20 Questions: Rob Buchanan – Harlequins hooker
Everyone wants to play in finals and after the way we played against Bath last weekend, I think it will be a cracker against Sale.
Enjoying your season?
Massively. It’s exceeded expectations. I’ve played in most games, had a nice run in the Heineken Cup, scored my first tries and played for England Saxons.
How did you start in rugby?
I was born in Hong Kong where my dad worked and started playing at HK RFC when I was 7. Then we came home and my junior club was Lewes, in Sussex.
Teenage rugby idols?
There’s a few. I played U16s at tighthead, U18s at loosehead and U20s at hooker, so Carl Hayman, Andy Sheridan and Kevan Mealamu were guys I looked up to. But I’d have to say Schalk Brits is pretty special.
Made your Quins debut at 18, didn’t you?
Yes… at Leicester! I remember going out in front of their big home crowd and facing Castrogiovanni, Chuter and Ayerza. Nice!
Best career moments to date?
Probably my first start against Saracens in front of a record crowd at Wembley. Also playing for the Saxons and winning a Premiership title medal last season.
Jokers in the Quins pack?
Danny Care and Joe Marler are pretty lively but they’ve been away so we’ve had a bit of relief during the Six Nations. Mark Lambert’s always good to take the Mickey out of.
Best and worst banter?
Joe Trayfoot’s is the best. He picks up all the small things about people and is relentless. He’s quite sly about it, too. Worst is George Robson… rarely gets a laugh.
How do you chill out?
I love baking cakes and muffins, all that sort of thing. But I’ve had to stop because I’ve put on a bit of weight. It’s too easy to demolish a whole cake!
Enjoy your food then?
I love eating out, which is another guilty pleasure. There’s a restaurant called Bodean’s in London that does the best ribs and sauces ever. Not good in my line of work!
Describe your perfect evening out?
A trip to Bodean’s! Or if it’s summer I like to get some friends round, have a barbecue with a few beers.
Dream holiday destination?
I went to Thailand last year and had the time of my life. Started in Bangkok, then moved down to the islands for the Full Moon party in Koh Phangan. I’d love to go back.
Best and worst dressed at Quins?
My fashion style is not the best so I find people like Ugo Monye quite strange. Apparently he’s cool and I’m not!
Has being the England captain changed Chris Robshaw?
Definitely not. He’s got more respect but he’s just the same genuinely nice bloke who’s got time for everyone, which is what makes him such a good captain. He took stick when his girlfriend came out about him wearing a ‘onesie’ mind!
What do you make of the scrum… all these resets?
I love the scrum and they should leave it alone. I hear they’re looking at this ‘no engagement’ malarkey to reduce the hit, but that’s going to be absolutely horrific. Just stop changing the laws and people will get used to it.
Like any other sports?
I enjoy a bit of golf but it’s a tough old game. If I could be another sportsman it would be Rory McIlroy, but definitely NOT Tiger Woods!
Pet hates?
People who are late. Although to be fair, I was 45 minutes late for a player appearance the other day!
Superstitions or rituals?
I always follow the same routine on the day of a game and always wear the same pair of lycras and shorts for training. But it wouldn’t ruin my game if I didn’t.
Most prized possession?
My massive sofa. I got given it by a friend and it’s huge… takes up the whole room. I’ve just had it renovated and I spend a lot of time on it.
How would your perfect season pan out?
To get some silverware in the cabinet and I’d love to tour with England.
