20 Questions: Paul Diggin – Northampton winger
No. We had our first baby, Isla, nine weeks ago and we’ve been trying to work how to be parents. It’s a good craic, though, and she’s smiling now. Isla’s my proudest achievement.
Proudest achievement in rugby?
Getting to the Heineken Cup final last year was pretty cool. It was bitter-sweet, though, because we had an awesome season and to fall short was gutting.
Losing at Quins last season must have been gutting, too?
Totally. We were three minutes away from the Premiership final and felt we’d have had a good chance of mounting a challenge at Twickenham.
You looked pretty distraught after that?
It was heartbreaking. We had guys leaving at the end of the season and people like Jimmy Downey and Roger Wilson deserved something.
What’s the mood in pre-season now?
Really positive. The guys have come back in good shape and we’re working very, very hard under our fitness man, Nick Johnston. He puts you through it and every new player says it’s their hardest pre-season.
Is Nick the most hated man at Saints?
For these three months he is! But he gets results and we’ll be in top condition for the start of the season.
How close did you come to leaving Saints?
I was injured and not in the team, so people talk. Clubs come in for you but I didn’t want to leave. It was a case of getting back in the team and winning a new contract, which I did. This is my 10th season now and I want to play here as long as I can.
Pleased Jim Mallinder extended his contract?
He should be the next England manager really, but he wants to win something big at Northampton first. If he left there’d be a big hole to fill.
Who’s the biggest joker at Saints?
There’s a massive gap in the market now Chris Ashton‘s left! Dylan Hartley might step up, though, because when he gets a bit of time on his hands he can get a bit creative. Put it this way, you need to make sure your locker is fast shut!
Best and worst trainers?
Tom Wood and Calum Clark are absolute machines. They’re just so competitive. Me and Ryan Lamb are probably the worst. Backs are naturally lazy, aren’t they?
Tightest player?
Mark Sorenson, without doubt. We’ll be having a coffee and it’ll be: “Aaw, can you just get me one.” He’s always poncing lifts off people as well.
Worst-dressed player?
Ryan Lamb. He comes in looking like a vagrant and must dress in the dark!
Favourite food and drink?
I love a fillet steak, Rossini style with a nice bit of pate on top and the red wine reduction. Drinks-wise, it’s Guinness for me.
How do you chill out?
I enjoy films and, now my shoulders and elbows are right, I’ve recently developed an addiction to golf. I need a green card from the missus to play, though!
Guilty pleasure?
Pizza is my Achilles heel. I’m a fat boy so it’s not good news!
Holiday destination?
I go to Tenerife quite a bit because my brother lives there. But given the choice, I’d go back to Cancun, Mexico. Awesome.
Rugby idol growing up?
It sounds terrible, but Paul Grayson. He was the incumbent England fly-half at the time and as a kid I’d be chasing his autograph. I liked Rob Andrew too… before he became head of the RFU!
Team-mate you’re a little afraid of?
Samu Manoa. He’s big, I’m little and if he got angry I’d move aside pretty quickly!
Superstitions?
I always go out 42 minutes before a game. Our main warm-up starts 27 minutes before so it gives me 15 minutes of my own time.
Things you love and hate about rugby?
Hate promotion and relegation, not knowing who’s going where. Scrums are a farce, too! Love the fact rugby’s always evolving and that it’s the best team game you can play. Playing for my home town club is awesome, too.
