20 Question: David Strettle – Saracens wing

Good season for Sarries so far?
Yes. It feels like we’ve started with great momentum. Losing to Toulouse at Wembley was tough but we’re still in all three competitions.
Premiership getting tougher?
The Premiership’s always tough! There are different faces at the top, like Bath and Exeter, but I’ve never experienced an easy Premiership.
Where did your rugby career start?
Grappenhall Griffins RLFC in Cheshire. I played league until I went to Lymm High School. Then I joined Lymm RFC and then Rotherham.
Handy footballer, weren’t you?
I was decent. Like most rugby backs, I’m a failed footballer and in the mid-90s I was on the books of Man City, Crewe, Liverpool and Everton.
Why didn’t you pursue football?
I was young and they wanted you to dedicate your whole life to it and play nothing else. I didn’t want to do that and it was the right decision for me.
Still follow Rugby League and football?
Yes. I support Warrington and I’m very proud of how well they’ve been doing. It’s a bit of a hotbed up there. I’m also a big Man Utd fan.
Sporting idols growing up?
In League it was Des Drummond. He was a hard man but a really good winger for Warrington. Football-wise, I always thought Andrei Kanchelskis at Man Utd was amazing.
Proudest rugby moments?
My first cap for England against Ireland at Croke Park in 2007 was special. Winning the Premiership with Sarries and the Hong Kong 7s with England were brilliant, too.
Didn’t you pioneer white boots at Rotherham?
Ha I remember that! I wasn’t trying to make a statement, I just liked doing it. I had a blue pair as well… black ones are becoming retro fashion items now!
What colour are you wearing now?
It depends on the conditions – I have a few different pairs. My favourites are white with green ticks. Nike sent us a load of really garish ones!
Would you ever consider gold… like Dan Carter?
Only when I get to 100 caps! You’ve got to be good to wear those. He’s earned the right, though, after the career he’s had.
Just 86 caps short then… have you upset Stuart Lancaster?
No! He knows what he gets from certain players and is looking at others. I’ve been around the England scene for eight years now and I like to think I’ve been consistent. I’ve just got to keep playing well in a good Saracens team.
How do you chill-out?
I love cars and motorbikes so enjoy the racing on telly. I’m a bit of a biker at heart and would love to spend a year travelling around the circuit.
Who would be your three special dinner guests?
Arnold Schwarzenegger, because he’s achieved so much; Sir Alex Ferguson, to be able to pick his brains as a Man Utd fan; and I love Motown so I’d bring Otis Redding back from the grave.
Best holiday destination?
I’ve been lucky to visit Bali a few times and the Karma Kandara resort is absolutely stunning. I defy anyone not to have a good time there.
Best and worst banter at Sarries?
Luke Baldwin is cracking. He’s great value and has everyone in stitches. Worst are Richard Wigglesworth and Chris Ashton, who need mute buttons installed!
Best and worst dressed?
Ben Ransom for both. He wears what he sees in GQ Magazine but some of it pushes the boundaries of taste. He can be dapper or a complete car crash.
See yourself at Sarries long-term?
I’ve got a couple of years left on my contract but if I’m feeling like I am now and they still want me, then I’d love to stay.
What makes the club special?
I can’t think of another club where you’re so well looked after, not just the players but their families and kids as well. It’s great in that respect.
Remaining ambitions?
To play for England in a home World Cup would be brilliant… and win it! Away from rugby, I’d just like to learn to cook properly.