Sam Burgess, of Bath and England, talks Speedos, spiders and superpowers

Do you have any superstitions?

I’ve got one. I like to play in my budgie smugglers – always wear Speedos.

What are your bugbears?

It actually takes quite a lot to p*** me off. Loud eaters get me and if you want an example, I’d say George Ford!

Who’s your funniest team-mate?

Jonny May. Legend. He is a little bit strange but I like his strangeness. I roomed with him on my first night of the England camp and his theories on life are fantastic. He’s one of those guys you could sit in a room with and talk to all day long.

Did he make the tea?

Oh yeah, he is very courteous! He helped me fill out a few forms. He’s a good little roomie.

What do you enjoy most about playing union?

When I first came I didn’t have much game knowledge, but now breaking down a game and seeing why you do certain things is great. When I first came I questioned things. As for playing, I look forward to carrying the ball. And defending – I like making front-up tackles.

George Burgess

League of his own: George Burgess in action for the Rabbitohs. Photo: Getty Images

Your brother George is a player on the rise in league – would he ever take up union?

It’s down to George eventually, but I don’t know where he’d play for now. He’d obviously be playing in the forwards. He’s up there in league at the moment but he’d have to start again in union. Never say never but at the moment he’s enjoying where he’s at.

What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever bought?

I bought a little Vespa while I was in Australia. I thought I’d use it loads but only managed to ride it about three times before I ended up giving it away to a young lad I played with.

Do you have any phobias?

Snakes and spiders. But moving to Australia, I could take the snakes and spiders for the beaches and weather. The worst thing I did was tell people there I didn’t like snakes as every time we went somewhere, someone would go and find one, then put it near me.

If you could be any team-mate, who would it be?

George Ford for his money… Actually I’d be Faz (Owen Farrell) as he’s got a bit more banter and is in the same category for pay!

Who’d you like to be stuck in a lift with?

Other than Russell Crowe – I have to say him – I’d say The Rock. I find him fascinating. Big dude, good personality. Although, do other people know what’s going on in the lift? You could pick someone else…

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To know what people are thinking. It’s a dangerous game, yeah, but it’s good too.

Rihanna

Dinner date: Rihanna could be an entertaining guest. Photo: Getty Images

Who would be your dream dinner party guests?

Denzel Washington because he is a legend. I’d love a yarn with David Beckham. Then I would always say Rihanna, as I reckon she’d be good fun – I’d just send a few wines over.

What would you like to achieve outside rugby?

I’d like a beautiful family. That’s it really. Three kids, four at a push. A nice quiet life Down Under. Bit of golf. Lovely.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good bloke who his team-mates enjoyed playing with.

This article appeared in the August 2015 issue of Rugby World. For the latest subscription offers, click here or find out how to download the digital edition here.