Who inspired you to play rugby?
No one in particular. It was just the done thing when I was growing up back in South Africa. All the kids want to play.

How old were you when you started?
8 or 9 years old.


Did anyone else in your family play rugby?
Nope.


What sort of music do you like?
All sorts. I'm more than happy to sit and listen to a bit of Counting Crows though!


What do you do when you are not playing rugby?
I enjoy spending time with my mates, reading or fishing when I'm back home. A game of poker always goes down well and I have a very slight Facebook addiction...


Which player do you aspire to?
I always enjoyed the way Mark Andrews played.


What other sports do you play?
I played a bit of waterpolo back home.


How do you prepare for a match – do you have any pre-match rituals?
I don't have any superstitions. I just get kitted up, say a prayer and thats pretty much it.


How do you relax?
I don't really get to worked up normally so relaxing isn't hard.


What do you think about women playing rugby?
If they're having fun then thats fine by me. Thats the idea behind playing rugby after all.


How do you feel about being a sex symbol for women?
That sort of label goes with the big boys. It doesn't apply to guys like me.


What has been your proudest rugby moment yet?
Winning the Vodacom Shield back home in 2003 with Border.


How do you feel about rugby having a huge gay following?
I think the fact that rugby is growing in its appeal to all sorts of people is great. I don't care what their sexual preferences are.


Do you think that English rugby is sexy enough?
I don't think that rugby is a sexy game to start with. It doesn't matter where its being played.
(Photo Right - Courtesy of Simon Bryant
Other images - Courtesy of Brian Tempest)

Thank you for your time. xx