20 Questions: Joe Cokanasiga – London Irish wing

Enjoyed the past few weeks?
Very much so! I’ve been playing a fair bit in the first team which has been a great experience. There’s more pressure but I’ve tried to enjoy being on the field playing.
Is that seven from the last eight games?
I only missed the trip to Cornish Pirates in the league since making my debut against the Ospreys in the British & Irish Cup. It’s been going okay and I’ve scored four tries so far.
How are you finding senior rugby?
It’s exactly how I expected it to be honest. It’s quite quick and more physical than age-group rugby but I’m doing my best to adapt to it as quickly as I can.
What was your mindset going into the first games?
Nick Kennedy and the other coaches just told me to back myself and play my own game. Aseli Tikoirotuma and Topsy Ojo have been of great help, too. Having that confidence from them has definitely help me relax and play well.
There seems to be a lot of expectations on you, do you read what’s written about you?
It’s nice to be spoken about as a youngster but I try to avoid reading it because it can put more pressure on you. I put enough on myself. I’ve got high standards of how well I want to perform.
Have you changed your style of play?
I used to be the biggest and fastest playing school rugby but I quickly realised in pre-season that it wasn’t going to be the case at senior level. So I’ve been working a lot on my foot-agility to evade defenders rather than try to run through them.
What about that try against London Scottish for your league debut?
Tommy Bell passed me the ball in our 22 and told me to kick. But I saw some space and thought I’d have a go. I passed the first man and thought about taking the tackle or offload. But it opened up in front of me and I scored under the posts.
Was the B&I Cup your initial target?
The coaches told the youngsters that’s when they’d be rotating and we’d get a chance to play. They trusted us to perform and I’m happy I managed to stay in the side.
New target?
Playing as much as I can and stay in the first team for as long as I can to help the club return to the Premiership.
How hard was it to watch the club being relegated without being able to help?
It was very frustrating. When you’re in the academy, there isn’t much you can do so now myself and a few others are involved we’re desperate to help bring the club back where it belongs.
What about England U20s?
The big goal is to win the World Cup again in Georgia next summer but we’ve got the Six Nations first. We’ll do our best to be prepared for France in Exeter first up.
Will you have another year at this level?
No. This is my one and only chance to play for England U20s so I’ve got to make the most of it.
How was the camp last week?
It was really good. All the boys connected well and it promises for some good things. We’ve got a very good squad so, hopefully, I can get in the mix.
How long have you lived in England?
I was born in Fiji but my dad served in the British Army so we moved to the UK when I was two. I then moved to Germany and Brunei before moving back here five years ago.
Did your father play rugby, too?
Yes and we managed to play together in Brunei. We played alongside each other in midfield which was awesome.
How did you end up at London Irish?
My dad knows Akapusi Qera so he asked him if he could help me out. My CV was passed around and Irish said they were keen. I went for a trial and never looked back.
Favourite cheat meal?
Domino’s Pizza.
Three special dinner guests?
Barack Obama, Dwayne Johnson and Beyonce.
Best and worst banter at London Irish?
Joe Trayfoot, Jebb Sinclair and George Robson are pretty good. I don’t want to risk stitching up any of the first team lads so I’ll pick fellow academy member Isaac Curtis-Harris.
Best and worst dressed?
There’s no worst as such but Ollie Hoskins is probably the best.