20 Questions: Karl Dickson – Harlequins scrum-half

Describe Quins' season so far?
Pretty mixed! We got shot down in Europe but proved we can compete when we put our game on the pitch with good recent wins over Sale and Leicester.
Ever known an injury crisis like it?
Never! It started in pre-season when we lost Nick Kennedy and we seem to have picked up major injuries every week.
Hard to remain upbeat?
It is for the boys who get injured but you just have to keep going. Other boys come in and have opportunities.
Where did you start out in rugby?
I played at Barnard Castle School but quit rugby for three years when I went to Coventry University, where I played a lot of football instead.
Harbour hopes of playing league football?
Potentially. I was at Man Utd's school of excellence at 12 but didn't think I'd ever make Premiership standard. I later played a bit of semi-pro with Forest Green.
How did you get back into rugby?
I had mates at Bedford and they gave me a trial. I went through into the first team and had four-and-a-half really good years there before joining Quins.
Battling hard with Danny Care still?
Yep, as always! Sometimes you think it's a bit of a losing battle but I'll just keep ploughing on and try to oust him whenever he goes away with England.
Ever thought of moving elsewhere?
Quins play the type of rugby I like and I know I'll play when Danny's away and get decent game-time.
Best rugby memories?
Winning the Premiership with Quins in 2012 was tops, but playing my 100th game for Bedford was memorable as well for the ovation I got at the time.
Might you return to Bedford one day?
Probably not. I'll play in the Premiership for as long as I can and when I finish around 35 I'll look elsewhere. Coaching/teaching is something I might look at.
Doing any coaching now?
I coach at St John's School, Leatherhead, working with their first team. I really enjoy that.
Pleased to see your brother, Lee, starting for England?
Massively. He's been the in-form No.9 and deserves it. He was a bit nervous against Australia but showed what he could do against Argentina.
Never quite got capped yourself?
No, but I played for England in a non-capped game two years ago so I'll take that.
You've a Scottish grandfather, ever tried that route?
I did, but Scotland didn't want me. It's their loss.
How do you chill-out?
I enjoy golf (15 handicap) and love going to the cinema. I'm into comedy films starring Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler and those kind of guys. I like to keep myself busy, whether it's going to theme parks or doing a bit of shopping in Kingston.
Enjoy food and cooking?
I love Mexican chicken wraps! My missus, Jocelyn, does most of the cooking, though, and produces wonderful seafood salads… salmon, prawns, crayfish, all sorts.
If you could invite three dinner guests, who?
Will Ferrell would definitely be one; Nicole Scherzinger for obvious reasons; and probably Jay-Z to see what his life has been like.
Favourite holiday destination?
Las Vegas. I've been eight times and everyone goes there to have fun and party. It's expensive but the atmosphere is brilliant and it's worth every penny.
Best and worst banter at Quins?
Worst has to be Tom Guest, who's horrendous. Best is Darryl Marfo, whose sparkling wit and repartee lights up many a dull morning at training.
Hopes for the rest of the season? 
To be in the Premiership top four and to try and stay in Europe beyond the group stage, even if it means dropping into the Amlin Cup.