Housemates McArthur and Nkwocha pushing one another to improve

Loosehead prop Archie McArthur and lock Obinna Nkwocha both arrived in Devon in the summer with a goal of pushing on in their careers with Exeter Chiefs. Now housemates, they’re pushing one another to be better on and off the training field.

The laughter far outweighs the seriousness as the duo sit down in the Sandy Park stands for their first Chiefs interview. We’re barely five minutes into proceedings before they’re both already in hysterics at one another and themselves.

McArthur deadpans: “This is awful, genuinely awful. Can you guys actually use any of this?”

Nkwocha agreeing: “You’re going to have to edit about 95% of this out. Media is going to be the death of me.”

Twenty-three-year-old McArthur joined Chiefs from Gallagher PREM rivals Gloucester Rugby ahead of the new season, while 23-year-old Nkwocha was a late summer signing from reigning Elior Champ Rugby champions, Worcester Warriors.

McArthur says: “I think I’ve settled into life as a Chief really well. When I first came in, I saw straight away how tight the squad were having done so well last year. I found it easy to find my feet because of that, so I’m really enjoying it.”

Nkwocha adds: “I completely agree. It’s been really good so far. The boys have been really welcoming, taken us into the group well.”

It was a last-minute decision in pre-season that saw them become housemates. Now, the pair are well used to seeing each other at home and in the stadium for training and games. It’s almost fitting then that they both debuted in the same game, last weekend against Bath Rugby in the PREM Rugby Cup.

McArthur started in the front-row, scoring in the 25th minute before Nkwocha took to the field in the 63rd minute for his first taste of action in an Exeter shirt.

Nkwocha explains: “I think living together has been good for us. We have a lot of conversations throughout the week after training, and I think we have similar mindsets and goals of what we want to achieve here. So, it’s good to touch base a couple times and discuss where we want to improve.”

McArthur nods: “I’d say similar. We’re both kind of in the same position at the moment, both wanting game-time, so we speak about that. It also helps that if we’re not sure on certain things, we have each other to talk to. It works well.”

Away from a field, it’s the first time both of them have found themselves in the South West. McArthur was born in Reading and spent his early career in Gloucester while Nkwocha was born in Romford and was previously playing his rugby with Coventry before the Warriors.

Have they had any real time to explore Devon or broach out further into Cornwall?

McArthur nods: “When I first moved down, I actually got on a train and got off at every stop to have a walk about to see the area. I’ve done a bit of exploring but there’s definitely a few more beaches I’d like to tick off the list.

“Obviously, we’ve done Exmouth Beach in pre-season. I’m quite familiar with that beach now, but I don’t think I want to go back there until next year’s pre-season!”

It was certainly a gruelling process for the Chiefs preparing for the new season. Unfortunately, results haven’t yet reflected the tiresome hard work they put into countless sessions. However, there is a thinking among the group that they are building towards something.

What do the pair feel they can bring to the effort? If they had to identify their own personal USPs, what would they be?

Nkwocha says: “I’m quite fortunate to have a lot of speed, so I try to use that to my advantage in both attack and defence. I try to be as explosive as I can around the contact area, tackling wise and carrying. It’s probably an unusual amount of speed for someone in my position, so I try to utilise it well.

McArthur is still pondering his answer when his teammate turns to him.

Nkwocha continues: “Can I answer for you? I’d say you’ve got a lot of USPs. One of Archie’s great strengths is his handling skills. I’ve seen it a good few times in training, he moves the ball well, especially for a prop since in general, forwards probably don’t do as much flashy stuff as the backs. I’d say Archie has a very good skillset.”

McArthur decides: “Cut. Done. I’m happy with that.”

You can learn more about both players in their player profiles on our squad page here. Or watch their interview on social media here.