20 Questions: Ross Batty – Bath hooker

How’s your season so far?
Happy to be playing again after a shoulder injury. Club-wise, we started well then had a couple of blips, but good teams learn quickly and we’re doing that.
Frustrating being behind Rob Webber?
Not at all, I love the challenge. He’s been playing Test rugby and I’m training with and against him. We’re competitive but help each other.
Where did you start in rugby?
The juniors at Darlington Mowden Park. After that I attended Barnard Castle School, joined Newcastle’s academy and had spells at DMP, Blaydon and Rotherham.
Why did it not work out at Falcons?
Lots of coaching changes – Rob Andrew, Steve Bates, John Fletcher, Peter Walton and Ian Peel – meant I never got enough rugby so eventually I joined Rotherham. I had a great year there and Martin Haag took me to Bath in 2010.
Still keep an eye on DMP?
Yes. They’re in the new stadium now and looking to kick on. There’s a lot of talent in the north-east and they could definitely be a force.
Who did you play with at Barnard Castle?
Mathew Tait was in the year above, Alex Tait the one below and Lee Dickson was there too. Not a bad team and we made the Daily Mail final two years running.
Didn’t you spend time in New Zealand?
Yes, for eight months when I was 20. I played NPC rugby for Wairarapa-Bush and played in a Ranfurly Shield match against Canterbury. Fantastic experience.
Early sporting heroes?
Everyone is football daft in the north-east and my hero was Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand. Alan Shearer came and took his spotlight away but ‘Sir Les’ was my No.1.
And your rugby hero?
Inga Tuigamala. When I was a young lad I went to watch Falcons and then got to meet him a few times. Nice bloke who helped me a lot. Great influence.
Play any other sports?
Played U16s county level cricket for Durham. I was an all-rounder who could chuck a ball down and enjoyed whacking it, but at the age of 16 I had to decide and chose rugby.
How do you chill-out?
Walking my two dogs, having a coffee with the lads and I’m currently renovating our house in Trowbridge, which is taking a lot of my time.
Any other interests?
I enjoy comic books and there’s a few of us at Bath who are into super-hero films like Batman. Kane Palma-Newport, Matt Garvey and I go to the cinema when we can.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Sir David Attenborough for his natural history stuff; Arnold Schwarzenegger to keep things interesting; and Al Pacino because I like his films.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Bad parking. It gets right up my nose when people park over a line or leave their car askew with no thought for anyone else. There’s a few of them at Bath!
Rituals or superstitions?
I always like to come out of the dressing room last. It kicked in when I was a youngster and just stuck so I can’t let it go now.
Best and worst banter at Bath?
Worst is Matt Garvey… stinking Essex boy chat that only he thinks is hilarious. Nathan Catt is best and he’s always good for a giggle.
Best and worst dressed?
Dave Attwood might be an England player but he’s absolutely disgraceful. Gavin Henson looks after himself but I’ll say Anthony Watson is best. He has street-cred and likes to think he sports the London-style.
Explain your ‘caveman’ look?
Ha! I had a bet with Nathan Catt to see how long we could grow our hair and beards. He eventually gave up but I just kept going. My wife wasn’t happy with the beard so I had to trim it back but the hair is still long.
How’s Sam Burgess settling in at the Rec?
Very well. He’s a good guy and another northern lad so we’re taking over Bath. He’s getting stuck into training and fully embracing the challenge.
Ambitions for the season?
Top four for Bath and I’ll keep putting my hand up every week for starts. It would be nice if ‘Webbs’ got called up more by England!