20 Questions: Sam Dickinson – Northampton No.8

Enjoyed your season?
It’s been brilliant, both personally and as a squad. It’s my first season at this level, the coaches have backed me and I’m living the dream.
What’s your background?
Born in Manchester, but was brought up in a little village in North Wales called Llanarmon-yn-lal. We moved around after that through my dad’s work.
What did he do?
He was a journalist. Started with the Manchester Evening News before working up to be business director for Trinity Mirror, but he’s retired now.
Where did you start in rugby?
Caldy RFC. We’d moved to the Wirral from Northumberland and it was my local club. I joined the Colts and dad encouraged me to have a crack.
Got your break at Rotherham?
Yes. Craig West offered me a negligible sum to go and then Andre Bester took over in my second year and things moved on with Saints after that.
Great production line at Roth?
Really good. It’s great to see lads like Fergus and Charlie Mulchrone, Eammon Sheridan and Gareth Denman joining Premiership clubs as well. Lee Blackett can hopefully do some good recruiting and keep the conveyor belt going.
Play any other sports growing up?
I was one of four kids and was never really into rugby. I preferred cricket and football, which was my main sport until I joined Caldy.
Which football team do you support?
The whole family supports Manchester United and I was born in St Mary’s Hospital near Old Trafford. Until this season I’d only ever known glory!
Always been a No.8?
No. I was a beanpole growing up so played full-back before becoming a scrum-half. But Caldy eventually put me at flanker and then to No.8.
Player you most admired?
Lawrence Dallaglio did some pretty amazing things. He was a spectacular player who was great at what he did and his passion made him stand out.
Biggest influence on your career?
Would have to be my mum and dad for how they’ve supported me. Without them I wouldn’t have had my kick-start and it’s great they can enjoy watching me now.
Best moment in rugby?
Beating Leicester last week was special. It was the biggest game of my life and the best atmosphere I’ve experienced. You couldn’t have asked for any better. And to do it with 14 men says a lot about our team.
Have you forgiven Salesi Ma’afu yet?
He’s had a bit of a wind-up about getting sent off. But we know he didn’t start it and it was just heat of the moment. It happens. I wouldn’t want to have a scrap with him now!
How do you chill-out?
Play a bit of golf, enjoy the cinema now and again and play a lot of cards with the lads. We’ll go to Starbucks for a coffee and just relax.
Who do you lodge with?
There’s six of us in this big old farmhouse – me, Alex Corbisiero, Calum Clark, Dom Waldouck, James Craig and Rob Verbakel. There’s the odd flashpoint but we get over them and it’s a good household with a nice group of lads.
What annoys you most?
I’m a relatively tidy person so I get a little frustrated when you have people making a mess in your area. You have to bite your lip sometimes.
Who’s the best cook?
James Craig. He does a mean Yorkshire roast which goes down very well.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Stephen Hawking, although my intellect is not quite up there with his; Winston Churchill; and my dad who I owe a lot to in my life.
Enjoy travelling?
Yes. I did some travelling in my gap year and the east coast of Australia and New Zealand‘s south island were really beautiful. And I enjoyed Cuba and Jamaica with my girlfriend.
Best and worst dressed at Saints?
There’s a few competitors for best, with Calum Clark and James Wilson probably ahead in the fashion stakes. But worst by a long, long way is Ross McMillan who dresses like a granddad.