Q: How do you stay fit and healthy?
A: I eat a balanced diet, including lots of fruit and vegetables and yes I do have my 5-a-day. I also drink plenty of water, training hard but also resting at the appropriate times.

Q: As a young player, what should you concentrate on most tackling or passing?
A: Both. It’s equally important to get your technique right for both tackling and passing. You can never get enough practice in hand – eye co-ordination.

Q: Which position is the most important on the field?
A: I’d have to say every position as it really is a team game.

Q: Who is the best player you have ever played with or against?
A: Jason Robinson and Jonny Wilkinson (both with) for their attitude towards the game and commitment to perfection.

Q: If you could play any other positions, what would it be?
A: Fly half, I’ve always fancied being a glory boy!

Q: How do prepare for a big game?
A: Eat and sleep well in the days leading up to a game, especially 72 hours prior to a game. This includes things like eating complex carbohydrates like pasta and potatoes the day before a game. I usually eat a meal consisting of chicken and vegetables on the day of a game at about 4pm if we have an 8pm kick off, then won’t eat again until after the match.

Q:  What is your greatest rugby achievement?
A: Playing consistent Premiership rugby, I really am very lucky to be playing the sport I love for a living. Also playing for England at U21 level was a real honour.

Q: If you hadn’t become a professional rugby player. What would you have been?
A: I think I would have gone into the business world in some capacity. I’m currently setting up my own business, Redfox.com, which is a website where people can obtain personalized memorabilia.

Q: What is your greatest achievement?
A: I’d have to say setting up my business, as not only will it help me in the future when I finish playing, but people can help by donating to charity when purchasing their memorabilia. I think it’s important to give something back.

Q: What are your unfulfilled ambitions?
A: Playing for the full England side and also to win something with Newcastle Falcons.

Q: You’ve been at Newcastle Falcons for 2 years now. How do you rate the current squad?
A: We have really good strength and depth and a great team spirit, including a few characters! We also benefit from having a wealth of talented young players such as Mathew Tait and Toby Flood.

Q: What do you like the most about being a rugby player? And what do you dislike?
A: The best thing is doing something I enjoy for a living as well as spending a massive amount of time with really good mates, it’s like being at school! We have a great lifestyle and nothing beats the feeling of winning. On the downside, there’s obviously the huge disappointment of loosing as well as the frustration you experience when you get injured.