20 Questions: Matt Evans – Cornish Pirates wing

Thoughts on Pirates' season to date?
Couple of glitches but we're close to where we want to be. We're a new squad and it's taking shape. We'd be pleased with a top four finish.
Cornish rugby ready to take-off?
It would if we could get the new Stadium for Cornwall! There's a lot of history and passionate people behind the game down here.
Where did you start out?
Salisbury RFC. My dad was captain. But we emigrated to Vancouver Island, Canada, when I was 12 and I played for Cowichan.
First Canada cap at 20?
Yes, against Ireland at Thomond Park in 2008. I played three U20s World Cups then got called up for the autumn tour.
That must have been fun?
We got a 55-0 drubbing! But it was a great experience. Household names like Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer were playing.
Your boyhood rugby idol?
England flanker Richard Hill's a Salisbury boy. Dad coached him before he went to Saracens. When I was young I wrote to him and he gave me great advice about always enjoying the game. I still hold it dear.
Still got that letter?
It's in a scrapbook back home in Canada along with a few other bits of memorabilia from Richard. I was lucky such a high profile player took time for me and will always appreciate it.
Best rugby moments so far?
Apart from my debut for Canada, appearing at the 2011 World Cup against New Zealand in Wellington was my highlight. We got another drubbing (79-15) but not many face the All Blacks on their own turf.
Didn't Dan Carter get injured that day?
Yes. Richie McCaw was out too. We thought it might be our day, but at least we managed a couple of tries.
Proud to represent Canada?
Yes. It's tough with British parents – mum's Welsh, dad's English – but I'm a Canadian citizen and very patriotic and honoured to play.
Can you claim a big scalp at RWC 2015?
That's the plan. We've got France, Italy and Ireland in our Pool and feel we can give any team a game on our day.
Best players played with or against?
Aside from the All Blacks, Leigh Halfpenny is a class act. Best I've played with are Canada's Jamie Cudmore and Dragons duo Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau.
Any other sports as a kid?
Baseball and basketball in Canada, but I was like Bambi on ice at hockey.
How do you chill-out in Cornwall?
I'm big into golf, though not very good, and quite enjoy darts. I play in the local league for the St Buryan pub… a great way to relax.
Enjoy cooking?
Yes. I live with five other rugby guys and we have a rota. My speciality is Burrito ‘roulette'. You cook five and two are very spicy… choose your weapons!
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
The Eagles, because I'm a big fan; Jessica Ennis, because she'd be lovely to talk to and look at; and Sir Ian McGeechan to discuss rugby with.
Ideal holiday destination?
I enjoy a beach and have been to great ones in Australia and Dubai. But if I could go now it would be a skiing holiday in Banff or Whistler. They're fantastic.
Best and worst banter at Pirates?
Chris Morgan is pretty cut-throat but good. But avoid prop Alan Paver… if he's not talking about the scrum he's on about his food!
Best and worst dressed?
Craig Holland's pretty snappy. Ex-Loughborough, loves a mirror and hair gel. Worst is me. I love my jeans and trainers, which I'm told is a fashion faux pas.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Big guys sitting next to me on our monstrously long bus rides! Either I'm a friendly guy or have skinny legs, because they always choose me!