Dear Gilbert.
Gilbert is XV Style's agony aunt. Not a psychologist. Not a life coach. Just a man with strong opinions, a lot of letters, and very little patience for people who don't hydrate.
Got a problem? Write to Gilbert. He may not solve it. But he will be honest.
Real letters. Real problems. No emails. Ever.
Gilbert’s Postbag.
A small selection. Names changed. Problems were not.
Dear Gilbert — Everyone at my club is obsessed with ice baths. Am I weak for preferring tea and a blanket? — Warm in Worcestershire
G: Dear Warm.
Yes.
What do you play the match in? Your slippers?
You are a rugby player. You run into other people for fun. On a muddy field. In winter. In this country.
The ice bath is not the problem. Your relationship with discomfort is the problem.
Drink the tea after. Earn it first. — G
Dear Gilbert — I've been playing rugby for six months and still apologise every time I tackle someone. Is this normal? — Sorry in Surrey
G: No. It is not normal. It is, however, very British.
You tackled them. That was your job. They ran at you. That was their job. Nobody in this transaction has anything to apologise for.
Stop saying sorry. Start finishing the tackle.
You are not at a dinner party. — G
Write to Gilbert.
Got a problem? Gilbert is listening. Probably.
