Interview with Bournemouth-born England star Charlie Ewels

Born in Bournemouth, Ewels attended Bournemouth School for boys and Bryanston before moving to Bath as a teenager.

The forward has since gone on to captain Premiership Bath and feature for his country, including being drafted into the recent England Six Nations squad.

We asked the 28-year-old a few questions about his time on the south coast and his journey in the sport since.

What are your earliest memories of playing rugby as a kid growing up in Bournemouth? Which coaches helped you most in the early days?

Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings at Bournemouth Rugby Club. Sausage and chips in the clubhouse after a game.

My dad coached the team from U12s onwards until I left at U16s so hugely grateful to him. He’d never played rugby himself but went and did his coaching course to learn and help out with my development.

Give us a brief summary of your school days – did you enjoy it? Or were more focused on being on the sports field!? Any teachers in particular leave any lasting impressions on you?

I loved my days at BSB. Enjoyed both sides of it and loved being with friends every day.

Mr Beardshaw was my first housemaster and someone who I have massive respect for. Later in my time at the school all of the PE staff were extremely supportive, but particularly my form tutor Mr White.

How did you find early life on the south coast? Do you miss it at all, or come back often?

I loved growing up by the sea and spending summer holidays down at the beach with friends. I do definitely miss the beach and try to get back as much as rugby schedule allows to see friends.

Dr Preetpal Bachra of Bryanston School says how they now point to you as a former pupil as an example to others of “a way of living life”. How nice it is to hear things like that?

I learned a lot from Dr Bachra and he’s someone I really admire, so always nice to hear him say nice things and I’m very grateful for the time and energy he gave to me.

A few years ago you returned to Bournemouth RFC as part of Bath’s Grassroots series. What was that experience like? Had things changed much from when you were coming through at that age?

Most things were exactly as I remembered them! It’s a great club with so many young guys and girls playing rugby, it’s amazing to see.

What would be the main piece of advice you would give to youngsters in this area who have aspirations of making a career in rugby?

Never stop enjoying it and throw yourself into everything, not just your rugby.

With tickets for Bath Rugby’s next Gallagher Premiership match at home against Saracens selling fast, don’t delay in being able to watch Charlie and teammates including Finn Russell, Ollie Lawrence, Joe Cokanasiga, and Sam Underhill in action against stars from the London club on Friday 26 April, kick-off 19:45.