20 Questions: Chris Pennell – Worcester full-back

Been anywhere decent on holiday?
My wife, Jo, and I went for a week in Crete, which was lovely. We stayed opposite Spinalonga, which we were told used to be a leper colony.
You have a baby on the way, I believe?
We’re having a little girl in September. She’ll be our first and we’re really looking forward to it. I’m trying to get as much sleep as possible right now!
How’s Dean Ryan settling in at Sixways?
Very well. It’s hugely different and it feels like we’ve all started at a new club, but his arrival has really freshened the whole thing up.
Is he living up to his hard man reputation?
I guess so. He just observed us for the first few weeks, which spooked a few lads, but he’s settled in now and has made a big impression on everyone.
Were you sad to see Richard Hill go?
You get used to it at Worcester! It’s never nice to see anyone lose their job and I’ve seen a fair few coaches and DoRs come through, but that’s rugby.
Done anything unusual in pre-season training?
We ran up the Malvern Hills the other week and when we arrived at the top our chef was there with hot dogs and cornettos, which was a bit bizarre.
How do you chill-out?
At the minute it involves getting the barbecue out, but during the season I enjoy a round of golf and just spending time with family and friends.
Were you good at any other sports?
I enjoyed my cricket. I was an all-rounder and I do miss it a bit. People say I could have given cricket a good crack, but I didn’t have the same love for it as rugby.
How did you get into rugby?
I played for Bredon RFC before moving to Northern Ireland where I played junior rugby for Portadown. After that I boarded at Oldswinford School in Stourbridge, from where I was picked up by Worcester at 17.
Teenage rugby idols?
Everyone wanted to be Jonny Wilkinson, but I was a huge fan of Jason Robinson and Will Greenwood as well. They were great role models.
If you could be another sportsman?
Andy Murray’s got a pretty good gig but I don’t think you could beat being a golfer. I’d like to be Tiger Woods, but without his history!
Most prized possession?
I’ve got a tankard from the 1981 Ashes cricket which the England players were given after beating Australia. My dad was Graham Dilley, the fast bowler.
Really! How did you end up being called Pennell?
My parents split up when I was young and I moved to Northern Ireland with my mum. We took on my step dad’s name and it stuck.
Get emotional seeing re-runs of your late dad’s famous innings with Ian Botham?
Not really. But I’ve met ‘Beefy’ a few times and he’s a top guy. He held my dad in very high regard which is nice. The old boy did quite well!
Rituals or superstitions?
For some reason I have to salute lone magpies. I was told to do it or get bad luck for the rest of the day. I tell myself not to but just can’t help myself.
Best bit of advice received?
Enjoy every day!
Pet hates or dislikes?
It really bugs me when people leave stuff lying around; when they leave rubbish sitting there or take dirty plates out but leave them on top of the washing machine.
Best and worst banter at Warriors?
The most inappropriate banter is from James Percival, who’s sharp but has no tact. Best is Ed Shervington, who stepped up to the plate after Chris Fortey left.
Best and worst dressed?
Jonny Arr is always very well dressed and groomed. Worst would be Jake Abbott who now and again wears skinny jeans but whose legs are too big. It just looks bad.
Hopes for the new season?
We’re very confident things are moving forward and it’s up to us where we take it. We’ve got everything in place to be successful. There are no excuses.