My life in food

The ‘Tullow Tank’ loves a good spud, but has had to retire them, though he does indulge in whatever takes his fancy after a match day

What did your mother make you?

Bacon and cabbage — it’s still one of my favourites — but no brown sauce, I use tomato ketchup!

What is the meal you will always remember?

It was in Dubai, in a restaurant called The Meat Factory. It was the best steak I have ever had.

What was your defining food experience?

Oysters. I had never tried an oyster until last year, when I had one with Tabasco sauce at a wedding.

What’s the first dish you ever cooked?

It was a roastchicken dinner. The chicken was cooked to perfection, but if memory serves me right, the veg was a little on the overcooked side.

What is your comfort food?

Pizza. I am very specific about the topping choice — it has to be chicken and pepperoni.

What is your hangover cure?

A can of San Pellegrino lemonade and something like a venison burger that I make myself, or the 1859 Tower Burger from The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge.

What do you drink?

Obviously, during the rugby season, you need to cut out alcohol, but when I can, it’s a pint of Guinness.

If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Simple! Poached eggs; bacon; and pizza.

What is the most appetising smell in the world?

Freshly cut grass. Followed by the smell of a good steak — sizzling on a hot pan, of course.

How important is food to you?

It’s one of the most important things in my life — it’s so part and parcel of being a professional rugby player.

You can go anywhere and have anything to eat with any one person. Where, what and who?

I would head to the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados, to enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet in the company of Rihanna. She only lives up the road from the hotel.

Favourite restaurant?

The Butcher Grill in Ranelagh. There is definitely a beef theme running through

these answers!

And abroad?

Nobu in London is just amazing. It’s not cheap, so it’s a real treat meal.

Worst Meal Ever?

I had a bad meal in the airport; no part of the chicken Caesar salad lived up to its title — there was no chicken and no salad!

What’s always in your kitchen?

There’s always meat and veg.

What’s your signature dish?

It’s a simple little dish but it packs a big punch — seafood chowder.

Are you careful about what you eat?

I have to be very careful about what I eat. However, the day after a game, I normally eat what I want. I had to cut potatoes totally out of my diet. I don’t miss them now, but it was difficult at the start.

What’s your perfect family meal?

Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

“No part of this Caesar chicken salad lived up to its title — no chicken and no salad!”