20 Questions: Ian Gough – London Irish lock

Bet you never expected to be at Irish this season?
No! An offer came in and within a week I was across the other side of the country. But I'm really excited and it's a good challenge.
Early impressions of the Premiership?
It's a tough, power-based league with 12 very strong teams. The margin between winning and losing is fine, there's no real weakness.
Where did you start out in rugby?
At Cwmbran. My dad took me there when I was 11 and I got hooked. From there I went to Newport, then Pontypridd, Dragons and the Ospreys.
Early rugby heroes?
Zinzan Brooke. I remember him tackling, dummying people and dropping a goal from 40-metres. Then Garin Jenkins, who won 50-odd caps for Wales and never backed down. Fierce competitor, nice guy and gave me my nickname, ‘Van.'
Wales debut… a 96-13 loss to South Africa in 1998?
It's actually a good memory because it put me on the Test stage. It was a daunting tour and Stephen Jones made his debut that day as well.
Imagine you'd go on to win 64 caps?
You never do. I got stuck on 20 for a while after getting dropped in 2002, but I got back in 2005 and earned a glut more. It's a great stage to play on.
Best memory playing for Wales?
Our 2008 Grand Slam game against France. It was my 50th cap and I lead the team out with the great, late Ray Gravell's two girls at a baying Millennium Stadium. The atmosphere was electric and it will stay with me forever.
Amazing Grand Slam that one?
Yes. We'd been dumped out of the World Cup by Fiji, then hammered by South Africa just after it, so to beat England at Twickenham for the first time in 17 years and claim the Slam was fantastic.
Best players played with?
Garin Jenkins and Dale McIntosh at Pontypridd. Dale was an imposing figure, defensively magnificent and revered by everyone.
Best player you've faced?
Bakkies Botha. Great competitor, good athlete and a great lineout forward who can mix it. Nasty piece of work and always a hard day at the office.
Can Wales win RWC 2015?
Yes, if we keep the continuity going. New Zealand are the form team but we're punching above our weight and have good young players coming through.
Ever consider playing in France?
Yes. But I wanted to win more Welsh caps and the best thing was to stay.
How do you chill out?
I'm a man of many hobbies. I like riding my motorbike, surfing and I've got a pilot's licence. I enjoy aerobatics and formation flying.
Crikey… always enjoyed aviation?
Yes. I was always interested in it as a kid and I've got my own plane, a two-seater Yak 52. I fly it all over Europe when I get the chance.
Is flying a potential post-rugby career?
I've got a commercial course to do and if I can get my head around the academic side, it's possible. It's just about being diverse and building up options.
Is coaching an option?
Everything's an option. I used to do a lot of coaching with the Ospreys U18s and got a lot of satisfaction from seeing young guys come through.
Best pal in rugby?
Ryan Jones. For the last couple of years I've been living next door to him on the Gower Peninsula and he's a good guy. We bicker like an old married couple.
Three guests you'd join for dinner?
The head of MI5, because I'm into Homeland and stuff like that; a night out with the Chris Evans/Danny Baker/ Gazza group, to see if I could survive; and Angelina Jolie, because she's a bit fruity.
Pet hates/annoyances?
Negative people and arrogant people. If you've nothing positive to say, shut up!
Hopes for the season at LI?
We'd like to prove people wrong. There's a great ethos and a good environment here and we've had a couple of good wins so far.