20 Questions: James Gaskell – Sale lock/flanker

Tough season to date?
Very, both physically and mentally. But as a younger player you might as well learn the hard way and hopefully it’ll stand me in good stead.
Why has it not worked out for Sale?
Hard to put a finger on it because with the quality of squad you wouldn’t expect it. It’s probably down to boys not performing at the right time – and that includes everyone!
Take heart from Wasps‘ turnaround?
Massively. If we can stay up it’s a building block for next year. Wasps have built their team around young guys like Billy Vunipola, Christian Wade and Joe Launchbury and it’s paid off.
Packed loads of experience into 5 years, haven’t you?
Tell me about it. A few boys question how I’m still only 22! I’ve seen a lot of players and coaches come and go but hopefully that will benefit me later in my career.
Ever thought, ‘Stuff this, I’ll go somewhere else?’
No! Sale’s the team I’ve always followed and I’ve got a house and my family up here. Manchester is an awesome city and the young lads coming through are great. I’m Sale through and through.
Rugby idols growing up?
I didn’t get into rugby until late so when I first came into the Sale academy I looked up to guys like Dean Schofield and Chris Jones. Then you had the galacticos, like Juan Fernandez Lobbe and Sebastien Chabal.
Other sports played?
I was a big football fan as a kid and Stoke City is my team. I also did a lot of cricket, athletics, tennis, swimming, anything I could have a crack at.
Aspirations to play football?
I had a trial for Macclesfield Town when I was a kid but then had the choice of playing football or rugby and rugby won.
Sports you follow on TV?
Football has taken a back seat and I’m quite into American sports now, especially NFL and NBA.
I love the entertainment and razzmatazz that goes with it.
Another sportsman you’d like to be?
Probably Ray Lewis, the NFL linebacker who recently won his second Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Ravens. He seems quite a character.
How do you chill-out?
Coffee with the boys and I’m big into films. Best film I’ve seen recently is Django Unchained and favourite of all time is Gladiator.
Who would and who wouldn’t you like to be stuck in a lift with?
Jamie Foxx, the actor, would be quite entertaining. But at the opposite end, I’d have to say Lee Imiolek of Leeds. Horrible banter, same old chat!
Best and worst banter at Sharks?
Andy Powell’s got some pretty decent chat. Plenty of candidates for worst but I’ll go for Henry Thomas and Mark Cueto… they try but don’t get far.
Took Cueto long enough to get the try record, didn’t it?
I don’t think we helped him out as a team! He’s stuck at it and he’s our best club man without a doubt.
Bet you wouldn’t mind having Cuets’ career?
Too right. He’s a massive example to the younger guys. He’s shown loyalty to the club, done the Lions, done World Cups, won the Premiership and he’s still first in training every day.
Is Danny Cipriani taking stick over being back with Kelly Brook?
A little bit, but he’s pretty quiet about it. He’s all over OK! and those other mags though.
What’s it like having a celeb in the camp?
Who, Cips or Dave Swanton? A lot of people would be surprised how down-to-earth Danny is. He’s the opposite of how he’s portrayed.
Best place visited?
Tokyo. Spent 4 weeks there for the Junior World Cup and it’s fantastic.
Most prized possession?
My comfy L-shaped sofa. Perfect for a forward and I spend most of my day on it.
Anything you’d change in rugby?
I’d like to see the Premiership structured like Super 15 to see if it would promote attacking rugby and might give clubs some stability.