Ronan Michael is an Irish professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for the York Knights in the Championship and Ireland at international level. He previously played for the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League – he is the 2nd ever homegrown Irish player to play Super League!
Q&A with Ronan Michael
Q&A with Ronan Michael
1. How did you first get involved in playing rugby league?
I grew up playing Rugby Union as a child. After being forced into a year out of Union I began playing Rugby League in 2017. From there I earned a trial at Huddersfield Giants’s Academy in 2018 and I have been playing professionally ever since.
I grew up playing Rugby Union as a child. After being forced into a year out of Union I began playing Rugby League in 2017. From there I earned a trial at Huddersfield Giants’s Academy in 2018 and I have been playing professionally ever since.
2. What is your greatest sporting achievement to date?
Being the 2nd ever homegrown Irish player to play Super League.
Being the 2nd ever homegrown Irish player to play Super League.
3. Who was your biggest sporting inspiration growing up?
My biggest inspiration was Sonny Bill Williams. He could do it all. I loved his attitude and presence on the pitch and like myself he was involved in both codes.
My biggest inspiration was Sonny Bill Williams. He could do it all. I loved his attitude and presence on the pitch and like myself he was involved in both codes.
4. What is the best thing about competing in rugby league?
The pace of the game. The back and forth non stop play fighting with your best mates week in week out to get those 2 points. There’s nothing better than the winning song in the dressing room after a physical, hard fought win.
The pace of the game. The back and forth non stop play fighting with your best mates week in week out to get those 2 points. There’s nothing better than the winning song in the dressing room after a physical, hard fought win.
5. What motivates you to train and compete at the highest level?
My biggest motivation is represent my family and everyone back home. I am trying to carve a path for the next generation of young Irish rugby league players coming through and put Rugby League on the map back home.
My biggest motivation is represent my family and everyone back home. I am trying to carve a path for the next generation of young Irish rugby league players coming through and put Rugby League on the map back home.
6. What advice would you give to a young aspiring rugby league player?
My best advice would be to turn up and never stop turning up. Turn up on the wet days, the cold days, the days you couldn’t think of anything worse than training. This will set you apart and never ever let your dreams go no matter what people say.
My best advice would be to turn up and never stop turning up. Turn up on the wet days, the cold days, the days you couldn’t think of anything worse than training. This will set you apart and never ever let your dreams go no matter what people say.
7. If you could be a professional athlete in any other sport, which sport would it be and why?
Gaelic Football. I would love to play for Dublin in Gaelic Football. Becoming a legend of the town and playing one of the best sports in the world would be a dream.
Gaelic Football. I would love to play for Dublin in Gaelic Football. Becoming a legend of the town and playing one of the best sports in the world would be a dream.
8. Describe your perfect weekend.
Play Friday night under the lights. Saturday and Sunday off after a hard fought win. Fly home to see the family early doors Saturday. Coffee and a sea swim for an afternoon of dreams followed by a stroll on the beach to stretch the legs. Nice meal out Saturday night, probably going for a massive bowl of Chicken Wings or a steak. Sunday, the best day of the week, go for a light hike somewhere nice and a coffee. Followed by a Sunday Roast from the Mother. Nothing better.
Play Friday night under the lights. Saturday and Sunday off after a hard fought win. Fly home to see the family early doors Saturday. Coffee and a sea swim for an afternoon of dreams followed by a stroll on the beach to stretch the legs. Nice meal out Saturday night, probably going for a massive bowl of Chicken Wings or a steak. Sunday, the best day of the week, go for a light hike somewhere nice and a coffee. Followed by a Sunday Roast from the Mother. Nothing better.
9. What are your main reasons for recommending Beet It Sport?
I love Beet It Sport. The health benefits are amazing! I feel like my stamina and ability to go harder for longer is second to none when using Beet It. It’s the 1% differences that mean the most at the top level and Beet It Sport helps me go the distance week in week out.
I love Beet It Sport. The health benefits are amazing! I feel like my stamina and ability to go harder for longer is second to none when using Beet It. It’s the 1% differences that mean the most at the top level and Beet It Sport helps me go the distance week in week out.
10. Anything additional you would like to say about Beet It Sport?
Beet It Sport has been a staple in by pre game routine since I came across them. The science backed benefits help me get my body right physically for every game throughout the long season. The shots are so convenient for me and give me the energy to play at a high intensity week in week out.
Beet It Sport has been a staple in by pre game routine since I came across them. The science backed benefits help me get my body right physically for every game throughout the long season. The shots are so convenient for me and give me the energy to play at a high intensity week in week out.