20 Questions: Craig Gillies – Worcester lock

Sum up Worcester‘s league season to date?
We’ve posed more of an attacking threat and scored tries, but again we’ve come out on the wrong side of some close games. We could have been sitting in a nice position now.
Not starting as often as you’d wish?
It’s always frustrating not starting but I respect the fact that guys who are playing have been doing a good job. I’m not going to get bitter and twisted about it.
Can you still make the top six?
That’s the aim. We’ve had a couple of dents through refereeing decisions not going our way but there’s still a lot of intent and we’re getting ever closer.
How can Worcester stop losing their best young players?
The higher we go and the more we establish ourselves in the Premiership, the more drawing power we’ll have. We need to be playing at the highest level to retain guys like Matt Mullan.
Can you emulate Quins or Northampton?
Why not? They’ve both been relegated and came back, while Exeter have been promoted and made themselves a force. We want to make our own way and create our own identity.
Can you believe this is your 11th season at Worcester?
It’s a long time at one club, isn’t it! It’s been a rollercoaster but I’ve enjoyed it.
Best time of your career?
I enjoyed my time at Richmond, my first pro club straight out of university. It was awesome playing with guys like Agustin Pichot, Andrew Sheridan and Scott Quinnell. Sadly, it ended abruptly when the club folded.
Best moment at Worcester?
Winning 26 games out of 26 to win promotion in 2004 was special. The second time, through the trials and tribulations of the play-offs, was interesting too.
If not rugby, what would you have done?
Around the time the game was turning pro I was doing sports and computer studies at West London Institute, so I’d probably have gone into teaching and coaching.
How do you chill-out?
I’ve got a young family – two kids, aged 6 and 10 – so I spend a lot of time with them and I’m also doing some personal development with a view to life after rugby.
What does the latter entail?
I’m doing a coaching course and, with my wife, we’ve started a business in health and nutrition, www.paradiseglobal.org. She’s doing the majority of work. It’s going well and we’re looking to expand.
You’re 36 now… plans for next season?
I’m in negotiations but I’d like to carry on and ideally I’d like to end my career here at Worcester. I’m still in good shape and feel I have plenty to contribute.
Any superstitions or rituals?
I get through a lot of strapping and always strap my right side first. I’m not convinced anything horrendous would happen if I didn’t, it’s just habit.
Anything in rugby you’d change?
The way the weather’s been and the state of our pitch, I’m all for making it a summer sport. I like the way Rugby League has gone.
What about scrums?
It would be good if we could get some refs who knew what the front rows were doing! Scrums used to be a big weapon for us but it’s going out of the game. Very few get completed and there’s too much for officials to look at.
Other sports you like?
I love basketball. I played a lot as a teenager and went down to watch it at the Olympics. My 10-year-old son has just started at Worcester Wolves and looks like being a tall lad.
Another sportsman you’d like to be?
As a kid, Michael Jordan was right up there. I used to spend hours watching him and his mentality made him an outstanding role model.
Best places visited?
Travelling is not something I’ve had an opportunity to do, but after I finish I’d love to visit New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to see friends I’ve made through rugby.
Most prized possession?
I’d have to say my iphone and ipad. Life pretty much revolves around them!