20 Questions: Matt Jess – Exeter winger
Massively. Think it’s about my 12th as a pro so I’ve got a few in the bank. Luckily, I’ve always stayed fit and got through them.
Not many Chiefs survivors from 2010?
No, but the ethics are the same. Faces change but the core values of hard work remain – myself, Tom Johnson Gareth Steenson and Brett Sturgess see to that!
Where must Chiefs improve?
By turning narrow losses into wins. Last year we lost eight games by fewer than seven points and must stop those games away from us.
Where did you start in rugby?
As an eight-year-old at St Just RFC… about two miles from Land’s End! Then joined Penzance & Newlyn and it went from there.
Chance to join Northampton in 2008?
Yes. I’d had a great season with Launceston and spoke to Saints, Sale and Leeds. But Exeter made me an offer and I never looked back. No regrets at all.
Rugby heroes growing up?
Ben Cohen was the man back then and I really looked up to him. Jonah Lomu was another big thing but size-wise I was never going to emulate him!
Other sporting heroes?
Sir Steve Redgrave is someone I’ve always admired for the Olympic titles he’s won. How he could be so dedicated and stay so fit for so long is incredible.
Like any other sports?
I’m a big football fan and grew up in Cornwall supporting Liverpool… from Robbie Fowler to Michael Owen. I’m overdue a pilgrimage to Anfield.
If you could be another sportsman?
Rory McIlroy, for the travelling and playing golf. It’s a hard sport but it would be great to see how he deals with the pressure of performing in front of millions.
How do you chill-out?
Big passion is my bulldog, Ralph. I love taking him to Exeter Quay for long walks and then stopping for a coffee with my wife. Enjoy a game of squash, too.
Films or books?
I’m a big film lover… comedies and dramas mainly, although I got into war movies as well and Band Of Brothers was cracking. I enjoy reading as well.
Any good in the kitchen?
I’ve got better. My wife got bored with chicken, broccoli and green beans and bought me a cookery book, so I’ve progressed to lasagne and chilli-con-carne.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Dan Bilzerian, the poker player who really lives the dream; Scarlett Johansson to brighten the evening up; and my favourite comedian, Lee Evans.
Rituals or superstitions?
I always have to be second last out of the tunnel before matches and last off the bus on away trips. And I always wear the same pair of Speedos.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Cyclists who think they own the road. They always cut you up and then have the nerve to go on the pavement at traffic lights and get in your way again.
Best and worst banter at Chiefs?
Worst is Alex Brown… terrible, just really bad comebacks. Best is Kai Horstmann, who’s very witty, very quick on the comeback and he’ll keep at you until it works.
Best and worst dressed?
Brett Sturgess is worst… dressing as a 20-year-old at 32 just doesn’t work! I would give Jack Nowell the best dressed accolade but won’t give him the satisfaction, so I’ll go for Phil Dollman who’s very colour co-ordinated.
Best rugby memories?
Winning the Championship in 2010 and last season’s LV= Cup with Chiefs. And I had a spell with Mount’s Bay when I was younger and won a promotion with them. That was pretty special.
At 30, ambitions in the game?
The dream is to win the Premiership and a European trophy with Exeter and then I’d like to go into coaching. I’ve done my level 3 and feel I could contribute.
Exeter’s prospects?
We want to get back into the Rugby Champions Cup so we’d like top six, although we’ve got one eye on our next step which is to make the top four. We’d also like to do well in the Challenge Cup.
