20 Questions: Joe Munro – Ealing Trailfinders centre

How do you look back at the semi-finals against Yorkshire Carnegie?
We self-imploded for 20 minutes in the first half at home and that’s what gave them a huge foot-hold without doing too much.
Nice to win the second leg at Headingley though?
It was really good to finish with a win in the second leg up in Leeds. We hadn’t won there during the season and we hadn’t won on a Friday night all season either. It showed the character of the boys.
So all in all a good season?
We went from playing to avoid relegation to be in the play-offs in one season. So as disappointing as it was to lose to Carnegie we can be proud of what we’ve achieved.
How did you manage such a turnaroud?
There’s a number of factors really but bringing in Mark Bright at No.8 with his huge experience and Alex Codling as forwards coach made a huge difference. Alex created a hard-working culture with systems that worked well for us.
Beneficiated from London Welsh misfortunes too?
Unfortunately for them they went bust over Christmas and we managed to sign some of their key players like Kieran Murphy, Barney Maddison and Miles Mantella. They completed the squad really well.
Ealing are not only a try-scoring show-pony anymore then?
We’ve played a fast-paced game for years but we were also known for maybe having a soft under belly up front and in defence. That’s where Alex made a huge difference. The set piece and the driving maul have been a huge weapon for us this year.
What’s next for Ealing?
We should have a pretty similar squad which will help us become more consistent. Now it’s about finding a way to get to the next level. We want to be in the play-offs again that’s for sure but we have to work out how to win those big games.
You didn’t apply to be promoted to the Premiership but could that change in the future?
The coaches are trying to develop a squad capable of going up which would give the people in charge at the club a problem. It’d be a nice problem for them to have.
Any time frame for that?
We have to keep building over the next couple of season but it has to be a longer project. We’ve got to make sure whatever we’re doing is viable and we don’t put ourselves in a similar situation than London Welsh.
Can Carnegie challenge Irish in the final?
Maybe early on but over two legs I think Irish will just be too strong. They looked really good against Doncaster.
Happy to be named the best inside centre in the league?
Very much so. I was looking to have a big season after injurie crippled me for the past two years. I’d been labelled Mr Consistent for a while but I wanted to have a bigger impact. So making the dream team is a nice recognition of that.
You added more string to your bow too, didn’t you?
I’ve been known for being a big ball carrier but I felt I could be a good distributor too so I was happy I could showcase that this season.
Find your way over the try line a few times too?
It was important for me to become a try scoring threat too so I was over the moon to finish the season as the club’s top try scorer with eight tries.
Long term plan?
The plan is to play in the Premiership one day. It hasn’t happened yet but that’s got to be the overall goal as a Championship player. All I’m after is a shot at it.
Did you ever come close?
There were enquiries and discussions in the past but nothing ever came to fruition.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I’m doing a real estate master right now so something to do with property I think.
Favourite cheat meal?
It’d have to be a meat feast pizza.
Three special dinner guests?
Muhammad Ali, Ray Lewis and Richard Branson.
Best and worst banter at Ealing?
James Cordy-Redden has the worst chat but Arthur Ellis is pretty funny.
Best and worst dressed?
Rhys Crane is the best dressed in the squad unlike Lewis Thiede.