20 Question: Neil Mason – Moseley flanker

Been at Moseley a while?
Yep, this is my tenth season. It’s gone quickly but been really enjoyable. We’ve been battling as underdogs most of the time but the club’s come a long way.
Is your new stand taking shape?
The steelworks are up, the floor’s in and it’s going up at a rate of knots. It’ll be sad to leave the old Portakabins but that’s progress!
Where did you start in rugby?
Willenhall RFC originally, then Wolverhampton and Moseley before joining Worcester‘s academy and working my way into their first team.
Part of Worcester’s 2003-4 promotion?
Yes, it was a brilliant time for me being a youngish player. I played over half the games and it was foundation for my career here.
Why did you leave Worcester?
They signed Pat Sanderson! Good player and good guy but I wasn’t going to move him so I joined Moseley part-time and started my own business.
Sportsmen you admired growing up?
Paul Gascoigne mainly because back then I loved my football. But rugby-wise, as a back-rower, I looked up to Neil Back, Lawrence Dallaglio and Richard Hill.
Could you have played football?
Not really, I was never quite good enough. But I still like it, support Liverpool and stood on the old Kop a few times in my younger days.
If you could be another sportsman?
Has to be a footballer, mostly for the wages and they seem to train a lot less than rugby players. I was an attacking midfielder, so someone like Messi.
How do you chill-out from rugby?
Are you kidding! I’ve got three companies, two young children, play rugby and I’m trying to renovate our house. But I do enjoy the odd game of golf.
Three companies! Doing what?
I’ve got a haulage company, a children’s care home which my mum helps with and two beauty parlours in Rubery and Stourbridge. It’s very diverse!
Championship part-timers a dying breed?
There aren’t too many of us left and the Championship is becoming more professional with Sky and sponsorship.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
I’d have four: Alex Ferguson for his football stories; Peter Kay for the comedy; and my two favourite actors, Samuel L Jackson and Will Smith.
Rituals or superstitions?
Always sit in the same corner of the dressing room. It’s the only place with a shelf and power socket – so I pull rank!
Pet hates and annoyances?
Youngsters always in the physio room. It might be an age thing but I don’t recall being like that. And players who chuck-up before matches, like Mike Powell.
Anything you’d change in rugby?
There used to be a bit more contest at the breakdown which I’d like to see again, and I’d bring back proper rucking. If you’re on the wrong side, get out!
Best and worst banter at Mose?
Worst is easy, Mike Powell. Everything he says is horrendous and has no meaning. Best is our No.9, Sam Brown, who’s not the biggest but has aggressive chat which is quite funny.
Best and worst dressed?
Powell again, I’m afraid. The man has no idea. Scott Armstrong is best. As he’s a farmer he often sports a bit of expensive tweed.
Favourite TV/ turn off?
Soaps off straight away… Eastenders, all that rubbish. I enjoy any comedy but especially Celebrity Juice.
How long will you carry on playing?
Everyone’s telling me I’m finishing after this season, but I’m only 31! In all seriousness, I don’t know if I’ll be able to carry on in the Championship beyond next year. I like playing every week and don’t want my career to just dwindle.
Moseley’s prospects?
We finished seventh last time and it’s achievable again. Having Kevin Maggs in charge, with his passion and honesty, is a big positive and will get the best out of the squad. He’ll only improve as a coach.