20 Questions: Charlie Amesbury – Bristol wing

Enjoyed your weekend off last week?
It was good not to have a game but we had a pretty tough training week with a lot of rugby to make sure we’re finely tuned to go into the end of the season.
What are you looking for before the play-offs?
We want to finish top of the league. We’re not looking at anything else after that for now. Every point is valuable so we can’t get ahead of ourselves.
Playing Worcester in the last round of the season too?
I’m sure there’ll be some things held back but it’s going to be very interesting. As it stands it’ll decide who will finish top which will be really valuable going into the play-offs.
Confident you can get promoted this season?
We’ve got a squad just as good as last season and we’re very settled. Worcester will propose a bigger challenge than people thought London Welsh would but it’ll come down to who plays better in the final two games.
Where will it be won or lost?
Rugby starts up front and we’ve got some big names in our pack who go forward most of the time. In big games like knock out rugby you have to win the battle at the breakdown. It’ll be a dog fight because there will be a lot at stake.
What about your own season?
I had a slow start not being picked at the start despite playing well in pre-season. The coaches spoke to me so I trained hard and managed to earn a spot. Since then I’ve had a good run of games.
What’s your personal target for the end of the season?
We have a lot of competition in the back three but I want to retain the shirt and help out as much as I can to win promotion.
Did you improve because of that competition for places?
Absolutely! You can’t rest on your laurels at Bristol. I train with my rivals George Watkins and David Lemi and we push each other constantly. I’d never leave the field if one of them stays out!
What’s your contract situation?
I’ve just signed a contract extension so I’m really pleased to settle down in Bristol. We’re going in the right direction with a great squad full of young talent and experience.
Now 29, where did you start playing rugby?
I was six when I joined Petersfield RFC and I played there every Sunday until the U19s.
Went to Quins after that?
Yes when the old U19s-U21s system was still in place so I got the chance to wear the shirt early on. It gave me a chance to show what I could do and manage to break into the first team before moving to Newcastle and Sale.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know about Andy Robinson?
Sean Holley is supposed to be in charge but Andy’s not very good to just stay on the sidelines and watch. He’d be in his suit itching to get involved with the lads.
Does he ever put the boots back on?
He often calls people out when tackling, saying he’d tackle any of us and I’m sure he probably could!
What annoys you the most in life?
Road rage. You can’t do much about traffic so just relax and enjoy the radio.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I’d be a full-time traveller. I volunteered in the jungle in Costa Rica and it was great to be lost in the middle of nowhere.
Played any other sports growing up?
I did them all! Tennis, cricket and hockey mainly but to be honest I was never any good at them. I was surprised to make it in rugby actually!
If you could be any sportsman?
Jenson Button. He looks to be enjoying his life driving fast cars around the world.
Three special dinner guests?
David Attenborough, Anna Kournikova and Michael McIntyre.
Best and worst banter at the club?
I can’t believe I’m saying this but Nicky Robinson is the best and the worst is James Hall who tries hard but always hits the wrong note.
Best and worse dressed?
Best would have to be Rhys Lawrence who just looks cool. Mark Sorenson is the worst because he’s a Kiwi.
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on April 12.