20 Questions: Matt Hopper – Harlequins centre

How do you rate Harlequins' season?
It's been quite disappointing at times and it's the first time we haven't made the playoffs since I've been at the club. We haven't had that consistency.
What do you put that down to?
Around Christmas we were right up there then just hit a poor run of games. The league is extremely competitive and you can't play well one week then not so well the next.
You've played a lot personally, pleased with your season?
It's been nice to have a good run, largely injury free. Unfortunately now I have to wait until next season. I've broken my thumb. Hopefully I'll get the cast off next week but that's me done.
Looking forward to next season?
We have to finish this season strongly first and see how we fare.
Has Gloucester winning the Challenge Cup affected ambitions?
Obviously it has European ramifications with the playoff place, but we'll see how results go.
They rubbed it in winning it at The Stoop?
(Laughs) Yeah I guess so, it's a bit of a blow but it is what it is.
How big a loss will Ugo Monye be?
There's a few boys leaving but that's rugby, he's a massive character who I've been fortunate to play alongside. He'll be sorely missed but I'm sure he'll still be around.
How well can the team do with the players they've recruited?
We've always had good young players coming through like Jack Clifford and Charlie Walker who've done well. With the additions we want to be back in that top four and playing in the Champions Cup.
Are you in pole position for the Quins No.13 shirt?
The centres are hotly contested, George Lowe has come back in and Harry Sloan has done well so you don't know from year to year. I've been lucky to play a lot and i'll get my head down and hopefully continue.
What about Jamie Roberts to Quins?
He's a great player; internationally he's been one of the best 12s for the last five to ten years so he'd be a great addition. He's a really nice bloke as well so I'm sure he'll fit in really well.
Do you still have international ambitions after a few Saxons call ups?
You shouldn't be here if you don't want to play at the top level, it's a strong position for England with a lot of guys playing well. But you just put your head down, work hard and wait and see.
How's Joe Marler been as captain since taking over from Chris Robshaw?
Joe's a hugely popular bloke and like Robbo he leads by example. The switch has caused minimal disruption and he's done well in a tough season.
Ever doubt that you were going to make it?
I was in the Exeter youth teams but it never materialised. I fell out of the system in my late teens and ended up going to University before Australia. I'm very glad with how things worked out and I've no regrets.
Had a season with Manly?
I was fortunate to work with Phil Blake who's a great coach; Manly were associated with George Smith and Wycliff Palu so I learnt a lot from some seasoned Wallabies.
Your career took off at Cornish Pirates?
Yeah. We had an awesome squad that year reaching the Championship final against Worcester. We had players like Dave Ward and Blair Cowan and I was lucky to be a part of it.
How do you chill outside rugby?
I try and get back to the South West a lot to see the family and I have a caravan on the beach in Cornwall which is where I'll be in the summer.
What annoys you the most in life?
Paying for parking and queuing.
Three special dinner guests?
Leonardo Di Caprio, Welsh rugby player turned endurance athlete Richard Parks and my old man Keith.
Best and worst banter at Quins?
Worst banter without a doubt is Joe Gray, I find talking to him offensive sometimes. Best I'll go with Ugo, questionable, but I'll send him out on a high.
Best and worst dressed?
Worst is Marland Yarde flat out ridiculous. Best is Ollie Lindsey-Hague.