20 Questions: Blaine Scully – Leicester and USA wing

How have you found your first season in England?
There was initial adjustment in terms of the intensity and duration of the season and it's my first pro club, but I'm enjoying the programme.
How did you end up at Tigers?
I'd been part of the US Rugby programme and post-World Cup 2011 had been looking to go overseas. The opportunity to trial with Tigers came and it's been a good fit.
How have the fans been?
They've been really supportive. As a newcomer, to have that support has made the transition fun and very rewarding. It's an added incentive to do well.
Hoping to stay on next season?
That's the target. But if I focus on winning a new contract I'll overlook the most important thing, which is competing and performing well.
From Sacramento, aren't you?
Yes. I started out in rugby at UCLA, then transferred to University of California, Berkeley. They had a well established rugby programme which linked into the national team and I kicked on in World Cup year.
Play any other sports?
American football, basketball, swimming and water polo. That's translated well into rugby where you do lots of different skills and need plenty of athleticism.
Useful water polo player?
I was an all-American water polo player at high school. Could have played it at college but decided against it. Guess I was destined to be a rugby player.
Sporting idols back home?
It's hard to look past guys like Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Steve Young and Peyton Manning. They're American icons and I appreciate their dedication and drive to get better, even after they reached the top.
Follow America football?
Big fan of San Francisco 49ers so I wept when we lost to Seattle in the NFC title game. I'll watch the Super Bowl tonight but will be rooting for Denver.
Big student of rugby?
Huge. I'll spend hours studying clips of all the great back three players – Israel Folau, Israel Dagg, Mike Brown, George North, Adam Ashley- Cooper, Cory Jane and Ben Smith – to try and improve.
Good few US players in Europe now?
Yes, there's Samu Manoa and Cam Dolan at Saints, Chris Wyles at Saracens, Andrew Suniula at Wasps and Eric Fry and Robbie Shaw in the Championship. Taku Ngwenya and Scott LaValla are in France, too, so there's a good core.
Big year for US Eagles?
Massive. We've got home and away World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay in March and then the Pacific Nations Cup after that.
How do you chill-out?
I enjoy reading, going for a coffee or catching up with friends and family back home. And I'm a bit of a tourist, too. I studied history and love all that stuff here.
What books are you reading?
I usually have a bit of fiction and non-fiction on the go. At the moment I'm reading about college football in the USA and how it's at the crossroads.
Who do you lodge with?
I'm with Geordan Murphy – he's been great so far and has created an environment where I've felt welcome.
Enjoy cooking?
I do my share. I make a decent taco and home-made guacamole. People tell me it's pretty good but I don't like to brag.
If you could invite three dinner guests, who?
George Washington would have to be one. Then I'd go for Michael Jordan as one of my all-time heroes and Jessica Biel for the entertainment.
Best places visited?
My sister lives in Hawaii and it's absolutely gorgeous. I'd like to see a bit more of Italy and would love to visit Greece.
Rugby highlights so far?
The World Cup. Winning against Russia was special and playing Ireland on September 11 was emotional as we had a New York fire-fighter with us. My Premiership and Heineken Cup debuts at Welford Road were special, too.
Rugby ambitions?
To reach my potential and have the satisfaction of knowing I got everything out of myself.