20 Questions: Lachlan McCaffrey – London Welsh back row

How’s London life so far?
Great. Richmond’s a good spot and on days off I’ve been doing the tourist stuff around London. We don’t have the history you guys have back home in Australia.
Who are you lodging with?
Piri Weepu. He’s good to live with, very easy going and we’re both on the same page. He’s tidy around the place and I’ve no complaints so far.
Why join London Welsh?
I’m a British passport holder and didn’t play enough for Brumbies, so I wanted to string more games together. I’ll be a better player after a year in the Premiership.
Tough start, though?
We’re not happy with it but the boys are ripping in at training, which is a good sign. Everyone’s still positive and I’m sure you’ll soon see a big difference.
What’s gone wrong?
Parts of our game have been good, while other bits have been very average. It’s just taken a while for a lot of new guys to come together.
Where did you start in rugby?
With Eastwood RFC, in Sydney, from the age of six. I went to the Waratahs at 16 before having two years at Western Force and then joining the Brumbies.
Play for Aussie U20s?
Yes, at the 2010 JWC in Argentina. We had a great time, reached the final and guys like Matt Toomua and Nic White have gone on to play for the Wallabies.
Played against the Lions last year?
Yes, for Western Force. What a great honour. I got Toby Faletau’s jersey and swapped shorts with Sean Maitland.
Rugby heroes growing up?
Toutai Kefu was a great Australian No.8 I admired and I liked the Rugby League guy Andrew Johns. I like guys who can create something others can’t.
Play any other sports?
I played Rugby League with Wests Tigers until I was 16 and enjoyed AFL as well. In the summers I did water polo, cricket and rowing.
Big family?
Yep. I’m one of eleven children – one girl, who was first, and then 10 boys of which I’m the second oldest. My mum and dad are unbelievable parents.
Miss the beach life?
I really do and hopefully I won’t get too many photos of people sun-bathing back home. But that’s okay, it’s a different lifestyle and I want to sample a white Christmas!
How do you chill-out?
Being in the middle of Richmond means the boys are always around for a coffee and I enjoy catching up with a few of my Aussie mates who are here.
Been to football yet?
Tom May took me to see Crystal Palace v Chelsea last week. It was my first football match and it was unreal. The crowd really get into it and there were some classy players on show. I liked that guy Oscar.
If you could be another sportsman?
Would love to be a professional surfer like Mick Fanning. He’s leading the championship this year and you couldn’t have a better life than that.
Any pre-match rituals?
My family’s Catholic so I go to mass every Sunday and always say a prayer before matches asking the Lord to look after me during the 80 minutes.
Best and worst banter at Welsh?
Pete Browne’s the worst, he’s the only one who laughs at his jokes. Pablo Henn, our Argentinian prop, has pretty good chat. Doesn’t say much but very funny.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Candice Swanepoel, the Victoria’s Secret angel; Sally Fitzgibbons, the Aussie surfer; and my old mate Nic White. Two gorgeous chicks and us two. Lovely!
What’s wrong with the Wallabies?
I’m surprised about what’s happened but it’s always a tough environment with lots of pressure on them to win. I still reckon they’ll do well this autumn.
Can Welsh escape from their hole?
Of course we can! We’re looking forward to flying at a few teams when the Premiership resumes. People shouldn’t underestimate us.