20 Questions: Adam Kwasnicki – London Scottish hooker

Did you get a chance to switch-off this summer?
Knowing when to switch off is an important part of being a professional rugby player, have a holiday and let your body recover. I went to Sri Lanka for a couple of weeks; it’s a fantastic country.
How’s pre-season going?
We’ve been working hard and hopefully got the balance right. We had a positive showing against Rotherham; you don’t know where you are until you have a game.
Were you surprised by the 21-7 win over Rotherham last week?
I thought it would be tighter to be honest, Rotherham already had a pre-season game and it was our first outing. We showed good character in defence and were clinical in attack, which was the difference.
How did the lineout go in the wet weather?
It went pretty well, everything has got to function. Our throws, lifts, calls and decision-making were good, which makes it easier. Being in England, you have got to be ready for a rain shower but it’s always handy to have a towel there on the sidelines!
Big crowd for a friendly, how does that feel?
The support is a massive thing. We enjoy putting on a show for the supporters and having a chat afterwards in the bar.
Who has stood out in pre-season?
Ollie Grove has impressed after two years out. He’s added something to our game.
How have new arrivals Will Carrick-Smith from Exeter and Tyron Moran from Leinster looked?
Will and Tyrone have done fantastically well. It’s hard coming into a squad but they have picked things up really quickly. It has been a smooth transition with the new players which is great.
First league game against Moseley on September 4?
We are raring to get into league rugby now and hopefully will start the season with a win.
Only one pre-season friendly, would you have liked another?
We also had a good training session with London Irish, which was pretty full on. It’s striking that balance between game time and not picking up too many injuries with a smaller squad.
Your former club London Welsh have moved back to Old Deer Park. Being your closest rivals, does that game carry more weight?
Absolutely, it feels like a proper local derby again. It’s nice to walk around the corner to play in front of a big crowd and being an ex-Welsh you always want to do well against them.
Got over losing in the Championship play-off semi last season?
Finishing third was probably a fair reflection of where we were as a squad. Worcester and Bristol were both very strong. We did well to push Worcester but they were the rightful winners.
What are the targets for this season?
Certainly top four. Bristol will be strong again and Yorkshire Carnegie look good. We will look to start well and push from there.
Promoted Ealing Trailfinders look strong?
They have signed some really good quality and some used to be at Scottish. They have a better calibre of player than they had two years ago and might be a surprise package.
You have some good competition at hooker in David Cherry and Ross Doneghan?
Yeah competition makes people better so hopefully we will push each other and all be better for it.
Are you still working as a physio?
I have been doing that alongside rugby. It fits quite well and helps me switch off from rugby when I need to. It’s also good career wise, you don’t know how long you have playing.
You’re 29, still dream of playing in the Premiership?
Certainly, I’m coming into my prime in the next year or two. I am happy at Scottish but I’m ambitious as well so we will have to see if an opportunity comes up.
Best and worst banter in the dressing room?
Miles Mantella is the worst, it’s absolutely awful. Other than myself, the best is Freddie Clark.
Best and worst dressed?
The worst is definitely Miles again and Dan Newton is probably the best.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m quite partial to a Nando’s.
Who is your money on for the World Cup?
My heart says England but my head says New Zealand.