I saw that there was an interview with Swifty on the Rabo site, thought that I would throw it up here.

IN TOUCH: Connacht RaboDirect PRO12 Ambassador Michael Swift
16 November 2012, 5:09 pm

Michael Swift has made more than 220 appearances for Connacht

Flanker Michael Swift is the most capped player of all time for Connacht having turned out more than 220 times for the Galway club.


Made club captain ahead of this season's RaboDirect PRO12, the 35-year-old was named man of the match in his side's epic 34-6 humbling of Heineken Cup champions Leinster.
Here he tells us why he's known as 'Big Steve' and how Mike McCarthy's mum saved him from a revolting superstition.

What are your nicknames?
Swifty and Big Steve. All the young lads know me as Swifty now but I was called Big Steve for about ten years. I was training in a gym and chatting to this lad for ages and then when we departed he said 'see you later Steve'. I have no idea why he thought I was called Steve.

If you weren't playing rugby what would you want to be?
A philanthropist. That would mean I have a lot of money but I don't know what I would do I was just trying to be clever. If I had to do something I would start my own business so I wouldn't be reliant on someone else.

Who are your rugby heroes?
Growing up I loved Zinzan Brooke. I remember seeing him hit a huge drop-goal and I was just shocked because he was a No.8. I ended up in a taxi with my dad and Simon Geoghegan as well so I really liked him as well.

Who has been your best ever roommate?
I have to say Mike McCarthy who I always get put with at the moment - I don't know if they think I am a calming influence on him. He always accuses me of snoring though and has even bought earplugs although I don't think they work.

Who's your gym buddy?
It has to be Adrian Flavin because he is quite vain and always sticks around for a bit of extra gun work at the end of the day.

Which rugby player would you least like to meet down a dark alley?
Definitely Johnny O'Connor because he is always angry and he knows how to handle himself.

What are your guilty 'diet' pleasures?
Marks and Spencer white chocolate cookies. I've just bought some for the weekend. I told my mum I liked them so she constantly gets them for me now.

What are your hobbies outside rugby?
I like to go to the movies. I organised a team day out to go watch Argo. We were given free food and the lads took advantage of the pick and mix. They were walking in with handfuls of the stuff.

What newspaper do you read?
I only ever read The Sunday Times. I like the travel section because we get a lot of rain in Galway and it reminds me of warmer climates - and that is true!

Who is your favourite rugby pundit?
There aren't many if I am honest. I used to like Bill McLaren when I was growing up but I can't say we're particularly friendly with any of the Irish pundits nowadays.

Do you have any superstitions?
The left lace always goes first and I constantly check to make sure my socks are rolled up to hide my skinny legs. A new one was Mike McCarthy would wipe his nose on my shirt before every scrum. But his mum saw it on TV and told him off so he doesn't do it anymore which I was happy about.

www.rabodirectpro12.com/news/15188.php

It's very simple. You get the best racing dog in the country and rename it "Michael Swift". Once it has become a legend the doggy folks would love the idea, and be none the wiser. Failing that, get a bear and paint it to look like a greyhound.

It is their property after all so fair enough, but form a marketing perspective for Rugby matches Connacht should still be able to name all four areas of the ground if they want. Whether the doggie peeps use them is up to them. Permanent signage would be a problem on the main stand side though...

From a marketing perspective it would make sense but it would be kicking a hornets nest so best leave it alone. There's alot of them still whining about the new stand etc.

connachtexile wrote: The only problem there is the greyhound crowd would kick up a massive fuss.

It is their property after all so fair enough, but form a marketing perspective for Rugby matches Connacht should still be able to name all four areas of the ground if they want. Whether the doggie peeps use them is up to them. Permanent signage would be a problem on the main stand side though...

The only problem there is the greyhound crowd would kick up a massive fuss.

The opposite stand still needs a name...

You know, I like The Clan Terrace as a name, but when Swifty hangs his boots up, I for one would love to see it renamed in his honour

Just break it to Ciaran Fitzgerald gently.

+1

You know, I like The Clan Terrace as a name, but when Swifty hangs his boots up, I for one would love to see it renamed in his honour

micktreacy wrote: Fitting tribute and thanks to a true Connacht legend!! Maybe we can get a day named after him too!

How about a Provincial Holiday the Monday after weekend of the first Pro12 game each year, Swifty Day I like the sound of that......

Fitting tribute and thanks to a true Connacht legend!! Maybe we can get a day named after him too!

Swifty given highest accolade

Michael Swift, who today, earns his 220th cap for the Province has been appointed as ‘Club Captain’. This honorary role was awarded to the 6'5", 119kg second row who over the last 12 years has shown enormous and indisputable loyalty and commitment to the club.

Born in London in 1977, "Swifty" played for Richmond as a flanker before spending a season at Leeds Tykes. He joined Connacht in 2000 and earned his 1st cap for the Province against Ulster that year whilst also playing for Galwegians RFC in the All Ireland League.

He earned his 100th cap for Connacht against Montpellier in December 2006, becoming the 5th Connacht player to do so and in 2009 he earned his 100th league cap against the Cardiff Blues.

In 2010 Michael Swift was honoured with the Galway Bay FM Sports Award for Rugby, the same year he scored one of Connacht Rugby's most memorable tries in their 27-13 victory over Leinster in the Sportsground.

He became the first player in Connacht history to reach the 200th cap milestone when he lined out against Edinburgh in September 2011.

Director of Rugby, Eric Elwood, had no hesitations when it came to the decision. “Swifty is a fantastic ambassador for the club. He plays 100% on and off the field. He acts as a great support to the management, the players and the sponsors. And he is an incredible role model for the younger players coming up through the ranks. There is a lot of respect there for Swifty…both within the club and from the supporters and wider community. It’s only fitting that he is the Club Captain”