20 Questions: Glen Townson – Bristol lock

Back into pre-season early, weren’t you?
We started on May 23! It’s been good, though, because they gave us some time off during pre-season so it hasn’t been flat out.
How’s Andy Robinson gone down?
Really well. A coach of that standard is always going to make a big impression and we’re all buying into how he wants to play. There’s a good vibe.
As a forward, has Robbo been good for you?
He’s very technical, which is great for us because it’s those little things that make the difference. He can be very intense at times but all coaches are like that.
Exciting times at Bristol?
Everything seems to be moving in the right direction. The owner, Steve Lansdown, has shown his intent and it’s great for sport in Bristol.
Born in Lancaster… where did you start in rugby?
I came through the juniors at Vale of Lune before moving to Kirkham Grammar, near Blackpool, from where I was picked up by the Sale Sharks academy.
Why didn’t things work out at Sale?
I was there for three seasons but just couldn’t break through. They had quality players like Dean Schofield, Chris Jones, Christian Day and Jason White.
What happened after Sale?
I went to Doncaster for a year, which was great, then had two seasons at Newcastle, but one of the reasons I came to Bristol was their ambition.
Unfinished business in the Premiership?
Yes, if we could win the Championship that would be great. We’ve got everything in place and it’s up to the players to deliver. We’re relishing the challenge.
How do you chill out?
I’m big into films, mainly thrillers and action movies but not horror. I’ve also got an energetic black Labrador called Izzy so I’m quite keen on my walking.
Any other pastimes?
On my days off I do a bit of work experience with a local aerospace engineering firm doing computer aided design. It takes your mind off the rugby.
Rugby idol growing up?
Martin Johnson. I liked his no-nonsense attitude and ability to lead from the front. He was all about actions rather than words and was a good lineout forward.
Play other sports at school?
I was a keen swimmer and played water polo to quite a high level, representing the North of England at age group level until U16s. After that rugby took over.
Watch other sports on TV?
Being from the North, I enjoy my rugby league. My partner’s from St Helens and is a big fan, while I quite enjoy watching Warrington.
If you could be another sportsman, who?
Lewis Hamilton. I like Formula One and it’s not a bad lifestyle. You get to travel the world and having one of those luxury yachts would be nice.
Any good at cooking?
Not bad. I do most of the cooking at home because my missus works long hours. I’d say my speciality is home-made lasagne with a nice side salad.
If you could invite three dinner guests to try your lasagne, who?
Will Ferrell for some comedy, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson for his life stories and Arnold Schwarzenegger because he’d be pretty good value, too.
Pre-match superstitions or rituals?
I always strap my left leg before my right and put my left boot on first. Don’t know why, it just became a habit. And I have a tuna pasta bake before matches.
Best and worst banter at Bristol?
Ross Johnston is best. Typical Welshman, always full of energy and very quick witted. Worst is James Hall, who’s just joined from Newcastle, for his overall stupidity and lack of sense of humour.
Best and worst dressed?
Worst is James Hall again! His favourite combo is a pair of jeans with real running trainers… horrific! Best is Charlie Amesbury. He’s from London and likes his shirt, chinos and tweed jacket.
Comfortable about Bristol carrying the favourites tag?
There’ll be a lot of expectation on us but we’ve got to be able to deal with that. The boys are ready and we just want to get going. Fingers crossed we can have a good year and bring Premiership rugby back to Bristol.