20 Questions: Alex Cheesman – Cornish Pirates openside

What about that win at Bedford last week?
It was a good result for us. We didn’t really know where we stood after pre-season games against teams from other leagues but we now have a good benchmark.
Is it all about performance in the first game?
We focus whether we executed we’ve worked on this summer. We were really happy about our defence and kicking strategy in particular.
First game of the season in Penzance against Ealing today?
We didn’t play any of our pre-season games at the Mennaye so the fans have been starved of rugby for over three months now. They’re chomping at the bit and we’re looking forward to it.
How did the summer go?
It’s been a very hard pre-season. The sessions are a lot shorter but at a much higher intensity. We’ve been on the pitch with the ball from the off since the start of June and that’s great.
Done anything different?
We ran a lot more but our matchday systems haven’t changed. We put them in place mid-way through last season so it was very much a case of getting better at it.
Is that your biggest target for this season?
It’ll be key to how well we do. We’re six month down the track with them and Alan Paver and Gavin Cattle got all the boys on board with them.
How did you cope with last season?
Alan Paver always says ‘Learning is messy’. It was a case of desperately believing what we were doing was the right thing regardless of the results. But we understand professional sport is all about winning so it was a tough balance to find.
Does having two club legends as coaches help?
They’ve got the respect from the players because of what they’ve achieved with this club. Pavs got down in the scrum in his suit last week in the warm-up because we were short of a prop!
Looking to finish higher than ninth this season then?
This is the first year we haven’t sat down in pre-season to talk about that. There are so many things you can’t control it can become irrelevant. We’ll look to perform every week and be accountable for that.
Personal goals?
I just want to be out on the field and help my team out. It sounds a bit simple but all I want is to just enjoy playing rugby.
Do you still play centre?
I played openside growing up but Wasps signed me as a centre after University. I had an up and down season and I didn’t enjoy playing in midfield that much. I then moved to the Pirates and within six weeks I asked Ian Davies to move to flanker. I haven’t looked back since.
What didn’t you like about the midfield?
I was fighting my natural instincts. I could still hit the rucks but my action had a lot more consequences in midfield and that put pressure on every decision you make.
Double Varsity winner?
I played in three matches. We won in 2008 and then in 2010 which started Oxford’s current unbeaten run.
Glad you sorted your education before pursuing a rugby career?
Wasps wanted to sign me out of school but my parents made me apply to university. I never though I’d get in with Oxford but I did and ended up with a Geography degree.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
You’d think a geography teacher but now I’m in Cornwall I’d love to stay there one I retire.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m a vegan so it’s quite hard. But I do love dark chocolate, beer and red wine.
How long have you been vegan?
I was vegetarian for a while but became vegan six months ago. It’s becoming a lot more common in sports with guys like Conor McGregor or David Haye being vegan too. I’m also involved in a lot animal campaign and it just didn’t feel right to keep eating animal products.
Three special dinner guests?
David Haye, Russel Brand and Jacques Burger who was great to talk to after we played Saracens in pre-season in 2013.
Best and worst banter at the Pirates?
Worst had to be Rob Elloway while the best of a bad bunch would be Alex Day who tries really hard.
Best and worst dressed?
Best is Chris Morgan but Alan Paver has to stop wearing rugby kit. We’re talking rugby shorts with often no pants here.