Will Genia - One of his nicknames is Midge, short for midget
RUGBY WORLD: So how did you enjoy your first RWC off the field?
WILL GENIA: I loved it. We have a great group of boys and we make an effort to find a balance and organise activities. We had a relaxing few days with our partners in Hanmer Springs, a lovely mountain town.
RW: What’s the best thing about NZ?
WG: Just the fact that they love their rugby. That makes it a more exciting atmosphere with a World Cup.
RW: And the worst?
WG: The weather! Boys were kicking in training in Wellington and balls would fly back over their heads!
RW: What would you save if your house was on fire?
WG: Vanessa, my girlfriend; we’ve been together for four years and she takes care of me. My PlayStation; I’m the best in the team at FIFA 11 – that’s not a joke. And my iPhone; I like reggae music.
RW: Who are the Wallabies’ jokers?
WG: The old fella, Radike Samo. He’s 35 but acts like he’s 20. Quade Cooper, James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale like playing pranks too, especially Quade. He does little things like taking your clothes and hiding stuff.
RW: What was the best practical joke at the World Cup?
WG: In the team room we had computers and Digit (analyst Andrew Sullivan) must have left his Facebook account open because someone got on it and posted, ‘Oh my god, is it just me or is Robbie Deans the sexiest guy to walk this planet?’!
RW: Who are the best and worst room-mates?
WG: The best is Radike. He takes care of me and likes to keep things tidy. The worst is Digby Ioane – 100%. He doesn’t go to bed until 2.30-3am and he listens to music really loud and laughs like a hyena, so you can’t get to sleep.
Terrible twosome: James O'Connor and Quade Cooper
RW: Which team-mate spends the longest in front of the mirror?
WG: There are two without doubt – Quade and James O’Connor. Quade hasn’t even got any hair but stands there sorting it out. James does his hair too and they’re both into their fashion.
RW: What’s your most embarrassing moment?
WG: Sending a love message to my mum instead of my girlfriend!
RW: Any nicknames?
WG: A lot. Sanchez, which is my first name. Dolph, as apparently I look like a dolphin when I’m doing a bench pull because my legs flip up. Midge, short for midget. And Pooh Bear.
RW: What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen on the pitch?
WG: I wasn’t playing but I saw it on TV. Steve Thompson kissing that Argentina player after a scuffle! What the f***?
RW: Do you have any bugbears?
WG: Too much talking in meetings. I like them short and sharp. Our captain (James Horwill) can repeat himself a lot.
RW: Who are your three dream dinner party guests?
WG: Michael Jordan – I’m a massive fan. He was dedicated in every way to be as good as he could be. Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali.
RW: What’s your dream holiday?
WG: Going to Papua New Guinea to spend time with my family. My parents live there and I go back every Christmas to spend it with them.
RW: And phobias?
WG: Spiders. I scream like a girl if I see a spider. I don’t mind snakes. A friend of mine had a pet snake and I thought about getting one. My girlfriend has to get rid of the spiders. She picks them up and pretends to throw them at me!
RW: What’s your favourite joke?
WG: Here goes. What do you call a deer with no eyes? No eye-deer.
RW: What can’t you live without?
WG: There’s a lot I can’t live without. Underpants!
RW: What would you like to achieve outside of rugby?
WG: Just to be happy and content with life, whatever I do.
RW: How would you like to be remembered?
WG: As someone who enjoyed and loved rugby.
This article appeared in the December 2011 issue of Rugby World Magazine.
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