Matthew Hawkins has been a pillar of strength this season for the USA team, taking over the captaincy from an injured Kevin Swiryn.

Matt grew up in Durban, South Africa, and attended the famous Maritzburg College where he captained the SA Schools Waterpolo and Natal rugby sides.

He then studied at the University of Cape Town and played for the U21 rugby side, before “heading out to the States to try and earn some money, so my Dad would get off my back about working while studying down in Cape Town” he smiles.

With the USA Sevens in Las Vegas (13-14 Feb) on the horizon, UR7s.com columnist Dallen Stanford managed to catch up the man they call the Polar Bear.

DS: Matt, welcome back to America, how did the Wellington Sevens tournament go for the USA?
MH: It was a learning curve for all. We did not start well and really through away any chance of making it through to the Cup round. But I think the guys regrouped somewhat and we were able to take a few positives from the last day. I think winning our last two games and the Shield was huge for a lot of the guys who were working there way back from injury and for us as a young squad building towards our home tournament in Vegas.

DS: What areas are the squad looking to improve on this week, and how has the training gone?
MH:I believe our problems on the field are very minor. We all have the skills and knowledge to be real contenders, but its more team chemistry and actually belief in ourselves as individuals that we are among the best in the world.

DS: Which teams did the USA scrimmage this week, and how important are these non-contact sessions?
MH: We scrimmaged with Australia and Wales on Tuesday and that went well. These sort of sessions are pretty beneficial in working out combinations and working on things that we want to try on the practice pitch and decision on whether we want to include them in what we do game day.

DS: I see several players were unfortunately injured in Wellington. How has this impacted your side for this weekend? And which players have joined the squad?
MH: We seem be on a bit of a trend lately with the injuries, but it is something that you have to deal with in this sport. We lost Ata Malifa to a torn ACL. He had surgery this week and hopefully we will have him back by the start of next season. Bokhoven had surgery after the Dubai tournament and has re aggravated that injury, but we hope to have him back with us by the next stop in Adelaide. Two places have stepped in for them. Thretton Palamo is someone who has been with the squad before and it’ll be great to have him back with us. Bennie Brazel will also join us.

DS: This is of course the first time Las Vegas is hosting the prestigious event, what are your opinions so far? (Comment on the San Diego tournament as well)
MH: Vegas is an interesting place. It’s not to often your going to be strolling through the Hard Rock Casino with a towel wrapped around your waist and a rugby jersey on carrying a huge Gatorade cooler after a training session. Its been really different to San Diego in so many ways as a player its really hard to explain. I still haven’t made up my mind yet whether I am sold with the change, but you’ll need to check back with me after the weekend.

DS: Last year you were a part of the historic Cup semi-final run for the United States during the San Diego tournament. What was this experience like?
MH: That tournament and experience gives me goose bumps every time I think about it. Its not that often you get to be a part of such a great group of guys and for us to do what we did in front of our home crowd was the cheery on the top. It’s a very special memory for me and one that I won’t forget.

DS: You scored a match-winning try against Kenya during the Cup quarterfinal, but in so doing injured yourself. How has the past year’s rehab affected your rugby ambitions?
MH: The last year has been a very long and hard road, but I have been very lucky to have the constant support of my family and a group of amazing people who have helped me through rehab and the surgery I had, to get me back on my feet and fortunately enough, back with the US squad. Anytime you injure yourself, it’s a process to get back to where you were before. I believe right now that I am at about 80% and am trying really hard to get back to 100% as soon as possible. My philosophy is trying to get as much game time as possible. You can train and do all the rehab you want, but in a game your reaction time and what your eyes see and how your body reacts to that is the ultimate test. I managed to squeeze in a tournament down in Argentina with my club side Belmont Shore before this leg of the IRB Circuit and I think it really helped me get my hunger back for the game and also reminded me why I love the game so much.

DS: During that time you were also involved as the assistant coach during Belmont Shore’s successful 2009 National Sevens title (a team that included your brother Nick). Is coaching something you would like to be involved in after your playing days?
MH: Yes that was an incredible experience that I was very proud of and I would like to take the opportunity to thank James Walker for getting me involved. As far as my plans go, I think once I have hung up my boots, I will take time to spend with my growing family and then I really hope to get back to coaching. My passion right now is to help with Youth programs and the development of rugby in the United States.

DS: Congratulations to you and your wife on starting a family (Kingston is 20 months old). How has this impacted your rugby career?
MH: Thank you, it’s been great. I think it really puts things in perspective and helps you to appreciate every opportunity you get that much more. My family has and always will be the most important part of my life. They help me continue to grow as a person and as a rugby player and hopefully continue to add to the USA Rugby squad.

DS: You have become a veteran on the IRB 7s circuit over the past few seasons, what are your future goals for 7s, and will we see you concentrating on 15s down the line?
MH: I have been on the circuit now for 3 seasons and it’s a great experience that I hope I will be a part of for a few more seasons. Obviously we have the 2011 World Cup coming up rather fast. Being a part of the USA World Cup squad is definitely a goal of mine. Hopefully I can stay healthy to give my self a shot at a spot on the squad.

DS: Over your rugby career spanning some 20 years, which coaches have had the biggest influence on you, and which people have been the most supportive.
MH: They were never my coaches but my two grandfathers and my dad have had a huge impact on my rugby career and they continue to do so. Every coach has had a part to play in what I have achieved as a rugby player and I am very lucky to say that my grounding years at junior school and High school I went to schools that were very proud of there rugby heritage and what the players produced on the field.

As far as support goes, the three greatest supporters in my life and of my rugby career are my wife, my mother and my mother in law. Without them I would not be able to continue doing what I love to do and that is play rugby.

DS: Looking ahead to your Las Vegas pool with Fiji, South Africa and Canada. Surprisingly South Africa was knocked out again in the Cup quarterfinals, and Canada burst back onto the scene claiming 6 IRB points. Do you think the USA could capitalize on an out of form Bok side, as well as win another rival Canadian encounter?
MH: I think this weekend and pool is a huge test for our squad of players, but also our squads character and courage. We have a good group of guys and we have the artillery to make a huge statement and take our place among the best in the world, we just need the will to do it now and I think we’re really close to finding it. This weekend could be HUGE for the USA Team.

DS: A question I have being asked a lot during my career, what is it like playing for America against your country of birth, South Africa?
MH: South Africa is where I was born and my time spent there is a huge part of who I am as a person, its never going to leave me. But I have started my family here in the States and I believe and call the United States of America home now. What it does for me as a player when I play against SA. I don’t think it changes anything they are still a top team that I want to beat and stamp my authority on and gain there respect as a player.

DS: And lastly, why do your teammates call you the ‘Polar Bear’?
MH: There are a few theories out there. The fact that I have blonde hair and always have some form of a beard. The fact that I am one of the bigger guys on the side and I also believe because I am pretty quiet and keep to myself like hibernating bears would do. There may be a few other theories out there – like www.pakiscorner.com!

DS: Thank you so much for your time Matt, UR7s.com wishes you all the best for this weekend’s thrilling sevens event!
MH: Dallen for you, anytime!! Thank you for chatting with me.

Fact File:
Date of birth: 30/03/83
Height:6’02
Weight:232 pounds
Day Job: New Business Strategist with Saatchi LA
USA rugby playing history: OMBAC (2005 – 2007), Belmont Shore (2008 – present)
Debut for USA 7s: IRB Wellington 7s 2008 (Played in 15 IRB tournaments that so far).