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Afan FM Rising Star 107.9FM
107.9 Afan FM's Rising Stars identifies athletes playing in South Wales who have the potential to be world-beaters. Neath All Blacks flanker James Merriman is one such athlete. The 24 year old has played at almost every age level for Wales and as captain, completed a Grand Slam with the Under 21's. Afan FM caught up with James to talk to him about his season so far....
107.9 AFAN FM: What's it like for yourself and other players for your season to be struck by a long term injury?
James Merriman: It's difficult. You're so used to running around the field. When you're injured it almost takes your life away. I have been unlucky and was out for 6 months with a knee reconstruction. It tests you and you just have to keep working hard and keep positive that when you come back you're going to make an impact.
AFAN: Did you watch many matches while you were out?
JM: I didn't really like to watch too much rugby when I was injured, because it does hurt you that you can't be out there taking part in something you love.
AFAN: Were you warned of any possible long term damage from your knee injury?
JM: Touch wood, I have been lucky so far. As long as I keep on top of my rehab and keep up with my exercises, making sure the muscles are fine around the knee I have been told that I should be ok and not have any long term effects.
AFAN: Finally... you are getting to the serious stages of the Konica Minolta cup with a huge match coming up in a few weeks time. If Neath keep winning there is a great prize at the end of the competition.
JM: Yes definitely. I have never played at the Millennium Stadium in my career, so it will be nice to get there with the lads this season and to bring back some silverware.
James Merriman was talking to James Snaith. Afan wishes everyone a happy St. David's' Day.
107.9 AFAN FM: James, you scored two tries against Glamorgan Wanderers last Saturday, that must have felt great?
JAMES MERRIMAN: I was just doing my job, although to come away with two tries was a good day out for me, the second one as well especially, as it got us the bonus point.
AFAN: So what are your goals for the season? Winning the double has to be up there?
JM: We've got a few goals and obviously, the double is one of them, but we want to go through the rest of the season undefeated, but at the moment, we're just taking it game-by-game, not looking ahead too much.
AFAN: On a personal note, how would you say your season's going? Have you set yourself personal goals, having achieved so highly in the past?
JM: You just have to keep playing well, things take care of themselves really. I've got to keep working hard for Neath, climb the ladder and hopefully, I'll get my full Wales cap.
AFAN: Finally, for now, have you got a message for the Neath fans?
JM: The fans have been brilliant, it's like having an extra player. Like I say, we're looking to go unbeaten for the rest of the season and get the double, and along the way we can get some good wins.
107.9 AFAN FM: What does the Neath-Swansea derby mean to you?
JAMES: The derby games go back a long way. It brings extra spice to the match. There's more of a crowd, and the crowd really bring an edge, so when we play Swansea. it's a very big game for us.
AFAN: What's your best memory in a Neath shirt?
JM: (Thinks hard), we've had a lot of tight games, but when we managed to beat Llanelli away on the last play of the game (in September), to come away with a 17-10 win, that was an excellent victory.
AFAN: And your best memory of rugby in general?
JM: My best moment was probably going to Melbourne and lifting the Commonwealth Plate. To come back the way we did against South Africa was a great achievement.
AFAN: Finally, Who are the main pranksters at Neath?
JAMES: Kevin James makes me laugh a lot, but we all work hard as well as having a laugh, there's a fantastic atmosphere here and it shows on the pitch.
INTERVIEW: James Snaith
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