Towering Queensland Reds lock Angus Blyth is making a rugby trip to New Zealand with a difference…no uni assignments planned for hotel rooms or cramming at airports.
The experienced forward has had a Commerce degree from Bond University in his kit bag since February because of the diligent double life he led for seven years.
Rugby has never not been his main focus but the value of a balanced life has made him productive in both.
“The uni degree has been really important for me. You can get so focussed on rugby, it’s good to have an avenue for the mind to focus on and use that brainpower,” Blyth said.
“It’s good to switch off.
“I’d been at the degree since 2017 so to graduate is great. I’m looking forward to using it in the future.”
Right now, Blyth, 26, is relishing being back in a major role for the Reds after a disjointed 2023 and a late start to this season because of injury.
He played almost a full game in last Saturday night’s pulsating 11-try spectacle against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium when the Reds were pipped 41-34 after the siren.
Maintaining that standard against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon in all-important.
“It’s very important for us, or any team, to not look at where they are on the ladder but take them as the Crusaders they have been for the past five to eight years,” Blyth warned.
“We won’t be underestimating them for sure. We are looking at a huge challenge.”
Blyth feels ready to contribute strongly to the run to the play-offs after two cameos and his start against the Blues.
“It’s great to get that match fitness back playing 73 or so minutes against one of the top teams. It’s good to get through that work. It was a close game but, unfortunately, the Blues got the result,” Blyth said.
“It hurt, especially because every week the boys put in a helluva lot of work.
“There have been a few close games this season where it could have been us in the winner’s circle so losing another one in overtime like that was hard.” Getting the mindset focussed for one of the biggest challenges in Super Rugby Pacific is this week’s mission. Winning in Christchurch is a goal no Reds team has achieved since 1999.
“The whole coaching group are really positive and are big on grouping together and focussing on the next job,” Blyth said.
“We’ve played a lot of good rugby this year and I think there is huge potential in this team. We see how far we can go against top teams but finishing off games is something we can improve for the pointy end of the season.”
Blyth's in-cabin baggage will be lighter this week if he makes the trip.
“Throughout my years playing in New Zealand, I always had the uni degree on the side so studying for exams in the airport and doing assignments in the hotel room before a match was part of my touring,” Blyth said.
“One year, I think I was up to 11.30pm the night before match. I’m glad it was a night game so had a sleep in for game day.
“Managing time was a big skill to learn.”
