20 Questions: Jonathan Mills – London Welsh captain
Not ourselves, no! We’re probably the only ones that gave ourselves a chance but if you’d offered me 10 points and 10th place after six games, I’d have bitten your hand off.
Nice to stick it to the pundits?
You wouldn’t tell anybody off for saying we’d be relegation candidates, but we’re giving it our best shot and we’re actually frustrated not to have won more games.
Was winning promotion your career highlight?
Yes. Having been with the club for five years, it was great to go from where we were, fighting relegation, to now being in the top division.
Were you sorry to leave Scarlets in 2007?
I was only 23 when I came to London Welsh so it was a bit of a risk, but I wanted to be playing rugby, not just sitting in the Scarlets squad picking up a pay packet.
Think you could still play for Wales?
It’s not my decision, but you never know. You obviously hope for recognition but I’m happy playing week in, week out and if anything else comes it would be great.
If not a rugby player, what would you be?
Probably a property manager. I’m having a dabble with a couple of places in Wales.
Fancy coaching?
Definitely. I enjoy it and having had coaches like Gareth Jenkins, Phil Greening and now Lyn Jones, I’ve learnt a bit off them all and would love to have a crack.
Another sportsman you’d like to be?
No one in particular, but I’d love to do a bit of golfing. They’ve got a good life, there’s lots of travelling to some great locations and the money’s not bad either!
Teenage rugby hero?
I grew up watching Scott Quinnell and when I first joined Scarlets he was in his last year. He was a fantastic player in his day and it was great to play alongside him.
Are you in Scott’s postcode lottery?
No, I’m not! I’ve not got into that but perhaps I should. He seems to be doing very well out of it!
Looking forward to meeting up with Stephen Jones at Wasps today?
It’ll be good to see him and hopefully we can enjoy a beer together afterwards. He’s a quality individual and 100 caps for Wales says it all really.
How do you chill-out?
I enjoy a game of golf and a bit of fishing. Just sitting quietly by the water with a rod in my hand is a great way of relaxing.
Tightest London Welsh player?
There’s a few! I’d have to say Franck Montanella. He’s not put his hand in his pocket since joining us, never buys coffees, never has any money and always wants lifts.
Best and worst dressed?
Best is Alex Davies, who loves the Stuart Barnes look with the punditry outfit he’s got. Worst is Matt Corker, whose missus always buys him clothes two sizes too big.
Jokers in the camp?
I quite enjoy a prank myself, but Neil Briggs has ruffled a few feathers since he’s been at the club. Lee Beach likes a bit of banter, too.
Tell us something unusual about Lyn Jones?
Everything about Lyn Jones is a bit unusual! He played with my father at Neath – he was a flanker and my dad played prop. And he can eat a chicken fajita in one go – straight down!
Favourite Richmond watering hole?
We enjoy a drink with our supporters in the clubhouse at Old Deer Park – we’re a bit traditional like that –and then move on to the Pitcher & Piano by the river.
Enjoy cooking?
I do. I’m making my Christmas cake this week! Moussaka is my speciality. I do a nice one of those.
Team-mate you’re slightly afraid of?
James Tideswell. He doesn’t say much but we call him ‘The Killer!’ It’s followed him around.
Place you’d like to visit?
I’d love to give Australia a crack. Never been before but I’ve heard a lot about it, so can you tell Warren Gatland I’m available for Lions duty next June!
Ambition for the season?
To make sure London Welsh stay in the Premiership.
