20 Questions: Glenn Delaney – London Irish forwards coach

Enjoyed your two years at Irish?
Challenging, but excellent. I moved from Nottingham at the right time and with the future realignment at Irish, it’s only going to get better.
Can Irish be top six next season?
Why not? Foundations are in place; rebuilding is coming to a conclusion and we’ve got a group that will be together for a decent period.
Where did you start out in rugby?
I’m from Christchuch, started playing aged four and came through the Canterbury system with guys like Andrew Mehrtens, Daryl Gibson and Reuben Thorne. Wayne Smith was the development officer when I was 15.
Left New Zealand early, didn’t you?
I went to Leicester in 1992 on a year’s scholarship, then had a few years in Japan before joining London Irish in 1997. I’ve been in the UK since.
With the name Delaney, must be Irish blood?
Plenty. Galway is where they’re all from. The story goes that my great, great grandfather went to New Zealand and helped set up the Catholic Church.
Irish mean a lot to you?
Huge. I played lock for London Irish and made great friends. People make a club and, believe me, this is a proper rugby club.
What’s so special?
The junior section here is thriving. My kids play in it and I’m down here most Sundays doing the parent/child thing. It’s great to be involved in.
Shame the LI  Wild Geese got relegated?
Yes. But they’ll rebuild and the Geese have been great in terms of our younger guys getting exposure. A key strategy is for the clubs to have closer ties.
Who were your rugby heroes?
I grew up in the Gary Whetton age of the fast, athletic lock, and Robin Brooke was in his pomp when I was 19 or 20. All Blacks were revered and those were the players you wanted to be.
How big was the 1987 World Cup to you?
Enormous. I went to all the games at Lancaster Park and had the posters on my wall. Seeing the best teams in your back garden was something else.
Play any other sports?
I was a big cricketer and still play when I can. I get to Test matches at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, where I have cricketing mates from my time in Nottingham.
How do you chill out?
Claire and I have four kids – two boys, two girls – so they run us round a bit. They love their sport, though, so it’s fun.
Hobbies or pastimes?
Music’s my thing and I’ve been a guitar player forever. My son plays now so we’ll turn up the amps and annoy Claire and the neighbours.
Which bands do you like?
I love the heavy metal… early Guns & Roses stuff was where it started, then Foo Fighters, Nirvana, AC/DC, all the classic hard-rock.
Enjoy cooking?
I’m a big barbecue fan… steak, spit-roasts, that kind of stuff. As long as there’s a beer and a couple of steaks going I don’t think I’m bad company.
Three special guests you’d invite?
Bill Clinton, to understand what makes him tick; Jimi Hendrix, who was another creative person; and the All Blacks legend, Colin Meads.
As a Kiwi, describe Colin Meads?
He’s literally like royalty. I’ve been out for a few beers with him and it’s like having the Queen with you as everyone wants to touch him, talk to him and get his autograph. But at the same time, I’ve not met a more humble man.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Moaners! I hate people who whinge. Don’t come to me with a problem, bring a solution.
Best and worst dressed player at LI?
Same for both… Marland Yarde. He’s so bang on trend that it can look terrible one week and fantastic the next, but I’m too old to know!
Best and worst banter?
Tomas O’Leary is pretty chipper, but worst is Jebb Sinclair. He’s positive, upbeat and infectious, but being Canadian it’s not always very good.
Any time off planned?
We often go to Spain but this time I might go back to Christchurch and catch up with a few people in the game. It’s good to compare notes.