20 Questions: Anthony Allen – Leicester centre
Yes. We lost five out of six this time last year so we’ve bettered that, and I’m on a bit of a high after being named in the England EPS. Pulling on a Leicester jersey is a good feeling right now.
Big boost being named in England’s elite 32?
I’ve been in and out of the Saxons and it’s good to finally get rewarded for all the hard work at Leicester. I didn’t get capped in South Africa this summer but it was nice to show what I could do in the other games.
Pleased Mike Catt‘s on board with England?
Definitely. He’s not long out of the game and it’s good to have someone of his calibre around. He knows the game and it will be good to pick his brains.
Worried when Tigers signed Dan Bowden?
No. There are at least two quality players for each position here and it’s good to have that competition. I thrive on it and it brings out the best in you.
How do you chill-out?
I enjoy walking my dog, bike riding, going out for meals and spending time on my PlayStation. The usual things are on there… Call of Duty, Olympics and FIFA 2012.
Favourite Olympics moment?
Loads, but I’d go for Tom Daley winning his diving bronze. He was under huge pressure and I thought that was great.
Cleverest Tigers player?
In terms of general knowledge, Dan Cole’s a bit of an intellectual. Julian Salvi likes to think he’s ‘book smart’ but in reality he’s a bit slow.
Jokers in the pack?
George Chuter’s banter is pretty decent. But Ben Youngs is into the schoolboy stuff like putting water bombs above the door and all that, which is very childish and usually backfires!
Best and worst dressed?
Best is Geordan Murphy, he wears some nice gear. Worst is Cockers (Richard Cockerill), who needs to smarten up his act and get some nice shoes.
Tell us something about Cockers we don’t know?
He does Bikram yoga. It’s yoga in a boiling hot room, I’ve done it once and it’s disgusting. He goes three times a week and it helps to relieve the stress we give him.
Is there a softer side to Cockers?
There is and his man-management is very good. He’s seen both sides, hasn’t he? He is very good to work with and he and Matty O’Connor strike a good balance.
Teenage rugby idol?
Will Greenwood was the man. Club-wise, at Gloucester I admired Terry Fanolua and when I came to Leicester Aaron Mauger was a big influence on me.
Best rugby moment?
Winning my first cap against New Zealand in 2006 was special. I got another cap against Argentina that year but nothing since, so I’m looking for a third now to kick it off again.
Pre-match superstitions?
Nothing major, but before home matches I’ll always eat an omelette – ham and mushroom or tomato – with some salad and a few beans.
Favourite food and drink?
Drink is Amaretto and coke. Food-wise, I enjoy a good curry, a nice Sunday roast and fish and chips.
Sportsman you’d like to swap places with?
I like tennis and I’ll say Roger Federer. He’s a class act and I love the way he never breaks sweat and always looks immaculate. I wouldn’t mind his money either!
You were married this summer… go anywhere nice?
Lucy and I went on honeymoon to Bali and Lombok, which was amazing.
Love and hate about rugby?
Love the team togetherness and dressing room banter. Hate Tuesday afternoon ‘bosh’ sessions, which are full contact, bone on bone.
Who do you steer clear of?
Manu Tuilagi for starters! But Dan Cole’s another to avoid because he’s so clumsy. There’s always one player who seems to injure his own team-mates and that’s Colesy.
Ambitions this season?
To push on with England, but to do that I need a good run of form with Leicester in the Premiership and Heineken Cup. That’s my first priority.
