20 Questions: Dan Montagu – Nottingham lock

Surprised Nottingham are flying so high?
It’s certainly a much better place to be than this time last year, but we worked hard in pre-season and are really pleased. It’s looking bright for the New Year.
What’s made the difference?
Guys being together a couple of years means you know how to play together, and a few younger guys have stepped up and are playing good footy. It’s going pretty smoothly.
Where did you start in rugby?
I started when I was 17 at Corpus Christi School, Perth, Western Australia. Before that I’d always played Aussie Rules. I was a big fan of the West Coast Eagles.
Did you not fancy a crack at AFL?
A few of my mates went on to get into AFL set-ups but I only played locally for a side called Bull Creek. After taking up rugby I played for Southern Lions and Palmyra.
Play any other sports?
All sorts… basketball, baseball, soccer, water polo and swimming. Not too much cricket, though, as it took up far too much time at weekends.
How did you end up in England?
In 2002, when I was 19, I played against a touring side from Oakham School and one of the Leicester Tigers presidents, Dave Matthews, was watching. I got a call to come over and trial with Tigers so I packed the bags and headed to England.
Didn’t quite make it with Tigers?
No, it was pretty much all second team rugby, although I did get a debut against Wasps when the internationals were away. After that I joined Nottingham.
Which players did you admire?
You had Leicester greats like Martin Johnson, who was a big figure around the club, Ben Kay and Neil Back. They were big influences and you learned so much.
Surprised to make a career in rugby?
Massively. I didn’t think rugby would be a career when I first came and thought I’d be back home after a year, but I’m fortunate to have kept picking up contracts.
If not rugby, what would you have done?
I studied marketing management back home so would probably have gone down the business route in Australia.
If you could be another sportsman?
Lewis Hamilton. I’m probably a bit big for the car but I like a bit of F1 and the lifestyle attracts me. Flying around in those private jets would be fun.
Best and worst rugby moments?
Finishing second with Nottingham in 2013 was a pretty special achievement. Worst was losing the 2010 Championship final to Exeter during my spell at Bristol.
How do you chill-out?
Walking the dog… I have a big Rhodesian Ridgeback. I also enjoy the cinema and I’ve been head coach of Southwell, one of our local rugby clubs, for the last three years.
Have any coaching ambitions?
Yes. I’ve coached at lots of different levels throughout my career and am working through my badges towards Level 3. I really enjoy coaching.
Best places visited?
Really enjoyed Prague and visited the bone monastery at Kutna Hora, which is amongst the 10 spookiest places in the world. Liked Egypt and Bahrain too.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Lack of courtesy on the roads when you let someone out and they don’t acknowledge you. Cold phone calls are dreadful as well… just leave me alone!
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Michael Jordan, who’s a real legend for me; Leigh Francis, the comedian who plays Keith Lemon on TV; and my favourite actor, Al Pacino.
Best and worst banter at Nottingham?
Tom Calladine is best. He’s quite witty, dry and to the point. Nobody escapes. Worst would have to be Shaun Malton, our South African hooker, whose comebacks are totally lost on most people.
Best and worst dressed?
I’d have to give myself worst dressed. I’ve adopted the nickname ‘Stash’ for having a bad dress sense. Most stylish, aptly enough, is our winger Ed Styles, who wears some very nice stuff.
Can Nottingham make the play-offs?
Let’s just wait and see. We’ve got a massive game against London Scottish coming up and we’ll know a bit more about our prospects after that.