Q&A | Hong Kong Sevens: US superstar Perry Baker talks costumes, the South Stand and superstitions
- One of the most electrifying sevens players should be ready to go for the Hong Kong Sevens tournament in April
- Currently out with an injury, Baker took time to chat with the South China Morning Post about costumes, Kevin Gates and pre-game rituals
He’s been called everything from a monstrous speedster to a physical beast. The two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year player is hoping he can recover from jaw surgery in time to play at the Hong Kong Sevens (April 5-7).
His American squad are on an absolute tear as they sit first in series standings, ahead of New Zealand and Fiji. They will be slotted in a group with England, Wales and Spain at Hong Kong Stadium.
Baker, 32, who stands at 1.85 metres, featured heavily in a recent HSBC documentary about the US Sevens team and its rise called The Pioneers. He is regarded as one of fastest players to have ever played the game, and took some time to answer seven questions with South China Morning Post.
What do you like most about playing at the Hong Kong Sevens?
“The fanbase and the atmosphere, how close you get to the fans and how loud it gets. And everyone is excited for every game. And also how much they understand the game of rugby. And then they have the parade during intermission with the dragons and the kids come out and dance. Hong Kong is just a big rugby fest and party. And the south side, everyone always talks about the south side because that’s such a crazy party, too. I mean the whole stadium is in an uproar every time.”
If you could attend a sevens tournament as a fan and dress up, what would you dress up as?
“Oh man, that’s a tough question. I don’t know really, it would have to be a part of a hot trend or something going on at the time. That’s a great question, I’ve never been asked that, I like that. I’ll have to think about it now and maybe one day I’ll come dressed up as that. That might be the way I come back (from my injury) and show up at the stadium.”
Who do you think is the all-time fastest rugby player for the US team?
Carlin Isles, of course. No debate on that one.
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?
“I get dressed the same way every time, I always have to walk into the locker room with glasses on. So I’m in my zone and focused in, and when the coach is going to talk that’s the time that I take them off, and listen to what he has to say and then I’m ready to go. I have to tape my fingers first and then I tape my wrist, and then I put on my shorts and then I get my treatment done with Deep Blue and I rub my quads and my legs, and then I can put my shirt on. That’s the ritual every time, and then before I take the pitch I have to say a prayer.”
What type of music do you listen to before a game?
“Even when I’m heading out onto the pitch I’m still listening to tunes, it depends on my mood. Sometimes I come in listening to rap or some country songs but sometime I want to switch it up and listen to gospel music for a while. So I might actually be warming-up to gospel music, it’s just whatever I’m feeling, or my mood at the time. But the overall music that I listen to is hip-hop and Kevin Gates, whenever I’m not there and feeling a little sluggish, its Kevin Gates. Or if I’m having a really good time and I’m excited, it’s Kevin Gates.”
Who is the toughest team to play against in the Sevens Series?
“I would say the toughest would be Fiji just because the style that they play. You have to be on your ‘A’ game on defence and you have to be on the lookout at all times. They have that agility to go lateral, so I would say those guys when they’re attacking and clicking, and they have a great offloading game, too.”
Where do you think rugby sevens will be in five to 10 years from now in the US?
“I think it will be in high school sports, and so that’s where we want it to be and start with the kids and have it be in the curriculum. And the kids can play rugby and pick up a rugby ball if they don’t want to pick up a soccer ball or a basketball. And I feel like the way we’re playing now and the way we’re getting the programme to go in that direction and come 2020 if we qualify you might get kids who want to switch and go, ‘I want to be an Olympian.’ Not many people can say they’re Olympians, and that’s something you can hang your hat on and be proud of.”
