20 Questions: Jonny Arr – Worcester scrum-half

Manage a holiday in your short time off?
A few days in Berlin for Jake Abbott’s stag-do, which involved more than a few steins of the local brew. Then a week in Greece, which was more relaxing!
Any unusual pre-season training?
They’ve had us running on a motocross track, doing a bit of boxing and there’s a big work-on for the boys skipping-wise. We’re not too talented in that area.
Feel like you were a relegation outfit?
Not towards the end of the season when performances suggested we weren’t. But it took a while to get embedded and the damage was done earlier.
Is Dean Ryan as fierce as he looks?
He certainly can be, but deep down there are some good bones in there. His wealth of knowledge is second to none and he’s assembling a good young squad.
Tough with Bristol in the Championship?
It’ll be an interesting tussle and will create a bit of media hype, but the main thing is to bed in our new players and get things rolling early on.
How’s your partnership with Ryan Lamb?
Good. Ryan was a great addition and I looked forward to playing with him. He’s got that bit of X-factor about him and is the sort of player we need.
Worcester‘s highest appearance maker with 146, aren’t you?
I know, it’s quite bizarre. I can’t believe it myself. It’s something quite special to me and I’ll be looking to put as many on that as I can.
Signed a new deal in February… second thoughts?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about moving on. But I sat down with Dean and Nick Johnston and ultimately they persuaded me to stay.
Always been a Worcester boy?
I played for the Worcester minis and juniors from the age of 8 so I’ve come right through the club, playing for the colts before stepping into the senior ranks.
Scrum-halves you’ve looked up to?
My dad’s a proud Welshman so growing up it was Rob Howley. Of today’s players, Danny Care‘s the benchmark. He’s a big threat and really creative.
Pleased to see Chris Pennell doing well?
We’re over the moon for him. Injuries held him back but we knew what he was capable of and it’s great to see him in NZ doing it at the highest level.
Good advert for Worcester?
It certainly gives hope to the younger boys that Worcester is a place where you can be noticed. If you want it there are chances to push your career on.
Play any other sports?
Enjoyed my cricket at school and was a bit of an all-rounder. Still enjoy watching it. I try swinging a golf club now and again but I’m pretty erratic.
How do you chill-out?
With one eye on the future I’m studying for a degree in leadership management, so that’s keeping me very busy right now as I’m doing my dissertation.
Any hobbies or pastimes?
I like my music and play a bit of electric guitar. My housemates probably hate me for it but I’m into Indie and Rock. If I could be a guitarist it would be Eric Clapton.
If you could be another sportsman?
Either golfer or tennis – probably Rafael Nadal. There’s a bit of money in tennis and he seems to have a decent life.
Pet hates or annoyances?
No names, but housemates who don’t wash up and leave dirty plates all over the place. And middle lane drivers on motorways… just get out of the way!
Best and worst banter at Warriors?
Best is Richard de Carpentier who’s not afraid to dish it out to the powers-that-be either. Ryan Lamb’s got some terrible banter.
Best and worst dressed?
Alex Grove is quite smart and likes the high-end fashion names. Worst is South African Mike Williams, who has no clue. I try to teach him but he won’t listen.
Will Worcester ever fulfil potential?
I certainly think so. Hopefully, Dean can build a squad that can stick around for a good few years and I can be part of something special.