20 Questions: Tomas O’Leary – London Irish scrum half

How are you settling in at London Irish?
It’s been good so far and I’m getting to know the boys now. The spirit in the camp is high and it was good to get the shirt on at the Sevens last week.
Hear you’ve been training with the Army?
Yes, we’ve been down at Winchester training in the morning and then doing drills with the Army for the rest of the day. We did some shooting on Wednesday which was a good craic.
Hard to leave Munster?
Not too bad. The last year and a half was pretty difficult with being on the bench a lot and I just wanted to play regularly. After speaking to London Irish I was excited by their ambition and it sounded like a good fit.
Happy with the leadership role?
It’s great. I’ve gained a fair bit of experience with Munster and Ireland and there’s a pretty young squad here, so it’ll be good to hopefully contribute what knowledge I have.
What impression do people back home have of London Irish?
A very exciting team that play a good brand of attacking rugby but have been a bit inconsistent. Hopefully we can put the last bit right.
You must have been gutted to miss the 2009 Lions tour and last year’s World Cup?
Very disappointed but that’s the nature of rugby. Injuries and selection mean you have your ups and downs but hopefully I’ve got a few good days to come.
Have you given up on Ireland?
No. I’d love to get back in the international set-up and if I can play regularly and perform well that might come.
Can you explain why Munster have dropped off?
It’s hard to tell why results weren’t so good and any drop-off by Munster is treated as failure, but I think they’ll have a good season. They still have brilliant players and the new coach will add to that. I think they’re a good bet for the European Cup.
Has it been painful watch- ing Leinster dominate?
A little bit and they’ve gone so far ahead of everyone else in Europe. But knowing all the Leinster lads it’s been good for them, it’s up to the rest of the teams to catch up now.
Career highlights?
Winning the European Cup with Munster in 2008 was right up there, along with the Grand Slam with Ireland in 2009.
Hear you were useful at Gaelic sports?
Yes, my favourite other sports are from the GAA, like hurling and football. I played a lot of Irish sports as a kid and my favourite was hurling.
Wasn’t your dad, Seanie, a wizard on the hurling field?
Yes, he won a few all-Ireland titles with Cork and it ran in the family. He was at the top of the tree in GAA but rugby took over when I was 14 or 15 and I went that way instead.
What’s bigger in Ireland… rugby or GAA?
The Gaelic sports would probably still be dominant, along with soccer. But rugby’s definitely catching up, especially with the recent success of Munster and Leinster.
Been anywhere nice on holiday?
We went to Crete this year. But my favourite spot is Fiji. I went to a little island off the mainland with the missus and it was pretty cool and remote.
How do you to chill-out?
Nothing special, just have a coffee, watch TV or read a book.
Guilty pleasures?
Chocolate and crisps, but nothing too dangerous. I’m pretty good that way.
Player you’d most like to have in your team?
Dan Carter. He’s a pretty special player.
How would Ronan O’Gara compare to Carter?
I’ve never played with Dan but Ronan’s record speaks for itself – he’s class.
Love and hate about rugby?
Love the camaraderie and the friendships you make. Hate the injuries.
Ambitions for Irish this season?
We’re targeting top four and hopefully we can pick up a cup as well.