Q&A: Jamie Hodgson

What is your earliest memory of playing rugby?

Playing down at Livingston and just having a whale of a time with my mates. My dad coached all the mini rugby when I was growing up at Stewart Melville Lions and came on tour with us and he loved it too. I think as soon as I stepped into high school rugby he missed that element.

Who was your favourite rugby player growing up?

I loved watching Chris Paterson, who I can’t really idolise now because we play very different positions! When I started out as a second-row I started idolising Paul O’Connell. I loved his work-rate, his leadership and how he went about his game.

Are there any Scotland games you remember watching that stand out?

I remember the Calcutta Cup game when we beat England at home four years ago. The buzz of the stadium and then everywhere around the city afterwards was just incredible.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

I’d probably say both my parents. They’ve worked incredibly hard throughout their lives and everything they’ve done for me has had a massive impact on my career.

What’s the best stadium you’ve played in?

BT Murrayfield, definitely. Playing in a sold-out BT Murrayfield in Autumn was just crazy. I’s such an amazing atmosphere and to have that crowd behind you is just like having another player on the park.

What’s the best game you’ve played in?

The Australia game in the Autumn Nations Series, because of the form they’d been in at the time and to take that scalp was brilliant. To come off the bench and win the game like we did in a sold-out BT Murrayfield was class.

Who is the best player you’ve played with?

Hoggy [Stuart Hogg] – he’s just brilliant, isn’t he? Having been a supporter in the stands recently I noticed that when he gets the ball, everyone in the crowd goes quiet because they expect him to do something amazing and the majority of the time he does.

What’s the best piece of sporting memorabilia you’ve got?

My first cap. I’m getting it framed at the minute. That was pretty special.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Falling on my backside playing football tennis at the start of this camp!

What pre-match music do you listen to?

Quite a mix! If I want to chill out I listen to country music, but then as it comes towards the game it would be quite a lot of rap stuff.

Who’s the dressing room DJ?

Finn [Russell]. his tunes are really good! A bit of French stuff, and then a bit of everything. He’s got a great taste in music.

On a day off, what’s your perfect way to relax?

Wake up, make a nice coffee, stretch out on the sofa, watch rubbish on Netflix and then hit some balls at the driving range. That would be a good day.

If you could eat anything as a treat, what would you go for?

Something chocolatey like Dairy Milk Buttons.

If you could be successful in any other sport, what would you choose?

Golf, because that would be a cool lifestyle. Just going about hitting balls!