20 Questions: Jamie Lennard – Doncaster fly-half

Great start for Donny?
Everyone expected us to come back up and try to just survive but we’re an ambitious group and if we keep winning, who knows where it will take us?
Championship much different now?
Completely. When I was first in it with Donny six or seven years ago you had part-time clubs and some easy weeks, but every game is brutal now.
Where did you start in rugby?
Sutton Valence School, in Maidstone, before going to Hartpury College. I joined Worcester in 2005 and debuted for them before having spells at Donny, London Irish, Bedford and Donny again. I’m really enjoying it here.
Memorable moments in rugby?
Getting smashed by Martin Corry on Worcester debut against Leicester! Making my debut for London Irish at Leinster in the Heineken Cup – and winning – and last season’s promotion with Donny were special.
Best coaches you’ve worked under?
Skills-wise, Mike Catt was fantastic at Irish. But Prem rugby can be quite structured so I enjoyed Mike Rayer at Bedford – play what’s in front of you!
Like Catty’s new England contract?
Six years! Some backing, isn’t it? Good luck to him, he’s paid his dues and has been there and done it for England. It’s a good coaching group.
Doing some coaching yourself?
I’ve started at Hill House School, in Doncaster, and am coaching Hull RUFC in the evenings. I’m doing Level 3 at the moment.
Got serious coaching ambitions?
It’s an option. I’m only 28 and not sure my family would approve, but it’s definitely another door if the opportunity arises.
If you could be another sportsman?
Luke Donald. I played a lot of golf as a kid and love the sport. You can play pro golf for 30 years instead of just 10!
Teenage rugby idols?
Jason Robinson, Jonny Wilkinson and Will Greenwood. I was starting out when they won the World Cup and that’s where I got the bug from.
How do you chill-out?
Coaching, but away from rugby I’ve got two girls and like to spend time with my family. I play golf with Olivia, the older one.
Pastimes or hobbies?
I’m trying to learn the piano and am getting taught to cook by my wife. Ten years of cooking for me has taken its toll and I’m picking it up now.
Why learn the piano?
My younger daughter wanted to play so I’m learning with her.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Ricky Gervais for the banter; Ian Poulter for his Ryder Cup stories; and Jessica Ennis for a bit of eye candy and because my little one loves her.
Pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Always sticky toffee pudding after spaghetti Bolognese on the eve of a match. That’s my secret! And this year I’ve started to read before games to keep myself relaxed.
Best and worst Donny banter?
Phil Eggleshaw tells us he’s the best, which he is, but it’s always stinking towards me! Worst is Colin Quigley, our prop, who just goes on and on about being the best in the league. He takes his stick well, to be fair.
Best and worst dressed?
Bevon Armitage puts a lot of thought into his outfits. Worst is Collin Phillips, another prop, his stained clothes have never seen a washing machine.
Best place visited?
Tuscany this summer and it was stunning. Visited Florence and Siena and they are right up there in terms of places I’ve been.
Best bit of advice received?
From our old South African hooker at London Irish, Danie Coetzee, who was quite keen on telling me: “A happy wife means a happy life!”
Targets for Donny?
To be pushing at the right end of the table rather than being in a relegation battle. Being part of a team that couldn’t buy a win two years ago was soul destroying, but we’re really playing for each other again now.