20 Questions: Tom Cruse – Titans hooker feels the wrath

How was your summer?
Quiet at first, then I went to Calpe, on Spain's Benidorm coast, for my brother's wedding and things got livelier! Five weeks off was about right.
Successful last season?
Definitely. Rotherham's known as being a top six team but Lee Blackett thought we could do better and we backed that up by making the top four.
Where did you start out?
Stockport RFC. I played football until I was 14 but my physique was better suited to rugby and I got picked up by Sale three years ago after playing for Cheshire. I was only there a year though before going to Macclesfield and then Roth.
Still got Premiership ambitions?
Massively. I've made a good decision to stay at Roth to gain more experience but I feel I've got a lot more to offer now than when I was at Sale. Roth's known for getting boys back on track and into the top-flight, so that's my aim.
Still enjoy your football?
I'm a massive Man Utd fan and go to Old Trafford when I can. Saturdays are difficult but whenever there's a Sunday or midweek game I try to get down.
Sporting heroes?
Eric Cantona – showy but feisty and passionate. Rugby-wise, Sebastien Bruno is someone I looked up to. Good player to watch.
Other hookers you admire?
I love watching Schalk Brits, who stands out a mile. Dave Ward's another and you've got to admire the path he has taken to reach the top at Quins.
If you could be another sportsman?
Cristiano Ronaldo. He was a legend at Man Utd and so good to watch. Not a bad lifestyle at Real Madrid and the money's not bad either.
How do you chill-out?
I took up the guitar last year and that takes my mind off things. I also coach at Dronfield RFC on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Any other musicians at Roth?
We have a little singing group on the bus which involves me, Alex Rieder, Ali Birch and Michael Keating. We're looking to recruit and, who knows, we might do a gig!
Get stick over your name?
All the time. I'm not the biggest fan of Tom Cruise. My parents deny giving it me deliberately but Top Gun was pre-1989 so I don't believe them!
Rituals or superstitions?
I've got a random pair of underpants with doughnuts on them that I've worn in every game for the last eight years. Yes, they do get washed!
Best moments in rugby?
Signing my first pro contract at Sale. On the pitch, it would be captaining Roth for the first time at Bedford last season. We won and it was a proud moment.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Injured people who watch training, especially when you're doing tough fitness work. And slow drivers – have they got nowhere else to be?
Enjoy cooking?
Yes. I do all the cooking at home and won't let my wife near the stove. Speciality is shepherd's pie but usually I keep it simple – fish, chicken, pasta, rice and eggs.
If you could invite three dinner guests?
‘Stone Cold' Steve Austin, the wrestler, because I think we'd get on well; Denzel Washington; and the Queen, because the four of us would have a great crack.
Anything unusual about Roth boss Lee Blackett?
Always grabs a few lads after training for a crossbar challenge. He's the most passionate, competitive man I know and he'll back himself in any sporting situation.
Best and worst banter at Roth?
Ali Birch always cracks me up. He's Irish and is always doing something odd. Worst is Jamie Broadley, who's far too intelligent and his jokes go over my head.
Best and worst dressed?
Worst is our winger, Curtis Wilson, who thinks he's an NBA star and dresses like it. He's into ‘twerking' as well and will wear sunglasses when it's cloudy. Best is Michael Keating, who's quirky and loves a bow tie for the ladies.
Big season coming up?
Huge. Going to be difficult with Bristol and Worcester, while teams like London Scottish have recruited well, but we'll look for that top four again.
*This article was published in The Rugby Paper on July 13