Question Time: Mick Skinner

Mick Skinner became a folk hero during the World Cup quarter final in Paris, 1991, when he performed a chilling tackle on Marc Cecillon. Skinner played blindside flanker for England from 1988 to the World Cup final in 1991; he now plays for Blackheath and Harlequins and works as a freelance computer consultant. Often on TV as a rugby commentator, Skinner is known for his less than flattering description of backs. 'I'm one of the fat boys in the forwards. We're the ones who win rugby matches, not the girls at the back'

Which part of London would you most like to live in, and why?

I wouldn't like to live anywhere other than Blackheath, where I live now.

Well, I'd like to move to a bigger house, but I love it down here, I have

a great view of the heath and the rugby club is but a crawl away.

Is there anywhere that you have never visited in London and keep meaning to?

Yeah, the real ale house in Hampstead, but I guess that wasn't exactly

what you had in mind. I feel guilty that I've never managed to get to the Tate Gallery , especially when I've worked opposite it for six years.

What is your worst transport story?

The train journey to Vauxhall from Blackheath, because everytime I get

to Blackheath station there's something wrong with the train. I've been

down there on numerous occasions and ended up driving to work instead; in utter frustration. It always seems to happen to me, I often

wonder if the trains run OK on the days I don't bother trying to catch one.

Describe your closest brush with crime

I chased a bloke across the heath. He'd just broken into my neighbour's car - unfortunately the wanker lived to steal another day. Maybe if Geoff hadn't dropped me from the England squad I would

have kept up my training and nailed him. Unfortunately, I'm no Rory

Underwood.

Nominate your most romantic spot

A table right in the corner of the restaurant in Stringfellows where I got

down on one knee and proposed to Anna.

What was the last film you saw and where?

Well, I haven't a clue what it was called but it was bloody brilliant and starred Harrison Ford. I'm more into blood and guts films with Arnold Schwarznegger usually. Basically, it was on at Screen 1 at the Empire, Leicester Square and I'd see anything that's on there, it's a great cinema.

Where did you last eat out, who with and why?

In the Gloucester Hotel, with Anna and friends from work. I

went because I like socialising with workmates and they had two meals

for the price of one - you have to remember rugby isn't a professional

sport with professional wages]

Have you ever been banned from anywhere?

Er, yes.

Have you ever seen anyone famous on the streets?

I've seen loads of people. Everytime I venture out from work I bump into a rugby player. The famous person I was most pleased to bump into was Peter Scudamore (one-time champion jockey , now BBC presenter). He came and said hello, which surprised me. It turned out he's a big rugby fan.

What would you change about London?

I'd move the Harlequins pitch nearer to Blackheath, it's too bloody far out.

(Photograph omitted)