20 Questions: Sonny Parker – London Welsh centre

Enjoying your campaign so far?
Definitely. I was injured in pre-season so it's been a bit topsy-turvy, but I've been in the side for the last month and it's a very exciting time.
Your midfield's like Dad's Army?
Ha… we've got quite an old guard with Gordon Ross, Tom May and myself – 105 years between us – but there's a bit of experience there, too.
Tough for you guys to keep going?
There's a few creaking bodies and the hinges take longer to warm up, but we've got some younger boys coming through now.
Seems to be a hard edge to London Welsh?
There's a lot of expectation from everyone in the squad and the coaching staff. Even though we're winning, we critique thoroughly and nobody's resting on laurels.
How's new boss Justin Burnell been?
Very good. He's an honest person and that's rubbed off. If you've had a bad game he'll tell you straight and that's what you want.
Where did your rugby career begin?
Daragaville, on New Zealand's North Island, where I played grassroots rugby. I later got a scholarship at Sacred Heart College, Auckland, and came through the Auckland system.
Who were your rugby heroes?
Joe Stanley and Michael Jones were the guys I looked up to. I was growing up when NZ won the 1987 World Cup and that left its mark on me.
Play any other sports?
I didn't really love rugby to start with, I was more into basketball and loved watching NBA on telly so I jumped between the two games.
Why did you leave NZ for Italy?
I'd been injured and Auckland suggested I go abroad and play some rugby, so I joined Viadana. Then Graham Henry, who was my mentor in Auckland, said I should come to Wales. So I joined Pontypridd in 1999 and the rest is history.
Stay in touch with Graham?
Yes… and Steve Hansen. They were both good to me and everyone was ecstatic when they won the World Cup in 2011 because they'd worked so hard for it.
Why do the All Blacks keep winning?
Because they never think they'll lose! It's quite strange really, but they'll fight to the last whistle and can change up a gear when needed.
Enjoy your eight years with the Ospreys?
Loved it. We had a great team. We should have won the Heineken Cup in 2008 but did some crazy things at Saracens in the quarters and lost. Huge disappointment.
Ever envisage being capped by Wales?
Never. But Steve Hansen called to ask if I'd be available for the autumn Tests in 2002. My heart skipped a beat and it was amazing.
Best matches for club and country?
Wales beating Australia 24-22 at the Millennium in 2005 stands out. Shane Williams scored a fantastic try. For Ospreys, beating Leicester in the EDF Cup final at Twickenham in 2008.
How do you chill out?
Living in Richmond, I enjoy a coffee with the boys, chilling with my girlfriend and going for walks by the Thames or in the park. There's a few nice pubs for a quiet pint.
Enjoy cooking?
Love it. I got taught how to cook pasta properly in Italy and enjoy my Bologneses and raviolis. It's bad for my weight but because I'm old the nutritionists are lenient!
Any ‘characters' at LW?
Seb Stegmann, Will Robinson and Nick Scott – who we call the ‘Bermuda Triangle.' Seb's a clown, Will's eccentric and Nick's just scatty.
If not rugby, what would you have done?
I trained as a sports development officer in NZ. But when I finish I'll probably become a personal trainer and get into advertising and marketing.
You're 36, how much longer can you play?
I'm just listening to my body but everything's good and as long as I enjoy it and feel I'm contributing, I'll carry on.
Fancy another crack at the Premiership?
Definitely. We're aiming for top four and the longer-term goal is it get up.