Why Wallabies legend Drew Mitchell copped nickname ‘Apples’ and how rugby union star manages anxiety
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How Wallabies legend Drew Mitchell earned the brutal nickname ‘Apples’…and why anxiety is ‘the longest relationship’ he’s ever had
- Drew Mitchell was nicknamed ‘Apples’ early in his rugby career
- He later revealed that it was a reference to him turning the ball over.
- The 38-year-old also spoke candidly about anxiety issues.
Former Wallabies star Drew Mitchell has revealed the source behind the brutal nickname he received early in his rugby career.
The 38-year-old also claimed that “anxiety is the longest relationship he’s ever had” in a candid conversation with guy in a bar Denan Kemp podcast identity.
Mitchell was a representative of Australian schoolchildren after growing up in Queensland and was quickly destined at a young age to wear the gold Aussie jersey.
But despite his athletic prowess, behind the scenes, Mitchell was plagued with doubts.
In the interesting interview, Mitchell reminded former NRL star Kemp of his initial confusion as to why then Wallabies captain George Gregan referred to him on the pitch as ‘apples’.
Former Wallabies star Drew Mitchell has revealed the origin of the brutal nickname he received early in his rugby career.
Mitchell was nicknamed ‘Apples’ by the great Wallabies George Gregan who was famous for his sledding
‘George was behind the defensive line [in a game against the ACT Brumbies] and kept yelling ‘apples,'” he said.
“A few months later, at a Wallaby camp, what it meant slipped from me.
‘They [Brumbies players] He called me Apples as in apple turnover as he kept spinning the ball when he was on the ground after being tackled.
“It broke me, but I used it to improve, I knew what areas of my game I needed to improve.”
Mitchell, who played 71 Tests for Australia between 2005 and 2016, has opened up about his lifelong battle with anxiety.
“It’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had,” he said.
“I have learned over the years [playing footy] that the nerves are different… now I don’t play rugby, I take medication, the transition [after retiring] It was not easy
The ‘apples’ taunt was a reference to turnovers, after Mitchell often fumbled when tackled early in his career.
“I’ve also started seeing a therapist to develop tools to equip myself… I find that exercise, routine, and not being reactive to situations work well for me.”
These days Mitchell is a respected rugby commentator for Channel 9 and Stan Sport.
He will be front and center for Stan Sport’s coverage of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, which begins on Friday.
Watch every game, ad-free, live and on demand at the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport.