20 Questions: Tom Casson – Harlequins centre
We’ve not hit our stride and there were stern words after Exeter. But we’re confident that we can get back to our tempo and start enjoying our rugby again.
How important is the Quins’ style?
It’s risk and reward, isn’t it? It’s our style and the fans have come to expect it. We’ve proved in the past that it works and it’s all about achieving that top performance.
Have other sides sussed you out?
I don’t think so. If we play our style, get it 100% right and are dedicated to it, you can’t really work it out because it’s so unpredictable. We believe in it.
How about your own form?
I’m just pleased to be back playing again after being out for so long. I struggled with shoulder and wrist injuries and it’s nice to be contributing again. A lot of people are back fit now so there’s big competition for the centre positions.
Where did you start out in rugby?
Broughton Park RFC, in Manchester. My brother still turns out for them now and again and I keep in touch with what’s going on. After that I went to Sedbergh School, Sale and Saracens.
Play any other sports as a kid?
Played football for Trafford. I was a classic centre-back who just got stuck in. I reached county level as a 13 or 14-year-old, but I wanted to play rugby.
Which football club do you support?
My family are die-hard Manchester City fans and I’m quite passionate about it. It’s just a pity they’ve got so few English players in the team.
Boyhood rugby heroes?
Jonny Wilkinson. He was just quality and so disciplined. Of current players, though, I like guys like Kurtley Beale who take the ball on. I watch a lot of Rugby League, too, and appreciate their skill levels.
Which Rugby League players?
I enjoy watching Leeds Rhinos and I’d put Kevin Sinfield and Danny McGuire right up there, just in terms of executing simple skills under pressure.
If you could be another sportsman?
Andrea Pirlo, the great Italian midfielder. Everything he does is so effortless and he never looks like he has to try. Just sheer quality.
Why did you join Quins in 2010?
Conor O’Shea knew me from the England age group sides and there were so many guys here I’d come through with. It just seemed like the right move.
How do you chill-out?
Just hang around with the lads. Best thing about Quins is there are no cliques and everyone gets on. We’ll go for nights out together, everything
Rallying behind new skipper Joe Marler?
Joe’s a close mate and when he took the captaincy I told him he’d get stick because he’s a character. But he’ll go from strength-to-strength and he’s got the respect of everyone.
Best rugby memory?
Winning the LV= Cup in 2013. Conor backed a very young team and it was a pleasure to play and win something with that group of lads.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Noel Gallagher because he’d be quite funny; Michelle Keegan to look at; and Shaun Goater because he’s a Manchester City legend.
Best places visited?
Sydney. Love the weather, funny people, it’s beautiful and the Aussie lifestyle is quite relaxed. Argentina‘s pretty good too, went there with England U20s.
Best and worst banter at Quins?
Definitely not Marler! Best is Jordan Turner-Hall, who just peppers people and is pretty funny. Worst is Karl Dickson, who’s a terrible tweeter.
Best and worst dressed?
Ollie Lindsay-Hague is best – he’s pretty much a girl in the way he shops. Worst is Nick Evans for his ‘sneans’ combo, which is a big no-no these days.
Anything you’d change in rugby?
Move it to summer. That would lead to a lot more expansive and exciting rugby and would be much more fun for us all to play.
Ambitions for the season?
Personally, to stay as fit as possible and play a lot of games; as a team, to start hitting those peak performances and challenge for some more silverware.
