20 Questions: Brett Sturgess – Exeter prop

Nearly, but not quite for Exeter so far this season?
Yes, especially in the last two weeks against Saracens and Bath. But we’ve been playing pretty well and we’re confident we can make up ground.
Sum up your six-and-a-half years at Chiefs?
Like being on an upward-bound rollercoaster. We’ve had a few dips but the club’s in good shape and the off-field plans mean we’ll continue to grow.
Similarities with your old club Northampton?
I think so. Saints had a strong money-man in charge in Keith Barwell and we’ve got Tony Rowe.
Where did you start out in rugby?
In the U15s at Kettering RFC. After that I played for the county and got invited to Saints at 17, making my debut a year later.
What other sports did you play?
Football and cricket. I was a decent wicketkeeper and might have had a chance at Northamptonshire, but my batting let me down.
Follow a football team?
I’m a big Arsenal fan and there’re a few Gooners at Chiefs. Dean Mumm, Kai Horstmann and I are planning a trip to the Emirates.
If not rugby, what would you have done?
I left school early because I didn’t have the brains so I’d probably be in the family painting and decorating firm.
Who were your rugby heroes?
Gary Pagel took me under his wing at Saints and was brilliant, while Jon Phillips was a real stalwart prop I used to look up to.
Best players you’ve propped against?
Darren Garforth at Leicester was a traditional squat prop and I learned a lot playing against him. Cobus Visagie at Sarries was another, while Craig Dowd at Wasps was brilliant.
Disappointed not to be capped by England?
Very. There was a time three or four years ago when England were struggling and I was playing good stuff… but they kept picking Tim Payne!
Are you simply underrated?
Maybe so. I still think I’m pretty consistent. I’m 32 so it might be too late, but if England called I might consider saying Yes!
How do you chill out?
I play a bit of ‘side-to-side’ golf off a 24 handicap. But I’ve got two children aged one and three who fill my time. That’s great because if you have a bad day they don’t hold it against you!
Best moments in rugby?
Touring South Africa with England U21s and signing my first contract at Saints. But winning the Championship with Chiefs in 2010 was tops.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
The Wurzels for starters. I’ve got an album of theirs on my ipad. Plus I’d go for Michael McIntyre and Stephen Fry. I could see me and Stephen bouncing off each other intellectually!
Pre-match rituals and superstitions?
It sounds horrible but I have to have a good retch before kick-off. It’s just a nervous thing. And I always wear the same pair of undersocks.
Jokers in the Chiefs pack?
There’s a lot of banter, mainly aimed at me! Chris Whitehead and Tom Johnson are the biggest culprits but if it makes them feel better, so be it.
Best and worst dressed?
Henry Slade is a whore to Nike. He wears those horrible Bruce Grobbelaar training bottoms, which look terrible. Chris Whitehead is smartest.
Like the new scrum laws?
My back certainly feels a lot less sore on Mondays! It’s more challenging as an eight technically but I’m quite enjoying it.
Is Rob Baxter always as calm as he looks?
The only time I’ve seen him flustered was when we  played Graham Dawe’s Plymouth in the Championship… that got his juices flowing!
Remaining ambitions?
To play for England, stay as fit as I can, earn a new contract in 18 months’ time and win more silverware with Exeter.