Saracens and England A centre Kevin Sorrell answers our Q&A, with a bit of a seasonal twist. Because we’re crazy like that.
Q. What was your favourite cartoon character as a kid and why?
A. Erm, Batfink because he had wings that were like a shield of steel, that would be have been a bit of help.
Q. Did you grow up in a tough area then?
A. It’s pretty rough now to be honest.
Q. Do you believe in Santa Claus?
A. Without a doubt.
Q. Ever doubted him?
A. I once found a cricket bat in my mum and dad’s cupboard and then received it for Christmas but they convinced me it was just a coincidence.
Q. What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever had?
A. Probably a Commodore 64 – unfortunately I don’t have it anymore. I used to have Platoon, a football manager game and, of course, Outrun – the classic game.
Q. And the worst gift?
A. Probably a ‘how to clean’ book from my wife.
Q. Which team-mate would you least like to fight?
A. Cobus Visagie – he has concrete fists.
Q. How many profiteroles can you eat in one sitting?
A. I’ve actually had a crack at this one – a box from Costco took a hammering. I reckon at least 15, no let’s say 20.
Q. And how many donuts?
A. If they’re Krispy Kreme Crème, probably five – I’m a plain, original-glazed kind of guy.
Q. Who thinks he’s the best player at Saracens?
A. Actually we’ve got a few but I better not put their noses out of joint. I’ll say Alan Dickens – he’s an old dog and knows all the tricks in the book.
Q. What was your most memorable team-talk?
Probably Simon Raiwalui last season when he thought the boys weren’t up for it – people either side of him felt his use of head-butt persuasion to get people up for a match.
Q. Who’s the worst-dressed player at Saracens?
A. Probably Glen Jackson – he comes from New Zealand so he’s a little bit backward.
Q. Ever squealed like a girl in a game? If so, why?
A. I don’t think so, Andy Farrell did though. He got a dead leg a couple of weeks ago and was squirming around on the floor while the boys were rucking over him.
Q. Who would you most like to streak at one of your games?
A. Probably Cameron Diaz.
Q. And who would you least like to streak?
A, What was her name? That woman from Wife Swap – Lizzie Bardsley.
Q. What’s the best thing to happen to you in rugby?
A. Probably just to be at Saracens so long – they’re a good group of guys and we always have a laugh.
Q. And the worst?
A. Probably when I was injured for four months, constantly doubting in my mind if I’d be coming back.
Q. Tell us something about you not many people know?
A. I don’t have a big nose, I’ve got a small head. I have normal-sized features but a small head, giving the impression I’ve got a big head.
Q. Favourite joke?
A. I’m rubbish at jokes.
Q. What’s the best wind-up you’ve seen?
A. Last year we convinced one of the players that the coach overhead him saying something. We set up an email account under Gaffney’s name and emailed the player saying he was very disappointed with his behaviour and actions. The player then sent an email back saying he wasn’t the type to let anyone down and basically grovelling to the coach and spilling his heart out. We were considering keeping it going and saying he was being considered for international selection, but he got wind of it and busted us.
Q. What’s your best talent outside of rugby?
A. Dancing – contemporary dance.
Q. You have one day to live – what do you do?
A. Jeez, I’d probably spend a day with my family mucking around at a theme park and then in the evening head to a pub with all my friends.
Q. What’s your most prized possession?
A. My SkyPlus box.
Q. What do you want for Christmas?
A Boxing Day off training.
Q. New year’s resolution?
A. To try and not fall asleep so early on a Sunday night – I’ve got a bit of a habit of falling asleep after games.