Boasting vast amounts of Super Rugby experience, new signing Peter Betham will add pace and power to the Tigers back three. With head coach Aaron Mauger said to have been eager to have him on board, the twice-capped Australian is sure to be making his Premiership debut soon. Speaking at Leicester’s alternative kit launch, he discussed his ambitions for the new season, settling into an English life-style and finding good places to drink coffee!
Thoughts on the new kit?
The new kit looks great, a bit different from what they had last year but it looks sleek, looks sharp.
Are you looking forward to pulling it on and running out at Welford Road?
Yeah, hopefully. The jersey will look good and hopefully I’ll get the chance to wear it.
Are you settling into life in Leicester? It’s a bit different from where you’ve come from, especially weather wise!
Really well, Leicester is definitely different to Sydney but it has it’s perks. Everyone’s pretty close, it’s a nice close-knit community. I’ve definitely got to find some more coffee places soon, Costa’s not doing it for me at the moment! Hopefully I’ll find something soon – it’s a must!
How are you finding training so far? Has the transition gone well?
The transition into training has been pretty smooth. It’s a bit different to how we train in the Southern Hemisphere so it took a bit of adapting the first couple of days, a bit of a body shock but settling in well.
This will be your first experience of the Premiership, what are you expecting?
Tough matches, tough derby’s. A great, passionate crowd and a great atmosphere. I can’t wait to experience Welford Road being home first-hand, I got a taste with the British and Irish Lions of what they’re about when they were in Sydney so if anything’s half as near as good then I’ll be happy.
Aaron Mauger was reportedly very keen to get you, was that a key influence to you signing for Tigers?
Yeah of course, obviously I know Aaron from the Crusaders firstly and I knew Leicester Tigers to be a great organisation – the records speak for themselves. What pushed it over the edge was knowing Aaron would be head coach so I didn’t take much swaying to be honest.
You’ve enjoyed recent success with the Waratahs – did that make the decision more difficult?
Not really, it kind of made it a bit easier due to the fact I have won a Super Rugby Premiership, so I guess I wanted to experience new things, new places, England and the Premiership here. So I’d say it made it easier.
What qualities have you learnt playing for Australia that you can bring here?
The way the Wallabies play and in the Southern Hemisphere is different to how they play up here so I guess I’m adding my own little flavour to what the team has. Hopefully I can provide something different so that’s my point of variety at the moment.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to next season?
First home game – I love atmospheres so walking out on that pitch, if I’m lucky enough, I just want to soak it all in, take in the moment and just be thankful and grateful.
Player Profile:
DOB – 6th January 1989
Birthplace – Wellington, New Zealand
Height – 6’3”
Weight – 98kg
Position – Wing
Leicester Tigers will play Argentina in a warm-up match on September 5th, 3pm KO and begin their Premiership campaign on the road at London Irish on October 18th.
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