Interview with Stuart McIlwaine

He was born on the 19^th July 1991, has grown to the lofty height of 6ft 2, wears a size 9 shoe and plays a lot of rugby!  But surely there’s more this young man than meets the eye.  Richard Houston interviews Stuart McIlwaine to find out more.

Stuart, pictured playing for
Larne Grammar School

RH - Sir Clive Woodward the former England Rugby coach is quoted as saying “we came here to win, not to come second”.  When it comes to rugby, is winning more important than taking part?

SM - Well, I believe if you don’t take part you can never win so, yes taking part is more important. But winning is also pretty important but having played for Larne, it never comes around too often.

RH - Stuart, what’s it like being Head Boy of Larne Grammar School?  Do you get your own office and a chauffeur?

SM - I wish. It’s pretty cool to be honest. Working as part of our team in school is good fun.  Organising the formal - although Samuel was awesome at it - was also interesting.

RH - This is your last year at school.  What are your dreams for the future?

SM - Well hopefully medicine at Queens or Edinburgh, haven’t decided yet, provided I get the grades.  I also want to continue playing rugby for the rest of my life also.

RH - Stuart, we all have lives which are centred on something.  What is the main thing in your life? – or let me put it another way.  What are you most passionate about?  What defines you? 

SM - Well rugby used to be before I got all these injuries but now it would have to be a mix between school life, and God. The right answer would probably be God especially, at times, when I’m at different Christian events and it strengthens my faith.  But then sometimes school becomes more important.

RH - When did you come to faith in Jesus and what effect has it had on your life since?

SM - I found my faith when I was in 5^th year just before my GCSE’s. I believe God works in every part of my life and helps me in everything I do. For example praying for different things that are on my mind, they always seem to work out somehow. I believe that is God at work. Praying for help for exams is also a great help.

RH - Finally, have you got any unusual habits or hobbies that you can share with us?

SM - I have a pair of boxer shorts that I got in Canada on tour 2 years ago and I always have to wear them for at least one day in a week. (They will be washed for the second day of course) I also have this thing for flicking the light switch when I’m walking out of a room even though the light is already off.

RH – Stuart, thanks for giving us a glimpse of your world and sharing something of your life and faith with us.