20 Questions: Darren Fox – Beford flanker

How’s your 18 months at Bedford been?
Cracking! A lot of lads I’d played with or against before and it’s been a breath of fresh air. The club’s got a lot of history and it’s just what I needed after Cambridge.
Sad the way it turned out at Cambridge?
Yes. It was a fair drop when I went there from Northampton in 2008, but financial problems crept in and although I’m a loyal person, I had to leave.
In the England reckoning once, weren’t you?
I made the training camp in 2004 but then got an eight-week ban for head-butting in a Heineken Cup match against Glasgow which affected things.
Part of a Saints team that twice finished third?
Yes. We reached the semi-finals two years on the bounce in 2003 and 2004 and did ok in the Heineken as well. But then Wayne Smith left and we struggled.
Enjoy playing under Wayne Smith?
They were good years when he was at Saints and the success he’s enjoyed with New Zealand since then speaks for itself. He’s one of the better coaches.
Proud to be part of the Saints team that returned to the Prem in 2008?
Very proud. Relegation was tough for the club but we went through all competitions unbeaten and they’re flying again now. Good luck to them in the Premiership final.
Looking forward to your own final against Falcons?
Massively. The Bedford lads have really pulled together and although we haven’t got the resources of full-time clubs, we’ve got great team spirit and enjoy our rugby.
Can you beat Newcastle?
You never go into any game thinking you’ll lose and we’ve pushed them close three times this season. We play a bit of rugby and we’ll back ourselves.
Should Mike Rayer be coaching at a higher level?
That’s a decision for him to make, but as a Bedford player I’d like to keep him. He’s done amazing things here and is a very good coach with great understanding.
Are you part-time now?
Yes. I work for one of our coaches, Matt Volland, who used to play for Northampton as well, and I’m learning to be a scaffolder.
Find it hard combining high-level rugby with work?
It is tough. I’m doing a pretty full-on job and the body feels it, but I look after myself pretty well and just get on with it.
How do you chill-out?
Mainly with my family. Harry, our little boy, came along last year and he’s made my life a lot richer. I enjoy working out in the gym, too, and I’ve got a road bike as well. I’m no Bradley Wiggins and look strange in Lycra, but I get out when I can.
Enjoy other sports?
Love my football. I’m a big Man Utd fan and there’s been a lot going on with Sir Alex retiring. I think they’ll do well under David Moyes, though.
Sportsman you most admire?
Roger Federer. I’m about the same age and have always looked up to him. He’s polite, professional and a great role model for any kid.
Other sport you’d love to be really good at?
I’ve done a bit of boxing and would love to have the buzz of fighting in front of a big crowd. I wouldn’t mind being David Haye, who has the looks, the moves and can bang a bit!
Favourite holiday destination?
Turkey. The scenery’s nice, it’s pretty chilled-out and you can’t beat ‘all-inclusive’.
Pre-match ritual?
A Friday night chilli con-carne with a bit of brown rice. I’ve done it throughout my career and it works well for me.
Favourite food and drink?
My missus’s toad in the hole, washed down with a pint of Guinness.
Best and worst banter at Bedford?
Most annoying is Ben Ransom because he tries to have banter but his chat is terrible. Best is Ian Vass, who is merciless and can cut you to the bone.
Best and worst dressed?
Jamie Stephenson fancies himself a bit and sports a nice line in fashion. Don Barrell is by far the worst and wears some terrible stuff.