20 Questions: Richard Palframan – London Irish prop

How has the season gone so far?
It's gone really well and I'm really happy to be playing. Last season was a write off for me being injured and I didn't play a lot of rugby. So it's good to be out on the field again.
What was the injury?
It was my hamstring and it put me out pretty much all year. I didn't tear the muscle off the bone but it was a big tear. I had to be very cautious with it.
What targets have you set this season?
I just want to play as many games as possible, just keep learning off guys like Ben Franks. He has definitely been helping a lot of the boys.
What do you learn from a guy like Ben?
‘Franksy' has got his routine off the field pretty down. He brings in his own meals and he's really strong in the gym. His record speaks for itself really, so I just want to learn as much off him as possible.
Anything that works for him that works for you too?
Definitely, when we look at the video I try to replicate what he does and bring it into my game. He is a very good scrummager so I will try and replicate what he does.
As a young tighthead, how are you finding the Championship for your development?
Scrums are pretty much the same as the Premiership. You come up against tough packs pretty much every week. It's great learning curve for me.
Areas to improve?
It's got to be scrum because that's our job. We scrum first so getting the process right every time is crucial. It's all about that really.
Happy with eight from eight so far this season?
Definitely, you just want to keep winning, that breeds confidence and you can keep going and go for a whole season undefeated. We will see.
What about London Scottish today?
They have won their last four games playing some good rugby. We reviewed them and they like to play. They will be a good test for a nice local derby on TV too.
As a tighthead, do you enjoy running rugby?
Definitely! I like to get my hands on the ball and run with it. The back rowers sort of push you out sometimes to carry the ball but it's nice to get a carry or two and make some big shots.
Yorkshire Carnegie come next, are they your closest rivals for promotion?
They'll be a big test. These next couple of games are big for us, we will just take every game as it comes and hopefully we can keep winning.
How long have you been at London Irish?
This will be my fifth season. I came over in September 2012 when I was only 18.
Why leave South Africa so young?
I was just down at the Sharks in Durban, I was doing pretty well, playing in the U19s, but it was just a very good opportunity. You wouldn't really expect an 18-year-old to come over here but I couldn't ignore the opportunity.
What's the highest level you played at for the Sharks?
I played U19s Currie Cup but didn't make a senior appearances. That was when Jannie Du Plessis and Bismark were playing, I think I was quite far off from playing any Super Rugby, but the Sharks is a great place to play rugby.
Did you train with any of these guys?
We did a couple of sessions, not too many, but it was good to be around them. They are very accomplished internationals. The Sharks were doing very well at the time, they reached the final in 2012.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I don't know really. I'm not good enough but I'd like to be a golfer. If not definitely something to do with sport.
Favourite cheat meal?
I am partial to a pizza every now and then but can't have too many of them, I have got to look after the figure.
Three special dinner guests?
Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston and Nelson Mandela.
Best and worst banter at Irish?
They call George Robson the Archbishop of Banterbury, he brings some good Dad jokes, I quite enjoy them. But Joe Trayfoot's banter is just like a white noise.
Best and worst dressed?
Conor Gilsenan is both. He does look good sometimes but some of the stuff he wears is quite questionable.