In keeping with our (un)healthy obsession with facial hair, Big Daddy Rugby decided it was time to put a few questions to Canada’s Adam Kleeberger.
The first thing you notice about Kleeberger is the size of the man’s hands. My gosh they’re huge – like giant paddles. I was fortunate enough to track him down at the team’s hotel in Napier ahead of their big match against France.
Kleeberger has caused quite a stir at the tournament, with his ‘wild-man’ beard trending almost as much as Jay-Z’s love-child. The big man also had a massive game against the Tongans, with the Canucks having edged the Pacific Islanders by a whisker.
On entering the hotel lobby, Kleeberger was immediately noticeable by being shoe-less and sitting in the double lotus position. This was going to be interesting…
Big Daddy Rugby: Hi Adam, thanks for taking the time to meet with BDR today.
Adam Kleeberger: Don’t mention it. By the way, you made a lot of noise on your approach. I could hear you a mile off.
BDR: Oh right….is that a bad thing?
AK: If you want to last one night in the Canadian wilds it is. Your smell gives you away too.
BDR: Thanks, I guess…if I could ask you about the Tongan match. Was that more of a scare than you were hoping for?
AK: I don’t believe in fear. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
BDR: That’s interesting. Didn’t Yoda say that?
AK: No.
BDR: Okay.
At this point in the interview Kleeberger closed his eyes and took a number of deep breaths
AK: Okay, I’m back!
BDR: Great. Will the team be trying a different approach in the match against the French?
AK: As a team we don’t believe in trying. Do or do not, there is no try.
BDR: Err..Isn’t that something else that….never mind. So the ‘growth’ is getting quite a bit of coverage at the moment? Do you…
AK: Don’t move! Stay perfectly still! A wasp has just landed on your shoulder and if you move he will strike you dead compadre!
BDR: I’m not so sure they’re THAT lethal…
AK: You weren’t THERE man!
BDR: Vietnam??
AK: British Columbia…1998. Swarm of wasps as thick as mud. I had to go to ground for three days straight.
Kleeberger springs from his seated position and swipes the wasp with one of his mighty paws
BDR: Geez..thanks Adam! Close shave huh?!
AK: (Chuckles) I wouldn’t know my friend. I wouldn’t know.
BDR: Well anyway, enjoy the rest of the tournament and may the force be with you!
Swift exit BDR
'Grizzly' Adam Kleeberger....he knows what you did last summer!