Who's Who?

Next up we feature Magnus Macdonald, one of the more senior players in the Men's National Squad. Somebody who commands respect, through his demeanour and modesty. We thought that he had a tremendous game in the tight against Holland and look forward to watching him in more matches in the future.

Good afternoon True Sweden Rugby and Heineken!

In answer to your questions...

How did you become involved with Rugby?

Through a friend of my father who had just started coaching at a club,and asked my father if I wanted to come and try out. I went along, and the rest as they say is history.

When did you first start playing?

Jumped straight in to senior rugby at 18.

What positions?

I would love to say full back, though i think that would be stretching the truth a bit. I play either side of the scrum as a prop.

What Club/s?

Currently playing in the U.K. for London Scottish

International Caps?

Nine

Best playing experience?

There have been many! Touring is always a special experience and should 

be encouraged (though never talked about when you get home). My first cap for Sweden against Switzerland in Gothenburg, playing as a full time professional in England, playing in the Premiership. Playing in Wales against Cardiff when Dai Young was my opposite number and Robert Jones was at 9, I remember being a bit overawed at the sheer sense 

of occasion, well, until the first scrum! Beating Bristol in the playoffs to gain promotion to the Premiership. Winning a ball against the head.

Worst playing experience?

Losing a Cup Final two weeks after a very close friend had died on the pitch whilst playing his last game for the club, before he and his family were to move to Australia. Losing against Holland was pretty tough too (my first defeat in a test match). Saturday's defeat was pretty tough to take too.

Your ambitions within the game?

Well getting to my twilight years as a player....I want more caps and want to help Team Sweden to group 2A. I also want to give back to a fantastic game, letting younger players gain the benefit of my experience at the coalface. Be that as a coach or a mentor.

What encourages you about the game in Sweden?

The fantastic passion, and sheer hard work of all those involved. For a country with limited playing numbers there is great talent involved in all aspects of the game, be it as a coach, player, manager, supporter, referee, administrator, blogger....

How do you see the future?

Through a crystal ball. I think nothing less than two wins from these next two tests will satisfy me personally. We have a good strong squad that is capable of winning these games and that has to be the minimum. Great to see the Ladies qualify for the World Cup, here is hoping they have a great tournament. 7's in the Olympics, seems like things are on a roll, we just have to keep the momentum going across the sport as a whole and not rest on our laurels.

Your profession?

A rehabilitation trainer in a physiotherapy clinic.