‘I used to wear the same jocks. But I don’t believe in any of that anymore’
1: Pre-match meal?
I eat chicken, pasta, a bit of vegetables and tomato sauce. I would eat a good bit before a match but you can’t be too full either.
2: Favourite player growing up?
Brian O’Driscoll was an absolute legend for Ireland when I was growing up. I did picture myself as a back in the past, but never managed to get out as far as centre unfortunately.
3. Best away day room-mate and why?
Darren Sweetnam. He was my first ever room-mate with Munster at U-18. He’s quiet and keeps to himself which is all you can ask for.
4. Who would headline your houseparty?
I love a bit of Cold play. 5. First song they would play? Adventure of a Lifetime ,a great tune.
6. You win the Lotto, first thing you would buy?
I’d buy a yacht and then sail round the world. I suppose I’d have to pick up stragglers along the way too.
7. Favourite movie?
Shawshank Redemption
is my favourite. It’s an absolute classic, one of the best of all time.
8. Favourite TV show and why?
Friends is my favourite TV show, and Joey Tribbiani who was played by Matt le Blanc, is my favourite character.
9. Earliest rugby memory growing up?
Playing down on the back pitch at Dolphin for the U-8s. We were playing Crosshaven in the lashing rain. The parents weren’t happy when I came home and I was soaked. People won’t believe this but I actually played out-half for a while. I played for Youghal and Highfield, and for Youghal I definitely managed to get myself out into the backs. But Highfield and Dolphin both stuck me inside in the forwards.
10. Who is the joker in the dressing room?
It would have to be Simon Zebo, he never stops. It’s funny to watch other people getting the brunt of it, and then maybe join in.
11. Favourite holiday destination and why? Tuscany in Italy. That’s where the family go every summer, and it’s obviously great for the food, whether you’re talking pizza, pasta or wine.
12. Favourite away ground to play at?
I am going to say the A viva Stadium because usually it’s such a big occasion when you get to play there. It’s a privilege to run out on the pitch there.
13. Three people (dead or alive) who you would invite to your dinner party?
I would bring Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and Beyonce to my dinner party. There would be some interesting conversation had.
14. Most memorable moment in rugby?
That would definitely be making my Champions Cup debut against Glasgow Warriors last year. It was the day after Axel’s funeral. It was incredibly emotional and also the face that it was my first cap. I didn’t even think about that side of it because it was all about Axel that day.
15. Do you have any pre-match superstitions / rituals?
I have absolutely none. I used to wear the same jocks. But I don’t believe in any of that anymore.
16. Who is the best player you have played alongside and why?
Conor Murray just because he is unbelievable at his game management and just the way he plays the game in general.
17. Who is the best player you have played against and why?
James Davies from Scarlets because he is a tormentor at the breakdown. He’s very hard to move as well. It’s like he does be stuck to the ball.
18. Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I starting playing rugby when I was five with Dolphin. I went there because my dad Phillip was actually the captain of the Dolphin senior team at that stage.
19. Name three things that are always in your fridge?
Milk, chicken and yoghurt.
20. Best advice you ever got?
To be ready for my break well in advance of the opportunity and to keep working as hard as possible – Donncha O’Callaghan.