20 Questions: David Paice – London Irish hooker

Pleased to be back after your suspension?
Very happy. It was hard watching early on, especially as we were better than our results were showing. But we’ve turned it around,
Lessons from your bust-up with Gloucester‘s Jim Hamilton?
I went off the handle and knew it was wrong straight after. There are no hard feelings between us but they’ll throw the book at me if it happens again, so I’ve got to control my temper.
Pleased with your form?
Yes, our set piece has been going well. Halani Aulika’s dominated at tight-head and it’s pleasing to see how Max Lahiff has been playing. We’re going pretty well as a pack.
Impressed with Glenn Delaney as forwards coach?
Yes, the forwards have really taken to him. I was in the U19s during his last year as a player at London Irish and he’s come in with great ideas.
Beating Northampton must have been satisfying?
It was. We knew they were coming with that big pack of theirs but we took it to them and played really well. We showed our pack is a strength and it was a good confidence builder.
Hard to believe it’s four years since you were capped by England in NZ?
Yes, it’s disappointing I haven’t kicked on. But I’m only 28 and there’s unfinished business. One of my big goals is to get back in the England set-up.
Why has it never really happened for you?
In the past people have doubted my ability at the set-piece, but over the last four or five games our set-piece has been a positive and that is good for me.
How do you chill-out?
I’m doing a degree in construction management. I also like watching Rugby League on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Why construction management?
It’s something that interested me with one eye on the future.
Teenage rugby idols?
Growing up in Australia, Phil Kearns was a player I looked up to as a young hooker. Michael Foley was another and in Rugby League there was Gordon Tallis of the Broncos.
Which other sportsman would you like to be?
I’m a big Brisbane Broncos fan and although he’s retired now, I’d love to have been Darren Lockyer. I like golf as well and Ian Poulter’s a real character.
Are you on twitter?
No. I used to be. I didn’t think people wanted to hear what I had to say.
Who are the London Irish twitterati?
Our prop, Cai Griffiths, is one. Apparently you can ‘buy’ followers and he’s just gone up from 400 to 27,000! Alex Corbisiero’s a big tweeter and Bryn Evans is constantly on it.
Best and worst banter?
Worst is Matt Garvey. You can’t spend two minutes with him before he starts to annoy you. Best is Pete Richards, who’s back at the club coaching and still dishes it out.
Best and worst dressed?
Leo Halavatau is worst in his old track pants and LI shirts. Best are Marland Yarde or Anthony Watson… they’re pretty smart lads.
Team-mate you’re a little afraid of?
Chris Hala’ufia can give you a bit of a fright if he’s in a bad mood!
Enjoy cooking?
Love it. My girlfriend works late so I do all the evening meals and my speciality is rack of lamb with a mint salsa served on a bed of thin-cut sweet potatoes. I love a steak as well.
Ever thought of going home to Australia?
No. I really enjoy England and I learnt my rugby here. England’s given me a lot of opportunities and I’ve no intention of going back to play in Australia.
Tell us something about Brian Smith people won’t know?
We both went to Brisbane State High School and we both won rugby player of the year there. I saw his name on the trophy, then five or six years later he was my coach!
Ambitions for the season?
Top four with LI – we’re good enough – and to get back in the England mix.