20 Questions: Carl Kirwan – London Welsh flanker

Good to be a Premiership player at last?
It hasn’t sunk in yet, but we’ll enjoy this and then the hard work starts again. We’re going to have to take things up to another level.
When did you start believing it was on?
The semi-final at home to Leeds when we came back to win. It showed the whole team spirit and where we wanted to be. That was a huge point in our season and took us into Bristol with lots of confidence.
Big ambition to play top-flight?
Of course, you want to be playing in the Premiership against the top players. It’s the best league in the world.
How did you celebrate?
We had a club dinner on Thursday night and a few beers, nothing silly. You’ve got to enjoy the moment but we’re back in on June 30 for another long season.
Got a holiday planned?
Going to Cyprus with my girlfriend for a week, just to get a bit of sun and take the weight off my feet. Hopefully, I’ll come back refreshed.
Another ex-Rotherham boy in the Prem?
Not a bad production line, is it? Sam Dickinson was one of the first people to text me after we won at Bristol wishing me luck. Watching him in the Premiership final was amazing. He’s done really well and I can’t wait to play against him.
Where did you start out in rugby?
Middlesbrough’s my home town club, then I was in Newcastle‘s academy. That didn’t work out but I played socially at Middlesbrough again before getting my chance at Roth.
Think your top-flight chance had gone?
Yes. When you’re turned away by a Premiership club you think that. But I got my head down, worked on my weaknesses and I’ve had a lucky break.
Ready for that next step now?
Hopefully. Obviously you need to be fitter, stronger and faster in the Premiership, but training will go up a notch and I can’t wait for the challenge it will bring.
Always been an openside?
No, I started at No.8 and played a lot at blindside through the Yorkshire system. No.7 was where I wanted to be, though, and we’ll see how far I can go.
Which opensides do you admire?
Richie McCaw is a sensational player who masterminds the breakdown, but I also admired the heart of Lewis Moody. Maybe not so much brains but the heart and soul he put into each game was phenomenal.
Ambitions in the game?
You’ve got to want to reach the top, which means England and the Lions. If I could push for a place in the Saxons next season, that would be a dream.
Rate the job Justin Burnell has done?
Outstanding. The mood in the camp is sensational. There’s no divide between people, just a really good group of guys, which is all down to Justin.
Play any other sports as a lad?
Lots of football and I was a season ticket holder at Middlesbrough FC. Then I stumbled across rugby and enjoyed the physicality and the way teams work together.
How do you chill-out?
I attempted golf but it’s not my cup of tea and I don’t really do the running about London thing. I just hang round with the guys, drink coffee and have a laugh.
Enjoy films or music?
The cinema’s always a good place to relax and I enjoy action or comedy. Music-wise, I like motivational dance or house stuff.
Pet hates or annoyances?
I’m a pretty easy going guy to be fair, but London traffic is one thing that definitely winds me up.
Best and worst banter at Welsh?
Pete ‘The Meat’ Edwards (dad was a butcher) is very funny, although I can’t understand his Welsh accent half the time. Worst is Seb Jewell, who tries far too hard.
Best and worst dressed?
Nathan Trevett is unbelievably smooth for a prop. Worst is Will Robinson… anyone who turns up for training in a three-piece suit must have something wrong.
Can Welsh survive next season?
There’ll be new players coming in but if we keep the same environment and spirit, we’ll have a good chance.
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on June 8.