tough team to come up against but we are definitely in with a shout. It’s going to be one hell of a game.
Do you think we can avoid relegation?
We can definitely stay up but if we don’t beat Exeter we will be struggling so we’re very much focused on the task at hand. Bath and Saracens away will be a tall order so Exeter really is a must-win.
What do you like to get up to when you’re off the field?
I like to go surfing when I go back to Cornwall but whilst I’m here it’s all about relaxing with the boys and going out for meals. I also love animals. Myself, Josh Drauniniu and Paul Andrew went to the West Midlands Safari Park the other day. It was brilliant feeding all the animals!
Ben Howard said you’re part of the 'Comedy Trio', can you tell us what that is?!
That comes from when I took Jonny Arr and Ben down to Cornwall for a weekend in pre-season. Because Ben is really tall and Jonny is really small, together they look like a comedy duo and because I was there and I’m half-way inbetween – that made the trio!