20 Questions: Gareth Steenson – Exeter fly-half
I got married to Karen so it’s been a big summer.
We went to Orlando and Miami on honeymoon and I got home to Ireland for a week, too.
Enjoy the States?
It was the first time I’d been to America. It’s very commercialised, but I like the culture and enjoyed it.
Back into the pre-season grind now?
Yep! It’s our third week and getting up at 6.30am has been tough. But the boys are in good nick and the new signings are fitting in well. There’s a good spirit around the place.
It’s a big season ahead for Chiefs, isn’t it?
Definitely! With moving into the Heineken Cup, everyone’s buzzing and we see the new season as a great challenge. These are games you want to be playing in and we’ve got top teams in our group.
How do you chill out?
I like to play a bit of golf, have a coffee or maybe go to the cinema. Not much time for that now with all the training and sleeping.
Who do you play golf with?
Tom Johnson and Mark Foster are pretty good and play off 10 or 11. Phil Dollman’s another, but he’s a bandit … plays off 11 but should be in single figures.
Your handicap?
I’m off 14 … not as good as the others!
Biggest jokers at Chiefs?
It’s hard to look past Haydn Thomas who’s always up to little pranks. Simon Alcott’s another, but there’s no one ripping your clothes up or any of that carry-on.
Cleverest players?
The ‘brains trust’ is James Hanks and our skipper Tom Hayes. Tom’s an impressive guy and his leadership qualities are second to none. Exeter Chiefs are built on people like that and it would have been great for Tom to have an opportunity with Ireland.
Teenage rugby idol?
Jonny Wilkinson was the man I looked up to. I was also lucky to have David Humphreys as a role model at Ulster when I was in the academy.
Who do you admire outside rugby?
My hero growing up was Paul Gasgoigne. I liked the way he played and the emotion he brought to football. He’s a guy I wanted to be, though not for the off-field stuff!
Follow a football team?
Yes … Liverpool. My next door neighbour is a massive fan as well. They’ve not done so well but they’ve an Ulsterman in charge now in Brendan Rodgers so maybe they’ll be better.
Any famous friends?
Tommy Bowe was in my class at school. I’ve also met Liam Tancock, the swimmer, a few times. He’s a big Chiefs fan and has a good shout of getting gold at the Olympics.
Favourite food and drink?
Guinness is my drink and, being Irish, I could eat potatoes all day. Chips, mash, colcannon, crisps… lovely!
Team-mate you’re a little afraid of?
I’ve seen Hoani Tui doing the haka and that’s one of the scariest things ever. And you wouldn’t want to be around guys like James Phillips or Simon Alcott when they lose their rags!
Any superstitions?
I always have two pairs of boots, one with moulded studs, the other with screw-ins. I’ll warm-up in my mouldies and play in the others.
Love and hate about rugby?
There’s nothing I hate. What I love is that anyone can play and that you rely on each other. If someone doesn’t work hard you’re in trouble. You’re fighting for your mates and developing that trust.
Do you wish fly-half rival Ignacio Mieres would disappear?
No! There’s no need to worry about things like that. Last season was the first time I’d experienced losing my shirt but we bring the best out of each other.
Can you win that jersey back?
I’ll be fighting hard for it and ‘Nacho’ understands that. Myles Dorrian’s training well, too, so we’re fortunate to have three 10s pushing each other.
Expectations for Chiefs?
We talk every year about getting better. We came fifth last year so if we could push for top four that would be fantastic.
