Why Wallabies legend Drew Mitchell copped nickname ‘Apples’ and how rugby union star manages anxiety

Former Wallabies star Drew Mitchell has revealed the source behind the brutal nickname he copped early in his rugby career.

The 38-year-old also stated ‘anxiety is the longest relationship he’s ever had’ in a candid chat with Bloke In a Bar podcast identity Denan Kemp.

Mitchell was an Australian Schoolboys representative after growing up in Queensland and quickly earmarked at a young age to wear the gold Australian jersey.

But despite his athletic prowess, behind the scenes Mitchell was plagued by self doubt.

In the engaging interview, Mitchell recalled to one time NRL star Kemp his initial confusion as to why then Wallabies captain George Gregan referred to him on the field as ‘apples.’

‘George was behind the defensive line [in a game against the ACT Brumbies] and he kept calling out ‘apples’,’ he said.

‘A few months later at a Wallabies camp, it slipped out what it meant.

‘They [Brumbies players] called me Apples as in apple turnover, as I kept turning over the ball when I was on the ground after being tackled.

‘It broke me, but I used it to better myself, I knew what areas of my game I had to improve.’

Mitchell, who played 71 Tests for Australia between 2005 and 2016, went onto discuss his lifelong battle with anxiety.

‘It is the longest relationship I’ve ever had,’ he stated.

‘I have learnt over the years [playing footy] that nerves are different….now I am not playing rugby, I take medication, the transition [after retiring] wasn’t easy.

‘I also began seeing a therapist to develop tools to equip myself…I find 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 centre for Stan Sport’s coverage of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, which kicks-off on Friday.

Watch every match, ad-free, live and on demand on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport.