20 Questions: Eoghan Grace – Plymouth Albion flanker

Enjoying the season so far?
It’s going well. I’ve played in all but one of our games and I’m happy. I enjoyed Devon before and it was an easy decision coming back from Connacht.
Seems to be new ambition under James Shanahan?
He’s brought vigour to Plymouth and has high hopes. We all have the same ambition and it’s about kicking on and turning that into results.
Where did you start out in rugby?
Clonmel RFC, Tipperary, when I was 8. And when I went to Rockwell College it got serious and I was picked up by Munster.
Did you play other sports?
Hurling, Gaelic football and golf. My parish was hugely into GAA and I played at Moyle Rovers, while at golf I played off a 4 handicap.
How did it go at Munster?
I played U19s and 20s for Munster and made Ireland‘s U20s. It was an exciting time for Munster and I gained an academy contract from that.
Won a 6 Nations U20s grand slam with Ireland?
Yes, in 2007. Guys like Cian Healy, Ian Keatly, Keith Earls and Luke Fitzgerald were in that side and pretty much everybody is playing pro.
Who were/are your rugby heroes?
Paul O’Connell and Richie McCaw; Paul because of his inspiration and Richie was the guy in my position I have studied the most.
Why did you leave Munster in 2010?
I just could never push into the senior ranks. I trained with the senior guys but they were known for having great back rowers and I couldn’t break in.
Didn’t work out at Exeter, either?
Sadly, no. I joined them the year they were promoted but suffered an Achilles problem. I managed a few LV= Cup games but then joined Connacht.
Who do you lodge with at Plymouth?
Declan Cusack and Chris Elder. Both good lads but I hate it when they use my bathroom. They use all my stuff and never leave things tidy.
Who does the cooking?
I’m the master chef! I’ve just made a lasagne and it turned out great. It’s like Come Dine With Me… you’re rated and if it’s not good enough you get told.
If you could invite three dinner guests?
Tiger Woods, because he would have good stories to tell; Kelly Brook, because she seems to enjoy ‘meeting’ rugby players; and St Patrick, because I’d like to know how he drove the snakes out of Ireland.
How do you chill-out?
There’s a good bunch of lads at Plymouth so we end up doing a lot of social stuff together. I also have a German Shepherd called Nigel who keeps me busy.
Watch/support any other sports?
I’ll watch any sport on TV but I’m a big Man Utd fan and follow them closely. We’ve been to see Plymouth Argyle a few times but they’re not the best.
Pastimes or hobbies?
I’m big into music. I’ve got a set of decks and speakers which keep the neighbours awake. I’m into dance, hip-hop and all that kind of stuff.
Best and worst banter at Albion?
Having kissed the Blarney Stone, I naturally have the best. Worst is our prop, Matt Shields, who claims to be the best but needs shooting down a level.
Best and worst dressed?
Heath Stevens has the film star name and thinks he’s a dream-boat, but he not. Best is Dave Morton, who sports a very natty line in farming gear.
If not a rugby player, what would you be?
Something in sport. I did a business course at Uni but didn’t like it, so I’m doing strength & conditioning now and it would be along those lines.
Ambition for the season?
Just to be in the side week-in, week-out and have a good solid season. Plymouth have had a few rough years so it would be nice to get up the table.
Fancy another crack at the Premiership?
Absolutely. I’d love to be a ‘name’ player in one of the top leagues. The dream is to be an international and you can never let that go.