20 Questions: James Percival – Worcester lock
Ten days in Marbella. The weather was amazing and now I’ve come back to this rubbish.
Like travelling?
Love it. I was going to go to Thailand because Chris Pennell got married there and a few of the boys went out, but I’m renovating the house and laying our wooden floor took precedence.
Enjoy seeing former club Quins win the Premiership?
Great win. They’ve been building to it for the last five years. You could see all the young boys coming through and to beat Leicester was a great achievement for the club.
Feel jealous?
No. Honestly… not one bit. I’m proud and happy for the boys but never wished I was still there. I enjoyed my time at Quins and had amazing experiences, but I want to achieve that with Worcester now because it’s the club I’ve always loved. If anything, what Quins did spurs me on.
Can Worcester follow suit?
Why not? With the set-up here, Nigel Redman coming back and the coaching team they’ve put together, you’ve got to say there’s a chance.
Biggest jokers at Warriors?
Tevita Taumoepeau and Aleki Lutui. Shaun Perry and I sit opposite them and we haven’t got a clue what they’re on about most of the time, but I’ve never seen two blokes laugh so much.
Best trainer?
Matt Kvesic. He’s a very dedicated lad. Good player, too.
Worst trainer?
Andy Goode. You can’t change him. But do what you do as long as you play well on a Saturday. Let him be what he is.
Biggest moaner?
Matt Mullen. Not in a bad way, he just likes everything to be 110 per cent or he’ll have a right go.
Shortest arms, deepest pockets?
Goodey. Never knowingly buys a round.
Worst dressed?
Goodey again. He likes The Only Way Is Essex coloured chino combinations. Shocking!
How do you chill-out/hobbies?
A bit of DIY and walking the dog. I’ve got a black Japanese Shiba Inu.
Favourite food and drink?
Nandos… I’m a big chicken man. Love it. Drinks-wise, I like a Rekorderlig strawberry and lime flavoured Swedish cider.
Guilty pleasures?
Croissants, pastries and custard tarts. I can sometimes nail a whole bag of those custard doughnuts you get at the Co-Op as well… although I make sure to save one for the missus!
Most famous friend?
Shaun Perry. No, wait… Andy Goode!
Rugby idols growing up?
None. I knew nothing about rugby until I was 16. Coaching-wise, the people who inspired me were Nigel Redman during my first spell at Worcester and Dean Richards at Quins.
Best rugby moment?
Playing for Quins against Stade Francais in front of 80,000 at Stade de France… and beating them!
Person you most admire?
In rugby, Dean Richards. Outside , Arnold Schwarzenegger. Loved his film, Pumping Iron.
Rugby law you’d change?
I’d have robotic refs… to ensure consistency!
Superstitions?
Loads. Only wear scrum-cap ON the pitch; my kitbag must be prepared the same way as the previous week; always have to have a clean shirt; same breakfast and food before each game… shall I go on?
