20 Questions: Andrew Fenby – London Irish wing
It was much needed. Our opening few fixtures are pretty intimidating so to get off the mark early was just what the doctor ordered.
Irish have more than a few doubters?
There were doubters last season but we thrive on that. We’ve improved the squad, have one of the best new training facilities and there’s real positivity.
Do training facilities really make a difference?
Definitely. To turn up here every morning is fantastic and you just want to get out there and get stuck in. We’ve got everything we could want.
Where did you start in rugby?
I’m from North Wales so played for my school, Rydal Penrhos, and Llandudno RFC. After that I went to Newcastle Uni and joined Blaydon. I had good years there before playing for Newcastle Falcons and then signing full-time with Scarlets.
Wilfred Wooller was a Rydal schoolboy, wasn’t he?
One of Wales’ greatest ever sportsmen, yes. I go back for an old boys cricket match every summer and his picture is up in the pavilion.
Still keep an eye out for Blaydon’s results?
Always. After Irish matches one of the first things I do is get on the phone and check out how Blaydon, Llandudno and Scarlets got on.
Could North Wales support a pro team?
Definitely. Rugby could take off there and if you look at the crowds Wales U20s have been getting at Colwyn Bay, there’s certainly an appetite.
Couldn’t you have been a squash pro?
Possibly. I did all the Welsh junior stuff and got into the elite athlete squad at Newcastle Uni, but rugby took over and it’s been a better career.
Chartered accountant, aren’t you?
Yes. I did it at Uni and after rugby I’ll definitely go into the financial world. The great thing about being in London is all the networking opportunities.
Who were your rugby idols?
I used to really enjoy watching Jason Robinson for Sale and England – sheer class. And another bloke I looked up to was Newcastle’s Martin Shaw.
If you could be another sportsman?
Steven Gerrard. I’m a massive Liverpool fan and he’s is an absolute legend. Like the way he plays – scores belting goals, high work-rate and never gives up.
How do you chill-out?
Still play some squash and I’ve taken up golf, which I play to about a 20 handicap. I enjoy cooking, my speciality being roast leg of lamb on a bed of rice and spinach.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Winston Churchill, a British hero; Andy Powell, for his wit and sheer entertainment value; and Emily Ratajkowski from the ‘Blurred Lines’ video!
Any other hobbies?
I’ve started reading a lot and am working my way through the ‘Best 100 books’ list. Best so far have been War & Peace, Don Quixote and Lolita.
Favourite places visited?
Hvar, in Croatia, which is stunning; Tulum, in Mexico; Guatemala, where I walked up a live volcano; and the Iguazu Falls, in Argentina, which are unbelievable.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Women drivers on roundabouts, bad manners and groups who walk slowly in a line across pavements so you can’t get past.
Best and worst banter at Irish?
Best is Tomas O’Leary, who is very un-PC and says what everyone else is thinking but daren’t say. Worst is Geoff Cross. Because he’s so intellectual he thinks six steps ahead of everyone else and is just a bit weird.
Favourite TV/stuff you turn off?
I’ve been watching The Thick Of It and love comedy in general. Stuff I hate is X-Factor and any of that reality nonsense. My girlfriend watches the ‘E’ channel but I steer well clear of it.
Best rugby memories to date?
Scoring on my debut for Newcastle against Sale in 2009 or playing Toulon away in the Amlin Cup quarter-finals with the Scarlets in 2010. We got pumped 38-12 but the whole atmosphere with the Pilou, Pilou chant was incredible.
Success for Irish this season would be?
Our goal is top six or seven and qualifying for the Rugby Champions Cup. We want to really move forward and improve on last season.
