20 Questions: Rhys Lawrence – Bristol hooker

Up and down season for Bristol?
It has been and we can’t afford any slip-ups from now on. Leeds are a point behind with a game in hand and the Championship play-offs are at stake.
First reaction when Andy Robinson took over?
I was excited by it. He brings a wealth of experience and for a front row forward like me that has to be good news.  He’s already tweaked a few things.
Feel sorry for Liam Middleton?
Liam put a lot into Bristol and was very passionate about it. He definitely helped me and I wish him all the best.
Is promotion still on?
There’s still that potential for us, yes. A lot of people are excited by our signings and are looking to next season, but I want to play in the Premiership now.
Born in Hillingdon, weren’t you?
Yes. My dad was a prison officer at Wormwood Scrubs and he then worked in East Anglia before he came home to Wales. I started playing rugby for Dunvant at 11.
Played for Wales U20s, didn’t you?
Yes. I had a year at Mumbles under Mike Ruddock, then joined Tonmawr before being picked by Wales U20s. I was first choice hooker at the 2008 Junior World Cup.
How did you end up at Bristol?
I had two years with the Scarlets but they had Matthew Rees, Ken Owens and Emyr Phillips and I needed to play more rugby. Bristol gave me that chance.
Ambitions of playing for Wales?
That’s the ultimate goal. Seeing boys from my U20s group succeeding, like Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and Dan Bigger, drives me on.
Warburton for Lions captain?
I’d have him as my captain, but then I’m biased. People wrote him off before the Six Nations but he’s answered his critics.
Boyhood rugby heroes?
I loved Jonah Lomu, but when I was young I was a bigger fan of boxing and used to have pictures of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Frank Bruno on my bedroom walls.
Still like your boxing?
I’m more into UFC now. Georges St-Pierre is a mixed martial arts fighter who I’m a big fan of and I find it more exciting to watch now.
Dabble at MMA yourself?
I used to go to a kick-boxing club a mate owned in Swansea and do a bit of combat work. It really helped with my fend, stride and flexibility in rugby.
Any other hobbies?
I’m quite into body-building and I’ve attended a couple of seminars with Ronnie Coleman, who’s world-famous. He’s been ‘Mr Olympia’ eight times.
Possess the body beautiful yourself?
I do what I can. It’s a Welsh thing, I suppose, with the fake tans and all that. I don’t go as far as Gavin Henson but I do enjoy the odd session on a sunbed.
How do you chill-out?
By being lazy! I live with Matt Williams and Tristan Roberts and there’s another group nearby, so we end up in Cribbs Causeway drinking coffee or eating at Nando’s.
Enjoy watching Wales beat England?
Brilliant! I watched it in a bar in Bristol with fellow Welshmen James Merriman, Tom Slater and Ross Johnston. We made our voices heard.
Pet hates?
Tristan Roberts! His room is next to mine and he’s got a guitar, a piano and a ukulele. I have to listen to him playing all the time.
Pre-match rituals?
I always have to clean the house on the morning of a match.  I had a half-decent game after doing it once so I’ve stuck with it.
All time sporting hero?
Muhammad Ali. Not only did he dominate boxing and the way it was perceived, he changed the way people in the world think. He had a fantastic impact.
Best and worst banter at Bristol?
Ross Johnston is best. He doesn’t ever shut up and is the loudest, wittiest man in rugby. Worst is Wayne Thompson, because he never has a comeback.