Well, Monday 28th November was certainly an interesting day. Hatch was briefed to assist the RFL as they announced the Hosts for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup on the eve of two years to go until the final takes place (location TBC…watch this space.)
The support the press conference that was taking place at MediaCityUK at 8:15, which was being streamed online via www.rlwc2013.com and via numerous media channels, Hatch was in foggy London town with the first 2013 RLWC ambassador, Gareth Thomas. For those who don’t know Gareth’s story, please have a look here – he is currently working hard on creating a biopic with none other than Mickey Rourke playing him in what will be a fantastic accolade.
I could go into detail about the preparation, organisation, planning, conversations, dialogue about the day’s events but I thought it would be more appropriate to do this as a time-lapse as below via my own experience and events unfolding on Twitter.
06:15 – Alarm, Breakfast and email check
07:15 – @gareththomas14 On way to first stop of the day. Sky sports studios, here I come!!
08:15 – @skysportsnews Welsh Rugby Legend Gareth Thomas live in the studio after the break #SSN
08:50 – @mattpeden Sky Sports News Studio. Interview #1 complete. Sky News next, just in the green room. http://pic.twitter.com/O3frLlVN http://twitter.com/#!/gareththomas14/status/141138218291691520/photo/1
09:20 – @skyjacquie @gareththomas14 great to meet you and your big trophy #rugbyleagueworldcup http://twitter.com/gareththomas14/status/141105275896737792/photo/1
09:45 – @skysportsnewsradio Former Wales rugby union and league star Gareth Thomas joining us live NOW!
10:00 – Car to Daily Mirror. Saw the Batmobile. http://twitter.com/#!/gareththomas14/status/141109455365472257/photo/1
10:15 – Metro Interview. Subsequent coverage http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/883187-gareth-thomas-rugby-league-world-cup-heralds-a-new-era
11:00 – Daily Mirror Interview http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby/2011/11/28/gareth-thomas-on-wales-world-cup-england-and-mickey-rourke-115875-23595063
12:00 – Telephone interviews in the car.
13:00 – Food and photography – @gareththomas14 Strike a pose!!! http://pic.twitter.com/akI8URMY
14:00 – @mattpeden In Talksport with Gareth Thomas. Live now. http://pic.twitter.com/Jaa0CY5u
15:00 – @jasonwhite09 Just had a chat with @gareththomas14 and his able sidekick @mattpeden – spreading the word on all things Rugby. One left boys. #troopers
16:00 – Break…tiredness kicked in.
17:30 – @mattpeden On the way to radio 2 for the final interview to promote 2013. Almost done #2013rlwc #longday
18:30 – @gareththomas14 Last interview of the day coming up with Simon Mayo. Long day, but really enjoyable
19:00 – @simonmayo The Rugby League World Cup and young Gareth watching on http://pic.twitter.com/0Cfj5OZR
Safe to say it was a very long day and that trophy really is heavy, as @simonmayo points out. Bring on 2013!
