20 Questions: Marco Mama – Bristol flanker
We had a good start beating Worcester on the first day. Our defence has been tested every week but our performances have highlighted the hard work we’ve been doing in that area. We know we can score tries so it’s all about keeping the opposition out.
Can you go one step further this season and win promotion?
I believe so. We’ve brought in some very good players this year so if we avoid injuries we’ve got a good chance to do it.
Worcester will put up a fight though?
Definitely. They’ve got a great coaching staff and good players. We’re expecting a tough fight but we hope it’ll end like the first game of the season.
How’s Gavin Henson settling in?
Really well. He’s a very nice guy and very easy going, too. He’s had two good games straight off the back of his arrival.
Is it make or break for Bristol in 2015?
I don’t think so. When Steve Lansdown came on board he had a five-year plan to be in the Premier-ship. The investment won’t go out anytime soon so if it doesn’t happen this year it’ll happen soon.
Looking good in the B&I Cup too?
Yeah and it shows the quality of our squad that we’re able to fight on two fronts and be successful in both.
Played in the Championship for five years now, fancy a crack at the Premiership?
Definitely and I think the time is right for me. The Championship has been very good for me. I came out of school and was lucky to be involved straight away. It’s been fantastic for my development.
Remember your debut?
Yes it was against Notting-ham in the B&I Cup back in the 2009-10 season and I have very fond memories of it. I’ve had another 100 appearances since which I’m very grateful for.
You were a member of the last Millfield dream team in 2009?
You could say that. We had a fantastic squad that year with ten of the players getting professional contracts. Jonathan Joseph, Henry Thomas, Mako Vunipola, Ollie Lindsay-Hague and Rhys Ruddock were all part of that team.
Keep in touch with any of them?
Yes Miles Mantella at London Scottish and Henry are the two main ones and also my Bristol teammate Ben Moses.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe?
I was actually born in Nigeria but moved to Zimbabwe when I was 7. It definitely feels like my home though. I don’t have any Zimbabwean blood in me but I definitely feel Zimbabwean.
Been to visit recently?
My parents still live there and a lot of my family too so I try to go every couple of years. I’ve got a trip planned for the off-season.
Played any other sports growing up?
I joined Millfield at 16 on a joint rugby and cricket scholarship. I also played squash, water polo, hockey, swimming, tennis. Kids are pushed to play sports in Zimbabwe which was great.
Could you have made a career in cricket?
I represented Zimbabwe at age-group levels in rugby, cricket and squash but rugby was my favourite sport so I pursued that.
If not rugby what would you have done?
I’d have definitely chased another professional career in one of those sports.
Rugby idols growing up?
Richie McCaw is an obvious one but David Pocock, who is also Zimbabwean, is definitely another. I went to school with the Beast – Tendai Mtawarira – and I was his junior so I had to clean his room and wash his boots!
Any good at cooking?
My dad owns a restaurant back in Zimbabwe and he gives me some recipes. I enjoy cooking traditional African dishes. My favourite is chicken stew with sadza.
Three special dinner guests?
Will Smith who is my favourite actor. Tiger Woods who must have some good stories. Discussing the theories of Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe would be very interesting, too.
Best and worst banter at Bristol?
Best is Andy Robinson… Kyle Traynor is worst just because he’s ginger.
Best and worst dressed?
Ross Rennie who retired recently was the best. Props don’t have a clue on how to dress and James Hall is the worst of the lot.
