20 Questions: George Chuter – Leicester hooker

How’s Leicester‘s season looking?
We’ve not fired on all cylinders yet but we’re in the Heineken quarters and putting ourselves in position in the league.
Proud to have played a record 260 Premiership matches?
It does give me immense pride. Once I finish it will mean even more.
You’re 35 now, so what’s your situation?
I’m out of contract this year and it’s up in the air a bit. I’d like to play for another year or two but I’ll see the season out and take stock.
Consider playing at a lower level?
If the right club came up, I’d think about it. But I get lots of enjoyment playing week in, week out at this level and that’s difficult to replicate.
Similar to when you first joined Tigers?
Exactly! One of the reasons I joined Leicester in 2000 was because Richard Cockerill and Dorian West were playing here. I need a challenge.
Ever imagine Cockers becoming a coach?
Probably not! Ask anyone and the last thing they’d have imagined would be for him to be patient and accommodating with players. He still has moments when the old Cockers comes forward, but he now knows when not to shout and scream.
Fancy coaching yourself?
I’ve dabbled and it’s among the options. But it’s not something I massively desire.
You started at Saracens… remember your debut?
It was 1997, first game of the year, away to Sale at Heywood Road. I got on for 25 minutes.
Impressive! What was playing alongside stars like Lynagh, Sella and Pienaar like?
I didn’t grow up loving rugby, I was always into cricket. You rubbed your eyes a bit, but once you’d met and played with them, they were like any other blokes.
Decent cricketer then?
Not bad. My dad was very good and played for Kent Schoolboys with Alan Knott and Derek Underwood. I grew up watching him play and had trials with Surrey. But I never took it that seriously, my attention span probably didn’t allow it.
Another sportsman you’d like to be?
Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback. I’m a big fan of American Football and he’ll be living the life right now.
How do you chill-out?
I’ve got a wife and two kids, aged 10 and 12, and I quite like getting away from rugby. I like golf, which I’m not too bad at.
Favourite foreign destinations?
Favourite country is Australia. But the best holiday destination is Disneyworld Florida. I went there before the 2007 World Cup.
Best achievement in rugby?
I’ve played in a World Cup final, European Cup finals and domestic finals so I’m struggling to pick one out. If pushed, I’d say winning my first England cap in 2006.
Best rugby professional you’ve played with?
Philippe Sella. He was so organised and meticulous in everything he did and was totally committed in training.
Best coach?
Francois Pienaar did a great job in my first year at Sarries when we won the Tetley’s Bitter Cup and came second in the league. John Wells at Leicester stands out, too.
Things you despise most about rugby?
Backs! It’s a healthy hatred which comes from being a forward all my life and not being fast or skilful enough. It’s jealousy.
What particularly annoys you about backs?
When we’re outside on a Tuesday, mauling, scrummaging and getting wet and muddy, you look down the other end and the backs are all chasing high kicks, playing touch rugby, squealing with laughter and having a good time.
Most prized possession?
My PS3. I can’t live without it. Brett Deacon and I are hardcore gamers but we’ll grow up one day!
Fancy another Heineken Cup winners medal?
I’d love one. It’s the ambition of the club to win another Heineken Cup but it’s getting harder by the year.