Body Talk with Gareth 'Gaz' Holgate, The Silent Volcano

Had Gareth Leslie “Gaz” Holgate been here during the photo shoot for the Philippine Volcanoes’ controversial billboards for Bench Underwear (eventually torn down due to pressure from city officials who couldn’t take their eyes off…oops!!!...who couldn’t stand such “disturbing” sights), he would have gladly and gamely joined. But he was in Italy at that time.

“Thanks to the controversy the billboards generated,” said Gaz, a Fil-Brit Volcano (the “silent” one), “people became aware of our group.”

A recent visitor (for some magazine photo shoot, meet-and-greet with the children of Child Hope Asia Philippines and teach them rugby, and to present donations to some schools, etc.), Gaz might join showbiz, according to his manager Leo Dominguez whose talents include Gaz’s friend Solenn Heussaff.

Born on Dec. 3, 1987 (Sagittarius) in St. Asaph, Denbighshire, Wales, Gaz is half-Welsh (father) and half-Filipino (Lourdes dela Rosa from Pampanga). He was raised in England where he started his rugby career. After finishing college, he signed up for a rugby team in Italy. During the 2010-11 season, he scored seven tries in 18 appearances. The season culminated with Gaz being named in the Philippine squad for the 2011 Asian Five Nations Division I in South Korea. After a year in Italy, Gaz signed for the Japanese club Kyuden Voltex that plays in the Japanese rugby.

Gaz stands 5’11”; weighs 190 lbs.; and wears large-size shirt, XL briefs and size 10 (US) shoes.

What does it take to be a Volcano?

“Like any other sport you always need to have commitment and dedication to the team. There are many aspects such as fitness, mental toughness and skill. But above all, be proud to represent the Philippines and your teammates.” 

How different is rugby from football and soccer?

“There are big differences between rugby football and soccer, not least the shape of the ball. The rugby ball is oval. Someone famous once said that rugby is a game for thugs but played by gentlemen, whereas football is a game for gentlemen but played by thugs!!! I would like to think that rugby is a game for all people, anywhere in the world. There are even women’s rugby teams now! It is a truly exciting and fascinating game of tactics and skill where individuals play as a team, for the success of the team, and where ungentlemanly behavior is rewarded with 10 minutes in the sin bin!

“Unlike soccer which is played with the feet, rugby football is played using both feet and also hands to carry the ball running to the opposing line, and is a physical, full-contact, team sport. This means that within the rules of the game you can do anything to bring down (tackle) any of your opponents, provided that they are carrying the ball. The whole team participates in the planning and execution of the moves that eventually lead to tries or points being scored. 

“American football is very similar to rugby as they are both a contact sport and both played with oval shaped balls. American Football, however, uses body pads to protect players from contact, whereas in rugby you don’t use any sort of protection.” 

What kind of training does a Volcano have to do to sustain his energy?

“Rugby requires a lot of training, whether it is in the gym or on the field. I tend to have four gym sessions every week. These would normally take up one hour to one hour and a half. I would then have up to five field sessions a week where training would vary from contact drills to condition (fitness) sessions which can be all very taxing on the body.”  

How demanding is rugby compared to other sport?

“Rugby is a physical sport so a lot of injuries do occur. I have had problems with my knees as well as my shoulder, and I needed an operation to stop the shoulder from dislocating (it kept dislocating every time I played). So with this in mind, compared to other sports rugby is very demanding on the body so recovery is essential throughout the training week to prevent injuries when fatigued.” 

What kind of diet do you follow? What’s usually for breakfast, for lunch and for dinner; and, if any, snacks?

“I try to balance my diet to what I eat to maintain my performance in training and games. This requires a high-protein intake and carbohydrates for energy.

“For breakfast, I normally have a high-protein diet such as scrambled eggs, fish and a piece of toast. I would also make a fruit shake in the morning, which contains bananas and pineapple. I would then have my first training session of the day which would be in the gym. Following the gym I would have a protein shake.

“For lunch (around 12 noon), as I live in Japan I would normally eat sushi as it’s so easy and delicious! I would have a snack of protein shake and fruit at around 2 p.m. I would then have afternoon training on the field or training pitch. After training I would eat a high-protein and carbohydrate meal such as chicken, rice and vegetables; or steak and mashed potato, even spaghetti or some sort of pasta dish. Just before bedtime, I would normally have a glass of milk.”

What vitamins do you take?

“I normally take cod-liver oil, and Vitamins C and B.”

How much water do you take per day?

“Around eight glasses when I’m not training. Otherwise, I would take as much as two liters.”  

What kind of workout do you do and how often?

“Different players have different goals depending on their position. I would normally focus on power and speed as this is vital in my position. So my workouts would tend to incorporate a lot of explosive lifts such as Power Cleans and Jerks and Snatches. I also do a lot of strengthening work which ranges from bench presses and squats. Core training is also an essential part of the routine, so a lot of abdominal exercises are included.” 

What part of your body needs some improvement?

“I would say my left shoulder. After a surgery, it became a lot weaker.”  

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“Again, my left shoulder. Every time I tackle on my left shoulder, I still get a bit of pain.”  

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My arms.”

What part of a girl’s body do you notice first?

“Definitely, the legs!” 

What else in a girl turns you on…and off?

“Good turn-on would be a great personality and a nice smile. Bad breath is a massive turn-off for me!” 

How much sleep do you get per night?

“I try to get around seven to eight hours.”

Favorite sleep wear?

“Just shorts.” 

With the Philippine team. Inset: In his rugby jersey.

Do you ever sleep in the nude?

“Only when I’m drunk.” 

Do you snore?

“I hope not!” 

Do you talk in your sleep?

“No.” 

Do you sleepwalk?

“No.” 

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Brush my teeth!” 

First thing that you do when you wake up?

“Make a fruit shake!” 

How do you cope with stress?

“Normally, I play golf with friends. I also go to the beach with friends to relax and swim and try take my mind off rugby sometimes. I live in Fukuoka, Japan, and beautiful beaches are located nearby, so I am very lucky.”  

What’s your favorite hideaway, favorite city?

 “Barcelona! Amazing, vibrant city. The architecture is beautiful and there is such a buzz throughout the city every time I go there. Very extraordinary place. My favorite hideaway would be my childhood home in Wales. I grew up in the countryside in a small secluded village. I always love going back there to see Mum and Dad.”

How’s your love life? Do you have a girlfriend (describe her)?

“Yes, I’m in a relationship, have been for three years. Her name is Amy and she is half-Brit/half-Greek. She is very beautiful and she is currently studying Make-up Artistry in London.”  

How’s your sex life?

“No complaints!” 

What’s your favorite pick-up line?

“If I told you, you had a gorgeous body, would you hold it against me? It never works, though!” 

Have you ever received any indecent proposal especially from matrons or gays?

“Hahahahaha! Nothing out of the ordinary!” 

Who are your role models (athletes)?

“Jonah Lomu, a former New Zealand rugby player. Manny Pacquiao. And Michael Jordan.”

Using only body language, how would you make a woman know that you admire her?

“I smile at her.”

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