Why do you love Rugby?
I love the confrontation and sheer physicality of the sport! It also has introduced me to some good people who have become great friends. We also get to play in some wonderful cities/countries and sample their culture, albeit brief. I am also lucky as it now puts a roof over my head!

Do you see yourself as a celebrity?
No, not in the slightest!

Do you have a big female fan-base?
But of course!!!

How long and how often do you train?
A normal week would consist of  8 physical sessions, ie weights, rugby and two or three tactical sessions. We would also do a light team run the day before the match, and then of course the fun bit is the game on the Sunday! In between our sessions we would have the inevitable physiotherapy that  we all need at some stage, so it’s worth keeping the physio’s on your side!

Do you use male beauty products?
I dabble a little with moisturiser on the face from time to time, but apart from that im pleased to say no!

What’s your favourite food?
It’s a coin toss between roast chicken and sausages!

What do you eat on a typical day?
In the morning cereal and fruit. At lunch I would have pasta and a protein supplement. In the evening I would eat whatever my girlfriend cooks! She is a good cook, and im a great eater so we get on brilliantly! If I need a snack during the day I would probably have more cereal, I love it!

What do you do to get rid of nerves before a match?
I go to the toilet!

Did you ever play football (soccer)?
Yes I did! If I told you I was a dazzling striker with a rare eye for goal I’d be lying though, the truth is I  had everything but ability! Like most Geordies I would have loved to have played for Newcastle United.

What are your feelings about the fact that football is the most popular sport in the UK?
I have no problems with that whatsoever! I think it’s a great game, and support my home town team of Newcastle United. I watch a lot of football on tv and time permitting I go to see some games live.

Did anyone else in your family play professional Rugby?
No, rugby union only turned professional in 1995. My dad tried to shed some poundage and gain some speed but at 47 was considered too old even for the vets! He was a great player in his pomp however and im sure that if the game was professional in his era it would have been a career he would have pursued.

What is your club nickname?
The only ones im prepared to admit to are gussy, gussylad and munson! The rest require too much explaining!!

Stats: Born: Newcastle upon tyne 02/02/76 Height: 6ft4” Weight: 107kg Position: back row International debut: usa 1998 International record: no full caps Club debut: Leicester tigers 1997, London irish 2001. Regional side: NA!

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