Long Read Interview: Jamie Thackray

Jamie Thackray’s career took him on a journey across the professional Rugby League system. The former prop forward spent much of his 22 year career in Super League, playing nearly 200 games and representing Castleford Tigers, Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC. During his time in the sport, he also won the Challenge Cup in 2005, as well as playing for Great Britain that same year.

Later on in his professional life, he moved to the lower leagues with spells at Keighley and Whitehaven, where he retired at the age of 40; however how it been been for him since retirement? He’s spoken exclusively to Serious About Rugby League about his life post rugby.

“Yeah, it’s going alright. I’ve got a caravan company now, so I’m just building caravans 24-7,” said Thackray. “We’ve just opening a second factory, so we’ve got two factories. They’re not massive, but they do the job”.

Speaking on how he got into this line of work, he said: “I live over in Hull, and that’s where quite a lot of the caravan companies are, in Hull. I just remember years and years ago when I was first playing at Hunslet, we had a few workers that were in caravans and they said ‘if I ever finish playing rugby get into caravans, it’s not bad money’. So it pretty much started out like that in the end, and I’ve always been good with my hands, building and stuff, so yeah, just got an opportunity and just took it really.”

Thackray added: “I’m enjoying it, but at times it can be stressful. You’ve got deadlines to get caravans out for people and stuff, and it can get stressful at times waiting for gear. There’s little factors, but yeah, it’s a good buzz. There’s loads of lads so it’s a bit like having a rugby banter.”

During the interview, Thackray gave an honest view on the current game. He said: “I will not lie to you, it doesn’t really bother me, rugby, anymore. I just think the game has changed a bit, officials and that. It’s all changed hasn’t it? There’s no big hits. You do a little thing, you’ve got 10 minutes.”

He added: “It’s still as fast as ever, it’s just probably not as physical as it was. Officials have to change it because of people’s health and safety and stuff but that’s how the world’s gone. 20, 30 years ago you wouldn’t be getting that, would you?”

However, he still keeps up with the game, and he gave his thoughts ahead of the Challenge Cup matches this weekend: “In the Challenge Cup, it’s like a one-off game. Saints are starting to play well now, I got a glimpse of it the other day. I think they’re starting to hit a bit of form; but I’m interested to see Hull FC vs Saints, what that’s going to be like because at the minute Hull have been going alright, and obviously they lost to Leigh at the weekend but Leigh are on fire, they’re playing really well.”

Thackray also spoke about the race for the top six in Super League, saying: “If you look at from top, other than Cas and Wakefield, I think two or three results you’re there, aren’t you? In that top six, has that led any points between them? I think Hull are on 12, well the top of the League is only on 22. Like I say two or three wins could turn a corner for any team in that top eight, top nine, top 10 maybe. So yeah, two or three games, mate, that’s it, it’s all changed.”

Reflecting back on his career, Thackray spoke about the difference between Super League and the Championship. “I’ll be honest with you, it’s harder in Championship. It’s more physical in the Championship. It’s a bit faster in Super League, but obviously with the size of the guys in the Championship, there’s some big boys in that league. Obviously when you’re playing Super League most of your career and you get people trying to take you’re head off and out-muscle you, it’s a tough thing but it’s a good standard in the championship.”