1. How do you think Munster is doing this year?
I think Munster is doing well this season we are well clear in the Magners league and will have a home semi final and we have a home semi final in the Amlin challenge cup. The squad was disappointed with not qualifying for the Heineken cup but we have moved on and are hungry for success in our remaining competitions.
2. You will be joining Stade Francais are you looking forward to it?
I am looking forward to playing for Stade Francais its a new challenge and one which means I have to prove myself all over again. The club has a rich history and I welcome the chance to help restore it to its former glory.
3. What are your perceptions of the Top 14?
The Top 14 is a tough league. The rugby is hard and fast and its also a long season. The skills displayed from teams across the ladder is exceptional and very entertaining to watch. I think the style of rugby will suit my game and Im looking forward to the challange.
4. You played for the Australian sevens team, how was the transition from sevens to full time 15 a side rugby union?
It was a transition as such with the sevens as I was playing 15 aside rugby in between tournaments on the irb sevens circuit. What I did benefit from was a greater awareness of space to attack and fitness levels way above traditional rugby.
5. How has Munster helped you improve your game?
Obviously playing with seasoned internationals week in week out increases your game awareness and helps hone skills but personally learning from players like Ronan O'Gara on controlling games and stepping up on big occasions has been vital in finding myself as a rugby player. I found confidence and consistency that made me a regular in the Munster team.
6. What is your preferred position to play as you are quite versatile?
I enjoy playing outhalf. I like directing the team around the park.
7. How has it been playing in the same team as players such as Doug Howlett, Ronan O'Gara, Jean De Villiers and many more?
Its a great credit to Munster that we can attract big name players as well as produce local talent that has made Munster the success it is over the past decade. As an outsider playing with world class players and good blokes at that, has been an experience I will treasure and one Im very proud of.
8. Who was your rugby hero growing up?
Tim Horan
9. Who is the toughest player you have played with/against?
Too many to single just one out in both instances but in neither case it isn't a back!
10. How do you think Ireland & Australia will do in the Rugby World Cup 2011?
I believe Australia will be hard to beat as they have a strong core of talented young players whom have huge confidence in their own ability. As for Ireland Im not sure, they have an older squad with guys playing their last world cup, Im not sure if that passion is enough these days to win it but I think they will make the quarter finals.
11. What tips would you give youngsters who are trying to make it as a professional rugby player?
Rugby caters for all body shapes so work on your specific positional skills and the harder you practice the more natural those skills become.
12. You have won many trophies with Munster but what has been your career highlight?
My career highlight was playing for the Barbarians last summer its a wonderful tradition and it was my first taste of international rugby.
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination? Australia
Favourite food? Chocolate
Favourite movies? Joe Dirt
Favourite band/artist? Biggy Small
Hero (who isn't in rugby)? Muhammad Ali
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)? Brisbane Broncos
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby? Enjoy being a husband and father to my wife and two beautiful girls
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk? Top Site
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting Munster week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
I would like to thank the Munster fans, its a great club to play for and a time in my life I will sorely miss. I wish the team the best in the future and am sure another Heineken Cup awaits in the near future.
