20 Questions: Joe Gray – Harlequins hooker

What do you make of Quins’ Prem campaign?
It’s getting interesting and we’re back in the mix. It’s credit to the Premiership that everyone’s so close. Last week’s win over Leicester was awesome and we’re happy about getting our game back.
Big competition for the Quins hooking jersey?
That’s what you want. You obviously want to start but having Dave Ward and Rob Buchanan around means you can’t slack. It makes you want to be better.
Enjoy touring with England last summer?
Amazing. I wasn’t expecting it but got a call out of the blue from Graham Rowntree. To be involved in the first Test against New Zealand was a dream come true.
Where did you start out in rugby?
At Nottingham, aged 8. I went through the ranks there and was coached by Glenn Delaney, who’s now at London Irish, before joining Northampton.
Why did things not work out at Saints?
I dislocated my knee and was out for 15 months. After I came back Dylan Hartley had established himself, so Quins looked a good option in 2010.
Best rugby memories to date?
Aside from my England cap, winning the Challenge Cup (2011), Premiership (2012) and LV= Cup (2013) has been amazing. Beating Munster away in 2011 was pretty special as well.
Boyhood rugby idol?
I loved Keith Wood. He’d catch the ball and do a nudge downfield or a miss-pass and I’d think: “He should not be doing that.” I loved the way he tried things.
Play any other sports?
I was very sporty; football Saturday, rugby on Sunday and swimming a lot. All my mates are Nottingham Forest fans but I was more interested in rugby.
If you could play another sport?
I wouldn’t mind being an American footballer. Just looking at how physical the game is, with people flying in, I reckon I’d enjoy that high tempo, fast stuff.
If not rugby, what would you have been?
A physiotherapist. It was always my dream to play rugby but there were times when I didn’t think it was going to happen, so I’d have done the courses and gone that way.
Is that your post-rugby plan?
It was at first but I started doing carpentry at college and I’m almost fully-qualified. I’ll probably look to get into property development now.
Best places visited?
Me and the missus went island-hopping around Thailand last summer. We went to Ko Tao and Phi Phi, where The Beach was filmed. Amazing places.
How do you chill out?
I have a golden retriever/poodle cross and enjoy going on walks with him. George Lowe, Nick Easter and I often walk our dogs together. Also enjoy the cinema and bowling.
Bit of a film buff?
Yes. It started at Northampton where the academy guys used to get cinema vouchers and I’ve carried it on. Best I’ve seen recently was Gone Girl.
Any good at cooking?
Yes. My missus works in the City and is often home late so I prepare dinner. I like to mix things up but my speciality is lasagne.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Shakira, because she’s my celebrity crush; David Cameron for my missus, who studied politics; and David Beckham, because I think he’d be quite cool.
Tell us something unusual about yourself?
I’m godfather to Courtney Lawes’ daughter, Nell. He’s one of my best mates from Northampton and we used to room together with Saints and England U20s.
Best and worst banter at Quins?
Best are Nick Easter and Joe Trayfoot. Easter’s sharp while Trayfoot gets stuck into everybody. Worst is George Robson, who’s got terrible banter. He just annoys everyone until he gets a laugh and then feels really pleased with himself.
Best and worst dressed?
Best is Danny Care, a cheeky-chappy who looks sharp most of the time. Worst is Easter, who just wears his Quins tracksuit or a big trench coat. Awful.
Nick Easter for England?
I’d love to see him back playing for England. He’s an awesome player and he does everything you want a No.8 to do. He’s in amazing form so you never know.