‘If I won the lotto, I’d buy KFC in Galway. I love my KFC’

1: Pre-match meal?

I usually gravitate towards whatever is for free I guess. I’m not too picky at all. Sometimes I don’t even eat, ha, ha.

2: Favourite player growing up?

Carlos Spencer, the former All Black, was my big hero. He was a class player and always exciting to watch in the Blues shirt. He made a big impact in the Premiership when he played for Northampton Saints, but was a real star back home.

3: Best away day room-mate and why?

It’s got to be Jack Carty. He’s a great guy. He gave me the double bed over in Parma last season. If that’s not a good roomie, I don’t know what is!

4: Who would headline your house party?

Adrian Marcel, the American singer, songwriter and rapper.

5: First song they would play?

‘2am’ would be the first song up – that would be sure to get the crowd going.

6: You win the Lotto, first thing you would buy?

Probably KFC in Galway. I love my KFC but you’ve got to be careful too – too much of it is not a good thing obviously if you’re a professional rugby player. Everything in moderation so I’d step back every once in a while.

7: Favourite movie?

How can you go past ‘The Lion King’. It still brings a tear to my eye every time I watch it. Poor Simba...

8. Favourite TV show and why?

Ummm maybe ‘Vikings’. Just because I’m watching it at the moment and it has a top-class cast.

9: Earliest rugby memory growing up?

Trying to mould my mouth guard early on Saturday

morning at Manukau Rovers rugby club. It was a great place to learn the game.

10: Who is the joker in the dressing room?

There’s a few but I’m just going to say James Mitchell. He’s a good laugh plus he does a pretty decent Milly Rock impression.

11: Favourite holiday destination and why?

Hawaii because I don’t think it ever gets cold which means you can travel there all year round.

12: Favourite away ground to play at?

Wasps home ground the Ricoh Arena or Scotstoun

Stadium in Glasgow are quality venues. Both are tough places to go and win though. We don’t play Wasps much but came up against them last year in the Champions Cup. We are much more used to Glasgow obviously and we are over and back there every year.

13: Three people (dead or alive) who you would invite to your dinner party?

I would say comedians Dave Chappelle and Charlie Murphy along with Beyoncé would be a great mix.

14: Most memorable moment in rugby?

Playing my first game for Auckland. Unfortunately, we got thumped by Canterbury so maybe that’s why it sticks in my head.

15: Do you have any pre-match superstitions/rituals?

I just like to listen to music and try to relax. I try not to get too bothered with keeping the exact same routine and aim to be ready to go from the first whistle.

16: Who is the best player you have played alongside and why?

Melani Nanai, who I played with in Auckland. I have played with a lot of awesome players but probably Melani because I’ve played with him the longest. He always makes things look effortless on the field.

17: Who is the best player you have played against and why?

Christian Lealiifano, who plays for Ulster but played in the southern hemisphere when I played against him. He always just managed to control the game like no one else I’ve played against. Hopefully I’ll get another run against him.

18: Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

My partner and I are expecting our first child in February, which I am really looking forward to. I was hoping to name him Goku but the Mrs is not keen on that.

19: Name three things that are always in your fridge?

Coke Zero. Nutella. Milk

20: Best advice you ever got?

You can never keep a good man down — Harley Fox