‘I’d like to do some semi-finals again’
I have a few semi-finals with Munster that I would like to do over again
1. What’s your pre-training routine?
When it comes to pitch sessions, for me, it’s all about making sure I have my detail nailed on for what’s about to happen. Depending on whether it’s an attack or a D day, we would have a bit of work done on the opposition coming into training. Then you just need to know how the other team are going to attack or defend from there. It’s about going out and being as prepared as best I can.
2. You’re in charge of the aftermatch tunes, what goes on first?
Bon Jovi ‘Living on a Prayer’.
3. Imagine a world where you’re not a rugby player – what’s your job?
I would like to be self-employed if I wasn’t playing rugby. Probably something like owning my own bar or restaurant.
4. Stranded on a desert island, what three things do you take?
A compound bow, fishing rod and matches.
5. Which team-mate would you want with you and why?
I’d have Chris Cloete with me for entertainment, and to teach me some of his hunting skills. Those South Africans are good at that.
6. What’s your favourite Instagram page you follow and why?
Sean Baker, he is a carnivore. He is a 52-year-old rowing athlete in America who breaks a lot of records at 52. It’s interesting and kind of inspiring, especially because of the carnivorous diet he uses.
7. What do you do when not training or playing a match?
I am currently trying to finish my Master’s in Business & Project Management in UL. When I’m not doing that it would usually just be coffee with the lads and just relaxing at home. I like to keep things simple when I’m off the field.
8. What’s your first sporting memory as a player or spectator?
My first sporting memory would be playing in the junior cup final with Ardscoil Rís. We won the first year but we lost the second year. I was captain of that team in the second year when we lost, so that is probably why I remember it more than anything.
9. You have one moment from your career to do over. What is it?
I have a few semi-finals with Munster that I would like to do over again. Clermont away springs to mind, and Toulon away as well.
10. What rugby skill would you most like to possess?
A better grubber kick.
11. Favourite song lyric?
My favourite lyric is probably some form of traditional music. ‘The Lonesome Boatman’ is a great song but there are no lyrics in that of course. ‘The Night Visiting Song’ by Luke Kelly is a classic.
12. What current player in your position do you most admire?
Definitely James Cronin.
13. What former coach has had the biggest effect on your game and why?
Probably Rob Penney. He came in and just taught us how to think about the game in a different way. He taught us how to use the space more and it was new at the time.
14. What was your first car?
My first car was my mother’s old Mitsubishi Colt.
15. What sporting event makes your bucket list?
I would love to go to the heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua if it ever does actually happen. I’d say Fury would win it.
16. One minute to go in the Champions Cup final, your team is four points down back on your own line. What do you do?
Run the ball, try and carry it myself before we score. Hopefully it would be the one that touches down.
17. What was the last concert you went to?
I don’t go to many. I went to Red Hot Chilli Peppers in Dublin, it was a long time ago.
18. Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I’m trying to complete a Master’s for the last three years in Business & Project Management in UL. It should just be a one-year course.
19. What’s your best memory from playing rugby?
Getting my first Irish cap. That was against South Africa.
20. Who’ll win the 2019 Guinness PRO14, Champions Cup and Rugby World Cup?
Munster, Munster and Ireland.