Sport | Rugby
England players have not looked back: Chambers
Team's press officer details highs and lows
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:00 December 1, 2009
Dubai: As press officer of the England Sevens team Jessica Chambers has her work cut out for her - from setting up interviews, writing bios to updating player diaries - she does it all.
Chambers tell us just what it takes.
Gulf News: What is your job title and what does that involve?
Jessica Chambers: As the England Sevens team press officer, I look after the coaches' and players' interview requests from the local, national and international media. It's my job to ensure players' and management are prepared and comfortable before they do any interview. On a match day, I will mainly be based in the media centre at The Sevens where I will mingle with the other journalists and write my match reports. After an England match I am often at the pitchside briefing key players before they do what we call ‘flash interviews', which normally take place pitchside straight after a match.
The players will then head into the tunnel and we continue with post match interviews in the mixed zone. As well as the match day activity I write biographies on the players and during tournament time write player diaries, stories and look after player appearances — all in a day's work!
How long have you been working with the England Sevens side?
This will be my third season with England Sevens.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Visiting some of the best places and stadiums in the world and watching world class Sevens. Also, you get to meet some very interesting people.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Trying not to be emotionally involved, I remember when we were knocked out of the World Cup by Samoa, we had such belief that we were going to win the silverware that when we lost it sent everyone into shock. At times like that it takes a lot of professionalism to pull yourself out and carry on with your work. And time — there is never enough of it!
What do you think makes the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens such a popular tournament?
It's the first tournament of the IRB Sevens World Series and all the squads look to put down a marker for the rest of the season. The fans are always up for it and have a great time — it is two days of partying in the desert!
What has the feedback been from the England team regarding the move to The Sevens venue?
I don't think the players have looked back! They love playing at The Sevens, the venue and facilities are top class. From my point of view the media facilities are fantastic and make my job easier.
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