20 Questions: George Watkins – Bristol winger

Pleased to be back after your thumb injury?
It’s been frustrating but it’s great to be involved again and there’s a lot of excitement around the club with today being our 125th anniversary.
Proud to play for your home town club?
It’s massive for me. I’ve watched Bristol since I can remember and I’m desperate to help this club do well again in the Premiership.
Earliest Bristol memory?
Going to see Gus Pichot and Felipe Contepomi with my dad, just after they signed in 1999. I was nine and they made an awesome impression on me. True Bristol legends.
Any other rugby idols?
At Bristol, I liked Phil Christophers and Lee Best a lot. Outside of Bristol, Matt Perry was a bit of a hero and, later on, I admired Jason Robinson.
Where did you start out in rugby?
I’ve always been with Bristol. Started with the minis and joined the academy at 15, whilst also attending Colston’s school.
Renowned rugby school that?
Everyone is aware of the history and if you lost, it was like a death. We lost a pre-season match once and everyone was broken.
Play any other sports at school?
Lots of football and cricket, plus I reached south-west level in athletics at high jump and 200-metres. I was a pretty good all-rounder.
Bristol City or Rovers?
I’m more of a City fan. I don’t know why but that’ll please our owner, Steve Lansdown, as we’re moving to Ashton Gate next season.
But not really a City fan?
No, I’m a big Man Utd fan. Jack Tovey often gets us tickets and we’re going for the Champions League game against Real Sociedad.
Why has Bristol underachieved as a sporting city?
That’s a tough one. Both Bristol City and ourselves have been in play-off finals recently but not done ourselves justice in big games. Maybe it boils down to embracing those big occasions and the whole city buying into it.
Aside from football, how do you chill-out?
Just going for a coffee with the lads or a bit of FIFA on my XBox. I’m just starting an Open University degree to put my time to better use.
Enjoy travelling?
Love it. It’s difficult to fit in but this summer Tristan Roberts, Ben Glynn, Jack Tovey and I drove around LA, San Diego, Vegas and San Francisco. Brilliant!
Favourite food/cooking?
I like Italian and we’ve got a deal with a restaurant in Bristol called Aqua which is very good. I do lots of cooking and my speciality is mustard chicken with Dauphinoise potatoes.
If you could invite three dinner guests, who?
Cristiano Ronaldo, I’m a big fan; Will Ferrell, I love his films; and Usain Bolt for his great chat and overall star quality.
If not a rugby player, what would you be?
A footballer! Actually, I was into history at school so I’d have probably done that at Uni and then done something related. I might even have moved abroad.
If you could be another sportsman, who?
Cristiano Ronaldo, although I wouldn’t mind being a mechanic on a Formula 1 team. You get all the travelling and you’re part of a team.
Pet hates and annoyances?
I’m not very sociable on game days and like to remain in my bubble. Also, I hate it when we’re playing ‘touch’ in training and the bloke you touch carries on running. Cheats… you know who you are!
Best and worst banter at Bristol?
Best is Ross Johnston – very loud, a bit of a joker and is always the life and soul of the party. Worst is Ollie Hayes… a complete nause!
Best and worst dressed?
Ollie Hayes comes into that as well, but the worst is James Hall. He’s got terrible outfits and wears horrific T-shirts. Best is Ben Mosses… always looks sharp.
Ambition for the season?
To get promoted and be part of it. But it’s going to be tough. The Championship is getting tougher – if you’re 10 per cent off you get punished.