20 Questions: Tom Arscott – Sale full-back
Just had a week in Crete. It was nothing special and I wouldn’t go back but it was nice to get some sun on my back after a long season.
Good campaign for Sharks?
Really good. We started well, did well in the league and made the top tier tournament in Europe, which was a big target we’d set ourselves.
Set the benchmark now?
Definitely. We want to be pushing to be in the same sort of position and if we win more tight games and can just be a little more consistent, we might push into that top four. I don’t think that’s unfeasible for Sale.
Crowds haven’t been great?
No, but they’ve changed the day we play to mainly Saturdays so hopefully we’ll get a few more fans down. The stadium and pitch are great.
How’s Steve Diamond as DoR?
Same as a lot of DoRs, he expects high standards and if you don’t do what needs to be done he’s not happy. I wouldn’t say he’s overly demanding but you certainly know where you stand!
Where did you start out?
Devonport Services RFC in Plymouth when I was 8. It was my local side and I joined Plymouth Albion from there at 17, becoming the youngest player to start a game for them after I’d just turned 18 in 2005.
Good route to take?
I wouldn’t change the fact I played for a Championship club first, as opposed to going through the academy system. I feel I benefitted from being chucked straight in with
the older guys.
Pretty good Plymouth side?
Yes, we were always top four at the time and six of us got picked up by Bristol inside a couple of years – Dan Ward-Smith, Lee Robinson, me, my brother Luke, Ed Barnes and Alfie To’ala. Amazing really.
What do think of Luke joining Bath?
Great move for him as Bath are a team looking to press on. They won’t be happy to have missed out last season and have a lot of ambition.
Rugby idols growing up?
I’d have to say Jonny Wilkinson, because he was one of the best and you looked up to him. But as a back-three player, I’d say Jason Robinson too.
Best rugby memories?
I know my worst – losing the Championship final to Exeter with Bristol! Best would be making my Bristol debut at Sale in 2007… and I’d probably say my season before last at London Welsh as well.
Why’s that?
I know we went down but we were all kind of thrown together at the last minute and there was just a fantastic team spirit.
How do you chill-out?
I play a bit of golf, am interested in property and enjoy catching up with friends. A few of the boys dabble at golf and Mark Cueto’s the biggest bandit.
Films, music or books?
I’m into films and of the recent ones I’ve seen, really enjoyed Captain Phillips. The Wolf of Wall Street is another of my favourites.
If you could invite three dinner guests?
Cheryl Cole, for obvious reasons but she’s just got hitched; Jeremy Clarkson, for his life stories; and Pete Dinklage, who plays Tyrion the Elf in Game of Thrones.
TV programmes watched/turned off?
I love Top Gear with Clarkson and watch X-factor most of the time. I can sit through most things but draw the line at Coronation Street and Eastenders.
Best and worst banter at Sale?
Danny Cipriani‘s the worst, just really bad chat all the time. Best is probably Cueto, who’s an old man and can be really harsh.
Best and worst dressed?
Charlie Ingall is best, really looks after himself – similar to me! Worst is Phil Mackenzie who is always hanging around in shorts and jogging pants.
Any career regrets?
I had a chance to play with England Saxons at Bristol but got injured.
Another good season ahead?
Hope so. It was good getting back into a winning side last season. Couple of injuries, but I played a lot of games and really enjoyed it.
