Who is the toughest player you’ve refereed? A difficult question. When I first started refereeing in the Premiership Steve Borthwick was one of the guys who was pretty intimidating. Hs saw that everything was on ‘his terms, whether you like it or not’. He had such presence. I think you learn how to deal with people like that as a ref, but Steve Borthwick, was as tough as they come.
What three things would you take to a desert island? If I was going to have to do any exercise, one thing would have to be my foam roller. My son is always mocking that I’m always using it! Next, plenty of tea bags, cause I love a cuppa; and finally, possibly a cricket ball and bat.
Do you have any hidden talents? What’s your party trick? Not that maybe I should say out loud! 😉
Who would be your three dream dinner party guests, and why? I think it’d have to be Jimmy Anderson and Jonny Wilkinson – I’m a bit of a sports nut so would be great to chat with them all night … not sure who’d make up the last, would have to take applications 😊
What would you like to achieve outside of rugby? To be honest, I’m not absolutely sure. We do talk about having a plan for life after rugby as it doesn’t last forever. I’ve got my teaching qualification to fall back on maybe.
Whilst in Rugby I’d like to be inspirational to everyone who’s watching – so after rugby is to be respected for what I achieved and how I went about my business.
Which two teams would you love to referee? As an English referee, you look at the Bledisloe Cup or New Zealand v South Africa. They are the two games are would probably be the most precious. To be appointed to go referee in the southern hemisphere and gain their respect would probably be the ultimate.
How do you prepare for a game? Do you have a pre-game ritual?I don’t think so. I’m not superstitious or one of these people who puts things on in a certain order. The only thing I have, more often than not, before a game is a brew!
Are any of your family also referees? My grandfather was a ref and was a massive inspiration in getting me into it all.