20 Questions: Damian Welch – Exeter lock

Go anywhere on holiday?
I managed a week away in Cyprus with the missus. But I had an operation at the end of the season so I was back in early with Jack Nowell and Brett Sturgess doing rehab.
What surgery did you undergo?
An ankle arthroscopy to take some bone fragments out of the joint. Nothing too major, just a clear-out, but it's something that needed to be done.
Not much of a summer then?
It's been good actually. Sturge tends to call himself the energy trainer and Nowellsy's good value, too, so it wasn't a bad way to spend the summer.
How are Nowellsy's tattoos coming on?
Unbelievable. He's having them all coloured in and has gone for the Japanese look. I've had my arm done, too. Nothing too exotic, just swallows and roses.
Team-bonding trip to Spain last week?
Yes, but us rehab guys had to miss that as well, which was a shame. It sounds like the boys had great time and that it was a worthwhile trip.
How's Thomas ‘The Tank' Waldrom settling in?
Bedding in nicely. He certainly doesn't look like your typical No.8 but he seems pretty decent fitness-wise and I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes.
Reflections on last season?
Mixed bag. We had some pretty big highs like winning the LV= Cup, but we'd all agree we had too many troughs and lost too many tight games, which was annoying.
Can you move to the next level?
Like to think so. Rob Baxter showed us a stat where if we'd won a certain number of the narrow games we'd have been in the top four, so there's massive potential.
Late starter in rugby, weren't you?
I never played rugby at school, I was a goalkeeper playing Sunday football in Reading. But then I went to Cardiff Uni and got roped into social rugby, after which I got picked up by Llantwit Fardre then Pontypridd and Cardiff Blues.
Wasn't Justin Burnell at Llantwit?
That's right. I got moved to Cardiff Blues' academy and Justin headed things up there. We got on well and he's doing a great job at London Welsh.
Interested in other sports?
Big fan of American sports. I watch a lot of American Football, especially the college stuff, and love MMA and UFC as well. I also enjoy Rugby League.
If you could be another sportsman?
A linebacker in the NFL. Hayden Smith had a crack at it so it can be done.
How do you chill-out?
I live in Bristol so quite enjoy the hour's drive when I can switch off and not worry about anything. I've also got a French bulldog which keeps me busy.
Any hobbies or pastimes?
The missus and I are pretty big on films and we go to the cinema four or five times each month. Best film I've seen recently is Tom Cruise's Edge of Tomorrow.
Rituals or superstitions?
No dressing room rituals, I'm pretty relaxed there, but if I see a magpie I have to salute it. Not sure who got me into that but it's just for good luck.
Pet hates or annoyances?
Biggest bugbear is people stopping for a chat in supermarket doorways with their trolleys in the way. And I despise cyclists who turn up on the pavement behind you ringing their bell when they should be on the road.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Micky Flanagan, who'd be a riot; Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson, because he's a personal hero; and Tom Cruise, so I could find out the truth!
Best and worst dressed at Chiefs?
Henry Slade's worst because he wears horrendously tight jogging bottoms in ridiculous colours. Best is Sturgess for his ability to wear flat caps and take all the criticism.
Best and worst banter?
Worst is Alex Brown, who's the butt of all jokes and has no comebacks. Best is Kai Horstmann, whose jokes are unoriginal but he keeps hammering them in.
TV programmes you turn on/off?
I'm currently watching Vikings, which is quite decent, but I'll turn off any soap operas. I couldn't even tell you who's in them these days.
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on June 29.