20 Questions: Neil Best – London Scottish flanker
It’s been good. I never envisaged playing here but I’m 35 in April and I’m pleased to still be playing a good standard of rugby.
Looking at life beyond rugby?
Yes. I’ve probably one more season left and I’m starting to explore opportunities. Not sure what, but I’ve got good connections and hope to use those.
Degree in chemical engineering?
Yes, but don’t ask me how! I’m doing psychometric testing at the moment to see what careers might suit me.
How did you get into rugby?
I started late with Belfast Harlequins while at Uni and was then given a chance by Ulster. Alan Solomons gave me my first pro contract.
Best moment in club rugby?
Winning the European Challenge Cup final with Northampton in 2009 was special. That was a tough game against Bourgoin with a couple of big punch-ups!
International highlights?
Going on tour with Ireland was always good but in terms of victories, beating South Africa and Australia back-to-back in 2006 was pretty special. To beat two Southern Hemisphere teams like that is pretty rare.
Play any other sports growing up?
Soccer as a youngster and then I rowed at Uni. Played some squash, too, so I was always a bit of an all-rounder. I just enjoyed playing sport.
Early sporting heroes?
Only one… Mike Tyson. He’s a controversial character but the way he was dedicated to boxing and the ferociousness he showed just blew me away.
How do you chill out?
I’ve got a young family – three boys aged eight, three and two – so going training with Scottish is actually like having a break! I commute from Northampton so it’s pretty full-on and any spare time is spent with the family.
Enjoy any pastimes?
I like cooking. I used to be into fancy desserts but these days it’s more family cooking like risottos and paellas. I love my cookery books but the kids only want to eat chicken nuggets!
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Not Mike Tyson, too volatile. So I’d have Jesus Christ, Alistair McGowan for some impressions and David Walliams, he’s an outstanding bloke and very funny.
Best places visited?
I went to Argentina with Ireland in 2007. It’s a different place and I’d like to go back. I also enjoyed Canada and trekking around France.
Pet hates and annoyances?
People who read newspapers and leave the pages all mixed up; people who smash the poppadoms in Indian restaurants; and my dishwasher at home must be appropriately packed with the plates and cutlery in the right places.
Watch any sport on TV?
Do you have any kids? I watch Bob The Builder, Finding Nemo, Cars and Shrek! With leaving the house at 5am and going to bed at 9pm, that’s all I get to see.
Surprised old club Worcester are struggling?
Yes. But Dean Ryan’s trying to fix it and you hope the new broom will sweep clean and they can come back. They’ve got good facilities and backing, they just need to do what Harlequins and Northampton have done in the past.
Anything you’d change in rugby?
Bring back proper rucking. It’s a contact sport but if you ruck people now you’re in danger of getting binned or being sent off. It’s going soft.
How do you rate your coach James Buckland?
One of the best forwards coaches I’ve had. He’s only 31 – nearly four years younger than me – but he understands players and he’s got real passion for the game. He shouts at us, but we don’t mind that. He’s got a big future in the game.
Can Scottish finish top four?
Yes and it would be nice to give the directors some reward. It would be pretty amazing if we ended up winning the whole thing and we’d like to give our bosses the problem of getting us up.
Winning the Championship your last ambition?
You want to win something, no matter where you play that drive is always there. We are well coached, so why not?
