20 Questions: Gavin Cattle – Cornish Pirates scrum-half

Been anywhere nice on holiday?
I had a few days on the Scilly Isles and the rest of the time has been spent renovating a house we bought eight months ago. It’s been pretty taxing.
Biggest turnover of players you’ve known at Pirates?
Definitely. We’ve retained a core of senior players but the average age is a lot younger. That’s exciting, though, and refreshing in many ways.
Has Josh Lewsey made an impact as CEO?
Yes. The culture and environment’s had a big shake up, which was needed. He’s broken things down in fine detail and there’s a big emphasis on accountability.
Been around the Championship a while now?
It was 1999 when I first joined Birmingham, and then I had a spell at Orrell before joining Pirates in ‘04. Apart from two years at Scarlets, it’s been Pirates all the way.
Will you end your career in Penzance?
I’m 33 now, so it looks that way. I love the place, what it stands for rugby-wise and my wife and I are well settled here. But in rugby you never know.
Got an eye on life after playing?
I’m RFU Level 3 qualified and would like to get into coaching. I’ve been doing some academy coaching and talent ID work at Truro College to keep my hand in.
How do you chill-out?
I’ve got a three-year-old daughter and another on the way, so that keeps me busy. I also enjoy getting out on the coast walking or fishing, especially with the weather we’ve had.
Enjoy cooking?
I’m not bad. I reckon I could hold my own on Come Dine With Me and my signature dish at the moment would be a chicken and chorizo stew.
If you could invite three dinner guests, who?
Peter Kay for some humour, Che Guevara for some controversial chat and Natalie Imbruglia. She’s kicking on a bit but she’ll still do!
Rugby idols growing up?
I started at Pencoed RFC and Scott Gibbs was a local boy we all admired. And being a scrum-half, I was a big fan of Robert Jones and Rob Howley.
You’re a Rugby League fan, aren’t you?
Yes. That came from when Scott Gibbs joined St Helens. And when I was at Orrell we trained with Wigan, so I’ve always enjoyed Super League.
Follow any other sports?
I was pretty good at basketball at school, which is unusual for a shorty, and I liked cricket and football as well. I’m a Cardiff City fan.
If you could be another sportsman, who?
I love my Formula One so I’d say Jenson Button. I’d love a crack at his lifestyle, wages and the adrenaline rush. The surfer, Kelly Slater, does alright too.
Pleased your old coach Jim McKay got the Aussie No.2 gig?
I’m ecstatic for him. He’s a legend. I keep in touch with Jim and we always talked about playing or coaching our countries. He’s beaten me to it!
Most prized possession?
The Olympic torch I got last year for running the leg from Falmouth town centre. Some people sold theirs but I’m hanging on to mine.
Pet hates and dislikes?
Shirkers, litterbugs and tractors. Being down in Cornwall, tractors create huge tailbacks but just keep on going and never pull over. Aagh!
Best and worst banter at Pirates?
Our hooker, Rob Elloway, has stinking chat. He goes to banter-camp each summer, learns two new jokes and bombards us with them all season. Chris Morgan and Ben Prescott are pretty decent.
Best and worst dressed?
Jonny Bentley was a right scruff but he’s gone to Gloucester. Best would be Chris Morgan, who’s a bit of a fashion icon. That’ll change soon, though, because his missus is pregnant and he’ll be emptying his cash elsewhere!
Disappointed no Championship XV game this year?
It’s a real shame because it’s a good tool for players and coaches to bridge the gap between the Championship and Premiership. They should get it back.
Expectations for Pirates this season?
We’ve a bigger squad but haven’t got so many recognised names, so hopefully they can fulfil their potential. Making the top four would be massive.