Age: 34
Favourite movie: Bourne Trilogy & American Pie
Favourite food: Döner & Bolognese
Idols: Hooper, Etzebeth & Skelton
Favourite rugby team: Reds & Wallabies

How you got started in rugby:

My mate's brother went to an Irish boarding school, and so they had a rugby ball at home (not particularly common in Germany), we used to pass and kick with it in the garden. Unexpectedly, at the age of 13, I ended up in a rugby trainer's household on a school exchange in Poole, England, who encouraged me to play, but opportunities didn’t occur yet. I had to quit playing ice hockey these times because I couldn’t get skates in my size anymore and missed the physical challenge in other sports I pursued as a teenager. Remembering this, I started to train a few times in uni back then.

What rugby means to you:

It’s definitely more than just sport to me. Rugby is such a great representation of life and teaches you a lot. Especially within our group, I adore the passion, unbelievable friendship, focus, discipline, collaboration, intensity, hard work, solidarity and respect. With teammates becoming like a second family, and rugby bringing people together no matter where you’re from, being part of this community is truly inspiring.