20 Questions: George Skivington – London Irish lock

Describe London Irish‘s season to date?
A big learning curve before Christmas when I underestimated how hard it would be to gel things together. But since then things have been clearer and we’re making progress.
Unusual being in a relegation battle?
It’s a different scenario for me and we’re in a dogfight, but it’s a challenge that I’m enjoying and embracing. I’m actually very confident about where we’re going.
Weren’t you a footballer as a boy?
Yes, a centre-half. It was all about football for me at school and my old man used to take me to watch Tottenham. But I started playing rugby at 12 and that was it.
Teenage rugby idols?
Lawrence Dallaglio was always my hero and I ended up playing and being good friends with him. He’s still my hero now and I’ve got the utmost respect for the bloke.
Apart from Lol, best players you’ve played with?
Josh Lewsey’s up there. He was the ultimate professional who wanted to be the best he could be. Joe Worsley’s another… the bravest man in rugby who never missed a tackle.
Ever imagine Josh as CEO of the Cornish Pirates?
It’s a strange one but Josh was always 100% on task. He’s a smart bloke, so I’d say he could run a business and a rugby club alright. He’ll give it everything.
Good friends with Simon Shaw still, aren’t you?
Yes. I don’t know how he’s still going at Toulon but fair play, he’s looked after himself well. He’s loving it out there.
Every fancied a sojourn in France yourself?
(Laughs) Maybe one day, but I’m committed to Irish for a good few years and I’m very happy to be here, especially with the new training facilities on the way.
Best moment in rugby?
I enjoyed captaining the England Saxons to victory in the 2010 Churchill Cup. It was a proud moment when Stuart Lancaster told me I’d be skipper. Tell him my phone’s still on!
How do you relax away from rugby?
I spend pretty much all my spare time running around with my young son, Ray. He’s not three yet but he likes the rough stuff which is probably a good sign for rugby.
Hear you’re into country music?
Yes. I’m a big fan of an American guy called Robert Earl Keen and enjoy Pat Green and Johnny Cash. It’s a bit of a joke at the club because all the young lads like pumping out dance music.
Enjoy your poker, too?
I’m alright. We have a good little club going at Irish with guys like Ian Humphreys, Shane Geraghty, Marland Yarde and Scott Lawson. I like to think I win more than I lose.
Other sports you like?
I’m off football a bit now but enjoy boxing. I boxed a bit myself as a kid and like watching the big fights involving all-action guys like Manny Pacquiao.
If you could play another sport?
I’d probably be a golfer. Rugby doesn’t go on forever and you take a beating, but golfers go on a long time, earning lots of money walking around these beautiful courses.
Best and worst banter at Irish?
Some of Jebb Sinclair’s Canadian sayings are pretty funny. Matt Garvey’s a nightmare, though, with some very low level stuff.
Best and worst dressed?
I like to think I’m the smartest… always a nice pair of shoes, never trainers. Worst is Tomas O’Leary… he wears what he thinks are funky outfits but they’re not cool at all.
Pre-match rituals?
I always have a shower before a game. The boys think I’m a weirdo but it sharpens me up.
Best place visited?
I love America and have been there for the last 12 years. My best mate lives in New York and I’ve travelled all round California, Texas, Miami, you name it.
Favourite food and drink?
I’m pretty old school so a roast dinner washed down with a bottle of Becks.
Rugby ambitions?
I’ve just turned 30 and am feeling really good, so it’s about getting London Irish going and achieving some success off the back of that.