‘If I didn’t play rugby I’d love to be a pilot’
TAKE 20 1. What’s your pre-training routine?
I like to get out on the pitch ten minutes early to go through my own warm up and practise some kicks so I’m ready to go when the session starts.
2 You’re in charge of the after match tunes, what goes on first?
Anything by Calvin Harris, he’s a real talent.
3 Imagine a world that you’re not a rugby player – what’s your job?
I would love to be an airline pilot.
4 Stranded on a desert island, what three things do you take?
A hammock, a fishing rod and lots of chocolate.
5 Which team-mate would you want with you and why?
OB (Kevin O’Byrne)... he was born in the wilderness.
6 What’s your favourite Instagram page you follow and why?
National Geographic... Their page has some really cool pictures and very interesting stories. I’d advise anyone to give them a follow if you don’t already.
7 What do you do when not training or playing a match?
I love playing a game of golf with the lads.
8 What’s your first sporting memory as a player or spectator?
Going to see Munster play in the old Musgrave Park with my dad.
9 You have one moment from your career to do over. What is it?
It would have to be when I got my first cap for Ireland, it was a dream come true for me and a day I will never forget.
10 What rugby skill would you most like to possess?
Place-kicking – it would add a lot of value to my contract.
11 Favourite song lyric?
I’m more into the melody than the lyrics of songs...
12 What current player in your position do you most admire?
Keith Earls, the man has been around for years and is only getting better.
13 What former coach has had the biggest effect on your game and why?
Axel – he taught me to play with confidence, freedom and not to be afraid to try things. He also gave me my first Munster cap, which was a huge moment.
14 What was your first car?
A 1999 Toyota Yaris. It wasn’t the most glamorous car but it got me from A to B.
15 What sporting event makes your bucket list?
I’d love to go to the Wimbledon final sometime. I would have paid a lot of money to have been at the 2008 final between Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
16 One minute it go in the Champions Cup final, your team is four points down back on your own line. What do you do?
I get the ball from 10, step the two centres, round the wing, chip the full-back and score under the posts... in an ideal world that’s how it’d finish.
17 What was the last concert you went to?
Eminem in Slane back in 2013. I don’t get out much.
18 Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I wrote off my parents’ car at the age of five...
19 What’s your best memory playing rugby for your team?
Beating the Maori All Blacks in Thomond Park and topping if it off with a try.
20 Who’ll win the 2019 PRO14, Champions Cup and Rugby World Cup?
That’s a silly question, do I really need to answer that?
I get the ball from 10, step the two centres, round the wing, chip the full-back and score under the posts