20 Questions: Rob Webber – Bath hooker

Rob WebberGood season so far?
Really good. Everyone's working hard and we've been getting some good results. We just want to keep improving in the New Year.
Been a good move for you?
Yes. It's nice to play for a team that's a focal point for the whole city. The place comes alive on match days and there's a positive feeling.
Best thing about living in ?
Lots of coffee shops. Lee Mears and Matt Stevens have got their place, Jika Jika, so it's a good social city to hang out with a few of the lads.
Bath are on a bit of a roll?
Yes, but we're not getting carried away. We're relatively unproven in terms of how long we've been together so we'll take it as it comes.
Surprised when Gary Gold left?
It was a bit of a shock for the boys but our job is to play rugby. We've got a good group of coaches and hopefully what happened won't affect us.
You tasted success with … how close are Bath?
The difference at Wasps was they had a recent history of winning things and had that pedigree. That's what we're working for.
Where did you start out in rugby?
In the minis and juniors at Pocklington RFC in East Yorkshire. I played there until 15, then had a year or so at Leeds before joining Wasps at 17.
Play any other sports?
I loved my cricket at school but would only describe myself as an average all-rounder. I threw the javelin, too, and managed to win a .
Boyhood rugby idols?
I remember watching Jonah Lomu running over people and thinking: “Wow!” and 's 2003 World Cup-winning side was also inspirational and I was lucky to play with some of those guys.
Lawrence Dallaglio being one?
He was fantastic, but I remember my Wasps debut off the bench at flanker when he turned and said: “What the hell are you doing here?” He taught me a lot.
Played a year at flanker?
Yes. It was during 2007-8 when guys like Tom Rees, Lawrence, Joe Worsley and Jonny O'Connor were away a lot. It gave me a different perspective.
Best players played with or against?
Tom Rees was fantastic and it was sad he never got to realise his full potential. Rafael Ibanez and Argentina's Mario Ledesma are among the best as well.
Best rugby moments?
Winning my first England cap against in 2012 is right up there, along with captaining England against the earlier this year.
Apart from coffee, how do you chill out?
I'm doing a degree in leadership and management through the RPA and I try to relax away from rugby by just catching up with my mates.
Any hobbies or pastimes?
Dave Attwood's a good friend and we quite enjoy country pursuits… a bit of clay pigeon shooting, that sort of thing.
Best places visited?
Rugby's been great in that respect and I've ticked off Australia, , North America, Argentina and Uruguay with England teams. My girlfriend and I stayed on and visited Brazil after this year's tour, which was really enjoyable.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
There's four! Jim Morrison from The Doors, if he was still alive; my favourite actor, Denzel Washington; Stephen Fry for his IQ; and Micky Flanagan to provide the ambience.
Best and worst banter at Bath?
Worst is Dave Attwood… he just tries a little bit too hard. Funniest man is Paul James… he's pretty dry. Forwards coach Neal Hatley is sharp as well.
Best and worst dressed?
Kane Palma- has no idea, I think his mother still dresses him! Smartest would have to be Francois Louw, who's got good style for a South African.
Hopes for the New Year?
Club-wise, to keep getting better. Personally, I want to be back in the England mix and challenging for the . I'm aware the two go hand in hand and that it'll be down to my club form whether I can get past Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs.

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