20 Questions: Dan Mugford – Nottingham fly-half
We had a slow start but we’ve built steadily since then and picked up some good results along the way. I think we’re improving as a side which is good.
How good was beating London Welsh at Lady Bay?
It was a great win for the club. Beating them at home was huge but we also played really well in that game.
Backed it up the following week at London Scottish?
Yes. We didn’t play as well as the previous but clinching it with my late drop-goal was brilliant.
Can this team go all the way?
I think so. We have a lot belief in this squad and we can beat anybody in the Championship on our day. I have every faith in the boys that we can go for the win every time we step on the pitch.
Where do you have to improve?
Being more clinical would be good. We can create opportunities for ourselves but there’s been time where we’ve wasted them and it can cost you the game.
Most pleasing thing so far?
The attitude of the squad. We didn’t start how we wanted by losing a couple of games we thought we could have won but we’ve kept working hard and bounced back. But even now there’s no complacency.
What about your own season?
I’ve fully recovered from my broken leg which is great. I’ve had a bit of a slow start but I’m getting into the swing of things.
That broken thumb in pre-season didn’t help either, did it?
I came back from my leg injury in the last game last year and I was looking forward to this season but I broke my thumb against Tonga in a friendly. That was frustrating but I’m getting there.
Both injuries where at Lady Bay too?
Yes in my first two games there. I’ve had a bit of bad luck on that pitch but I’ve gone through a couple of games injury-free now so I hope the black cat is off my back.
How hard was it to leave Plymouth Albion?
I was playing at full-back which wasn’t my preferred position. Martin Haag offered me to come to Nottingham as a fly-half, I always thought I was a better No.10 so I jumped on the occasion.
How long did you spend in Plymouth?
Only one season as I’d joined from London Scottish the previous summer.
Played for a few clubs in London too?
Yes I was on loan with Blackheath and Rosslyn Park during my second season at Scottish.
How did that happen after a good season before that?
The first year went well there and I really enjoyed myself but unfortunately for me the club signed former Scotland international Phil Godman which put me out of favour. I wanted to play rugby so I requested to be loaned out.
Was it the best thing to do as a young fly-half?
Definitely. I was only 21 and I wanted to play week-in week-out to get better. That’s the only way you can improve as a player.
Coming through the Exeter academy before that?
Yes I spent a couple of years there when the club first started their academy. But I quickly worked out that I wouldn’t get much game time so I decided to move.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I have no idea to be honest. I’d love to do something in sport. Maybe an agent.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m a big fan of pizza and my go-to meal after a game has to be an extra-large cheesy bites pizza from Pizza Hut. With a bit of ketchup you can’t stop me.
Three special dinner guests?
Stephen Fry who I really enjoy watching on QI, my childhood idol Jonny Wilkinson and Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington.
Best and worst banter at Nottingham?
Worst is Rupert Cooper and the best is Conor Carey because everything that comes out of his mouth is pretty funny.
Best and worst dressed?
Best goes to Rob Langley and I’m sure the boys who see him on a daily basis would agree with that. On the other hand I’ve only seen Jon Vickers with one outfit so he’s the worst.
