‘You like to test yourself against the best’
1: Pre-match meal?
We usually have chicken and pasta on the menu. If that’s there I usually give it a shot. So that’s just the routine at this stage and I’d hate to miss out on my regular meal.
2: Favourite player growing up?
New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu was an incredible player. He was phenomenal for the All Blacks and in Super Rugby for the Blues as well. It helps that he is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met too, but he was a real inspiration.
3: Best away day room-mate and why?
It has to be Conor Carey, he’s a great cuddler and sings me beautiful songs to get me to sleep!
4: Who would headline your house party?
Gucci Mane the American rapper would give us a lively night.
5: First song they would play?
‘Photo Shoot’, it would get the party off to a hissing start.
6: You win the Lotto, first thing you would buy?
I’d invest in a few plane tickets for me and all the boys to go on holiday. Not sure where we would go but no expense would be spared.
7: Favourite movie?
‘Blood in Blood Out’. It’s an American crime-drama directed by Taylor Hackford, which is set in Los Angeles. It follows the lives of three Chicano relatives over the course of ten years or so. I first watched it years ago, but it’s still right up there in my list.
8: Favourite TV show and why?
‘Sons of Anarchy’ is a top series. I’ve a short attention span, so any series that can keep me interested for seven seasons must be alright.
9: Earliest rugby memory growing up?
I’m sure I have earlier ones, but warming the bench for the Almighty Sacred Heart College Under 14s still sticks in the mind. Thankfully, I’ve moved on a bit from then.
10: Who is the joker in the dressing room?
That award goes to Stacey Ili. He’s the Photoshop king, and he also has the weirdest sense of humour in the world.
11: Favourite holiday destination and why?
Without a doubt it’s Ibiza. There’s a lot of good, clean wholesome fun to be had there.
12: Favourite away ground to play at?
Zebre is my favourite away trip. It is always nice to visit sunny Parma, although I hear it might not be quite the 30 degrees there this weekend!
13: Three people (dead or alive) who you would invite to your dinner party?
Rick James, the singer; Charlie Murphy, the actor; and Kobe Bryant the basketball player. Imagine the discussions we could have to go along with my hospitality.
14: Most memorable moment in rugby?
Making my debut for Taniwha in a Ranfurly Shield match back in 2015 was my most memorable experience. It was a huge game for me and the team back then and was a big step towards me making the move to Connacht.
15: Do you have any pre-match superstitions/rituals?
Not really, I just listen to music beforehand to get in the mood for playing. Some guys have routines, but I just follow the programme and focus on the game. It has worked okay for me so far.
16: Who is the best player you have played alongside and why?
I played with a guy called Leroy Van Dam back in Sacred Heart. He gets the nomination mainly because of his famous backs’ move called ‘Yowees Backdoor’, which he smashed on a consistent basis.
17: Who is the best player you have played against and why?
Bismarck du Plessis, the South African hooker who plays for Montpellier in the Top 14. He is really powerful and a tough guy to scrum against and you always like to test yourself against the best.
18: Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I’m the best NBA 2K player in the Connacht squad.
19: Name three things that are always in your fridge?
Clean Cut Meals, Scissors, Bananas
20: Best advice you ever got?
If a man does not have the sauce he is lost, but the same man can be lost in the sauce.