20 Questions: Dean Mumm – Exeter lock

Enjoying our fine English winter?
It keeps lasting, doesn’t it! First time I’ve ever experienced a winter like this but there’s novelty value and I’ve no regrets. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
What’s surprised you about England?
Must admit I was pretty green when I got here but I’ve been surprised by the amount of good food and the quality of the rugby comps.
Why have you been taken by our grub?
Devon is such a strong farming area you get amazing produce. English food has never had wonderful reviews but I’m particularly partial to your ruby red beef.
What’s impressed you about the rugby?
That teams need to have such different ways of playing from the start of the season, then through winter and out the other side. It’s really enhanced my rugby education.
Not as bad as our critics make out, then?
It’s surprising how you can maybe get the blinkers on in the southern hemisphere. I can now see why English crowds are so interested in the set-piece.
Looking forward to the Lions in Australia?
Everyone is! I was impressed by the Six Nations and gained an appreciation of how much international rugby means here, not just to the public but the players.
Can Australia win?
I’d say the Lions would be favourites and the Six Nations was helpful in playing your guys into form. But I’m never going to back Australia out and they can definitely win it.
Pleased Chiefs boss Rob Baxter‘s gained England recognition?
I’ve only recently gained an appreciation of what he’s done for Exeter rugby but a lot of the ambition and culture comes from him and it’s wonderful he’s been recognised.
Where are you staying in Exeter? Having fun?
I live in St Leonard’s, which is great, but there’s not much time for chilling-out I’m afraid as I’m studying for a degree in business and accounting.
Teenage rugby idols?
John Eales and Tim Horan would definitely be up there. But they were Reds whereas I’m a Waratahs man, so Phil Waugh would be another big hero.
Play any other sports?
I really enjoyed cricket at school but whilst I was a decent pace bowler, my batting was terrible.
Best and worst banter at Chiefs?
Chris Budgen is horrible. He’s very much to the point and targets anyone. Best are probably Chris Whitehead and Luke Arscott, they’re both very lively.
Best and worst dressed?
Brett Sturgess is shocking. He wears some very odd combinations. But No.1 would have to be Jack Nowell…he’s all about fashion that young man!
Talking of Nowell, quite promising isn’t he?
He’s very good and there’s a whole bunch of our England U20s boys coming through. Look out for Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Dave Ewers.
Best places visited?
Nepal and Cape Town. In England, I’ve enjoyed Lyme Regis and the Cotswolds. I’d like to do Asia… maybe Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
Superstitions or rituals?
Left sock and boot on first. And the boys tell me I always lift my shorts before jumping for a restart, although I never notice that.
Changes you’d make in rugby?
I’d like to see consistent reffing between the hemispheres. I think your blokes are better and I like the way they have the balls to give penalties at scrums.
Most memorable rugby moments?
A couple of last minute Wallabies wins. One was against the All Blacks in Hong Kong and in the other we beat the Springboks in Bloemfontein.
Best player played with?
Probably George Smith, he’s just a freak really. All the skills and one of the most beautifully balanced rugby players you’ll ever see.
Career ambitions?
A bit of club silverware. I’ve been close, playing in Super Rugby finals for the Waratahs, but never grabbed any. I’d love to do it with the Chiefs.