Search for
Search for
Search forKiwi Jesse's experience could make a world of difference
Friday, November 21, 2008, 07:30
The 30-year-old was brought to Haslams last week and his debut saw Alan Dickens' men claim their first win of the season against fellow strugglers Wellingborough.
Macrae had been playing for Edmonton Gold in the Canadian Super League until his six-month visa was due to expire.
He advertised his services and was spotted by Derby rugby chairman Colin Cornfield.
It is not Macrae's first experience of English, or indeed British, rugby.
He played for Bishop's Stortford in London Divison One last season and, before that, plied his trade with Welsh side Builth Wells.
But Macrae learned the game in his native New Zealand, coming up through the ranks at Waitete RFC, who count All Blacks legend Colin Meads among their former players.
"I have got a lot of experience," he said. "I've been playing the game for 25 years, since I was five.
"They start you early in New Zealand. It is a way of life, so you don't have much choice!"
As Derby are without a league game this weekend, Macrae is taking the opportunity to watch New Zealand take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
"It's pretty much my love of the game that takes me to play rugby all over the world," he said.
"I'm using it as an opportunity to travel around and see lot of different places.
"When I went to Wales, I was there with another guy from New Zealand but, since then, I have just gone off on my own.
"I'm the type of guy who will get on with anybody."
Macrae only flew over to England last Wednesday but he feels he has settled in well up to now.
"It's been really good so far," he said. "The club has been really helpful and friendly, they seem like a good bunch of guys.
"The club have helped me out with somewhere to live and I've got a job working in a bar."
Against Wellingborough, Macrae played in the second row, although his usual position is number eight.
Reflecting on his apparent "winning touch", he said: "I must be a lucky charm!
"I arrived on Wednesday, trained with the team of Thursday and I picked up pretty fast that this was a game they had to win.
"Hopefully, this will be the turning point of the season.
"Obviously, they don't want to be looking at relegation but there is still plenty of time left.
"The losing habit is hard to break but we have got that first win now, so hopefully we can build on that.
"I think the team lack a bit of belief but there are a lot of good players in there.
"To me, every game is winnable. I don't know any of the teams we are playing, so where they are in the league doesn't mean anything to me."
Pet Insurance- 5% Online Discount
UK Pet Insurance. Buy instantly online. From just £4.85 per month.
You can make money fast and easy. Simple step-by-step system.
Looking to buy a DIY conservatory? Master Plastics offer flat packed DIY conservatories built to your design for delivery to both DIY and trade users anywhere in the UK.
travelling man: Derby's New Zealand recruit Jesse Macrae and the man who brought him to Derby Colin Cornfield (below).
Comment on this story