So Kurtley, who are the jokers at Wasps?

There are a few. Christian Wade – he’s always playing practical jokes. And James Haskell. Those two guys play jokes on me. There’s always good energy around the group; we’re always having a laugh and a giggle with the whole squad.

How have you settled in?

I’m trying to embrace English culture. I like a nice Sunday roast and we’re trying to make it a ritual. I’m trying to embrace the weather as well, but that’s a hard one to crack!

I’m really enjoying tea and scones at the moment too. I might treat myself once a week, otherwise I’ll find myself in the front row!

You’re going back to Australia at the end of the season but what are you missing most?

My family. I’ve got my partner, Maddi, over here with me now so that’s great. And with social media, FaceTime and Skype, they’re not too far away.

Cheeky shot: Drew Mitchell reveals his tattoo against Italy. Photo: Getty Images

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen on the pitch?

The Wallabies were playing Italy in Florence and Drew Mitchell was running the ball back. I was next to him in case he made a half-break. He was tackled and the Italy player pulled his pants down. Drew was still running and little did I know he had a tattoo on one of his cheeks of paper, scissors, rock! In the end his pants were almost down to his knees so he had to cover himself.

I didn’t know he had that tattoo but a lot of us knew about it after the game! Apparently he lost a bet with mates on a trip away.

Do you have a nickname?

Just my initials – KB.

Good buzz: Wasps’ Willie le Roux, James Haskell, Kurtley Beale and Christian Wade. Photo: Getty Images

If you could be any of your team-mates, who would you be?

I’d say Christian Wade. He’s cool and has such a great attitude to life. He’s got a great energy and it’s lovely that he’s always positive. That’s the off-field stuff. He’s also an amazing athlete with amazing feet.

Do you have any phobias?

I don’t like lizards or any reptiles at all. I’ve got a massive fear of snakes. And scary movies. I can’t deal with horror movies. I’m a jumpy person – if someone’s around the corner and jumps out at me, I’ll yell and scream! Adam Ashley-Cooper has always done it to me. Nathan Hughes is that person here – he’s got me a few times.

And what about bugbears?

I like to be positive in all things – but I hate losing. It annoys me. If I’ve had a poor game it could take me three or four days to get over it. If it was a tough game but I know we played alright and the opposition were too good, it would probably take a day to get over it.

Is this just in rugby?

Golf, table tennis, shooting hoops – everything I compete for I want to win. I back myself to win, even if it’s cards on the bus. I compete for everything.

Right notes: Beyonce with two of her many Grammy awards. Photo: Getty Images

Who would be your three dream dinner party guests?

I have to say Maddi. I’d love a pop star, someone like Beyoncé – she can sing. And a comedian – Will Ferrell.

Any superstitions?

I must have my mouthguard. It has the Australian indigenous flag printed on it and if I don’t have it I don’t feel quite right.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I’d love to fly. I could see the world and it would be easy to get back to Australia. I think that would be awesome.

What would you like to achieve outside of rugby?

I grew up in West Sydney, an area where there are a lot of underprivileged kids. They’re not in the best position to achieve their dreams, so I’d like to open an academy to allow kids to do that. The Kurtley Beale Sports Academy – I’d love to do that.

This article originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Rugby World. For the latest subscription offers, click here.