‘I’d work in a restaurant if I didn’t play rugby’
TAKE 20
1. What’s your pre-training routine?
I get to the ground and I have a walk around the pitch first of all. I go inside then and start to put my gear on, and then head out to the pitch for the warm-up.
It’s nice and relaxing before we get going.
2. You’re in charge of the aftermatch tunes, what goes on first?
It would have to be Post Malone. I wasn’t at his recent concert unfortunately but I’m a big fan of his.
3. Imagine a world where you’re not a rugby player – what’s your job?
If I wasn’t a rugby player I would be a Limerick City tour guide. I’m from Limerick and I know all about it, surely I’d be good.
4. Stranded on a desert island, what three things do you take?
My family, a pet dog and a phone. I might need a generator though.
5. Which team-mate would you want with you and why?
Chris Cloete for his survival skills. The South Africans are all good at that side of things.
6. What’s your favourite Instagram page you follow and why?
Dog, because it posts a lot of funny videos about dogs and stuff like that. I don’t have a dog at the moment but I am going to get one as soon as possible.
7 What do you do when not training or playing a match?
If I am not training or playing I would be watching rugby. I like to go for trips down the country as well. I am involved with the Mid West Simon Community so I do a bit of work with them, it keeps me occupied and it’s fulfilling.
8. What’s your first sporting memory as a player or spectator?
Being in the crowd for that famous Munster v Sale European Cup game all those years ago (2006). It was the one where Sebastien Chabal got hit and driven back a mile. I was sitting in the extra seating behind one of the goals.
9. You have one moment from your career to do over. What is it?
I would like to play against the Maori All Blacks again. I didn’t start that game, if I could do it over again I would have liked to have started the game and not just come on a replacement.
10. What rugby skill would you most like to possess?
I would like to be good at goalkicking. I can kick but I wouldn’t be the best. I never really picked it up in the first place.
11. Favourite song lyric?
‘You can come to my hood’ – My Hood.
12. What current player in your position do you most admire?
I’d still keep an eye on how Sonny Bill Williams is playing, mainly because of his all-round skills and his size. I don’t think I will ever mirror Sonny Bill, but he’s great to watch with how big and skilful he still is.
13. What former coach has had the biggest effect on your game and why?
John Broderick in St Munchin’s College. He just made me find a love for the game of rugby. He inspired me to see a future in rugby for myself.
14. What was your first car?
A Chevrolet Kalos, that was a 2006 car I think.
15. What sporting event makes your bucket list?
The Super Bowl.
16. One minute to go in the Champions Cup final, your team are four points down back on your own line. What do you do?
Just try and stay patient, keep the ball and get up the field. Hopefully we can get the score, and maybe it would be me on the end of the move.
17. What was the last concert you went to?
Walking on Cars in the Milk Market in Limerick. It was about two years ago. I haven’t been to any concerts recently.
18. Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have no middle name.
19. What’s your best memory playing rugby for Munster?
The day we played Glasgow Warriors in Thomond Park after ‘Axel’ died. I was on the replacements bench that day but I didn’t come on.
20. Who’ll win the 2019 Guinness PRO14, Champions Cup and Rugby World Cup?
Munster, Munster and Ireland definitely.