20 Questions: Paul Doran-Jones – Harlequins prop

How are you settling in at Quins?
I’m really enjoying it. It’s a great environment here, they’re a great bunch of lads and I’m really looking forward to the new season.
Has Paul Sackey flogged you a used car yet?
He’s been trying! He deals in top end stuff but I told him I was happy with my VW Golf and he looked at me like I had two heads.
Tough decision leaving Northampton?
They’ve got a great fan-base and set-up, but I don’t think I ever really settled there and it’s nice to be back near my own family in London.
Just celebrated a new arrival, haven’t you?
Yes, a little girl called Isla Jane. She’s amazing and I love being a dad. With moving house it’s been a lot of change, but all good so far.
Trained with England last week?
Yes, it was good to get together and it’s a really enthusiastic group. They’re building a great culture which will hopefully see us through to RWC 2015.
What must you do to get past Dan Cole and David Wilson?
I’ve got to nail down my spot at Quins first because there are some good boys here. Then, hopefully, the way Quins play will allow the rest to take care of itself.
Big boots to fill after James Johnston?
Massive… I think he had size 14.5 feet! He played so well over the last couple of years and was a real fans’ favourite. Hopefully I can live up to it.
Where did you start out?
My junior club was Maidenhead. There was a group of us from Wellington College who went there, including James Haskell, Thom and Max Evans and Stuart Mackie.
Went to Uni in Dublin after that, didn’t you?
Yes, I attended Trinity College and played for Lansdowne. I was in the Leinster set-up but they kept signing South African internationals so I joined London Welsh.
Rugby idols growing up?
Zinzan Brooke because he was one of the greatest,  Sylvain Marconnet for his amazing propping ability and Carlos Spencer for his sheer brilliance.
How do you chill-out?
I’ve got into DIY, although I’m no good at it. Dave Attwood’s a DIY nut and has been giving me tips, but I’m struggling to even put pictures up.
Play any other sports at school?
I was a decent cricketer and a frustrated footballer. Basically I just got too big and fat and they kept pushing me towards rugby.
Follow a football team?
Love my football and for my sins I’m a Spurs fan. We’ll lose Gareth Bale but we’re looking a pretty decent squad. My missus is a massive Wigan fan.
Are you a dab hand in the kitchen?
I try. I do quite good meatballs and tagliatelle and my fish chowder’s not bad, although things can go horrifically wrong sometimes.
If you could invite three special guests to dinner, who?
Henry VIII because he was an amazing character who had seven wives and changed all the rules, then Nelson Mandela and, for eye candy, Scarlett Johansson.
Best and worst banter at Quins?
Danny Care is pretty good. He’s just relentless and is into everything. Joe Gray has got terrible banter. He’s a lovely lad who tries hard, but is way off the mark.
Best and worst dressed?
Ugo Monye wears Christian Louboutin shoes and is into real high end fashion, while Nick Evans wears this battered old cap and Nick Easter wears jeans and running trainers, which you just don’t do.
If you could have three of the world’s best players in your side, who?
Dan Carter to run the show, Owen Franks because he’s a quality tighthead and the back row warrior Imanol Harinordoquy.
Thoughts on the new scrum laws?
Why do they keep changing it? It’s good that hookers will have to hook, but it might take away the physical confrontation, which is the whole point!
Team to look out for this season?
Gloucester. They’ve got a good, maturing backline and lots of unsung heroes up front. With their set-up, they could fulfil their promise.