Angus Blyth: Schoolboy thrashings paved way to Reds

For years, Angus Blyth watched as schoolboy oppositions overpowered his junior rugby teams. Now, at 204cm and 115kg, he’s ready to dish out that same medicine on Super Rugby.

Gold Coast lock Angus Blyth’s early rugby career was played to the soundtrack of a referee’s whistle.

Opposition try after opposition try, each punctuated by a staccato blast as his junior teams were put to the sword by bigger, stronger opponents.

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A decade later, Blyth stands 204cm tall and weighs 115kg - and he’s ready to dish out some pain of his own.

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Angus Blyth in action for the Reds. Picture: Sportography

The Bond University Commerce student knows the best way to earn his spot in the Queensland Reds starting team is by showing coach Brad Thorn just how many similarities the pair share.

It’s a recipe for success that involves inflicting plenty of hurt.

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“That starting position is really important to me,” Blyth said.

Queensland Reds lock Angus Blyth at the team's 2020 Media Day at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Cavan Flynn

“There are a lot of good players in my position, while they are my mates, there is no secret I want that spot.

“I’ve been training extremely hard and working towards getting that spot.

“I really want to cement my place in the team and own that position.”

Thorn has seen his potential, which is why the Reds made sure Blyth was under contract until at least the next Rugby World Cup.

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For Blyth, that faith is vindication of everything he’s done since getting beaten every week as a kid on the Gold Coast.

“We used to get beat by 50 every game as a kid,” he said.

“I just played because I loved it.

“Playing for TSS and then Bond, the mateship and entertaining people is what I love to do.

“Every level you go up in rugby, you have to learn everything again, it’s a whole other world.

“Little things like executing simple skills well, under pressure and under fatigue, it becomes even more important to get those things right.

Queensland Reds lock Angus Blyth. Picture: Brendan Hertel/QRU Media

“Scoreboard pressure is also massive the higher up you go, the core skills are always there, but it is the little things that make a big difference to give you an edge.

“I don’t take it for granted, playing for the Reds, playing at Suncorp Stadium in front of my family, it is really special. They have been supporting me the whole way.

“It’s awesome to have them come here and watch me play.”