Getting To Know John Andress
4th August 2016 By Munster Rugby
Get to know Ulster native John Andress who began a one-year deal with the province at the beginning of preseason.
Capped for Ireland at U21 and A level, the tighthead enjoyed spells at Exeter, Worcester and Harlequins before joining Edinburgh on a two-year deal in 2014. The 32-year-old made 51 appearances across the PRO12 and Europe for the Scottish side having previously lined out in the Aviva Premiership on 66 occasions.
Commenting on his move to date, Andress said, “It’s been great settling into life at Munster. We arrived down on the 10th of June and the boys and staff have been really welcoming. It’s a really exciting time to be here, especially with the new High Performance Centre which is nearly ready – it looks like an absolutely awesome facility and all the boys are really looking forward to moving in.
“I’ve grown up watching Munster and having played against them I had a pretty good idea of what to expect here – the never give up and never say die attitude. Munster always make it an 80-minute match that’s hugely physical. It’s great to be part of that now.
“We have a really strong squad with plenty of competition for places. The important thing for me is to have a good preseason and hit the ground running as soon as the season starts.”
Name: John Andress
Favourite Food: Medium rare T-bone steak
Book you are currently reading or have just finished: ‘No Borders: Playing Rugby for Ireland’ by Tom English
Favourite TV programme: Ray Donovan
Favourite Film: Gangs of New York
Favourite Actor/Actress: Jack Nicholson
Most enjoyable holiday location: Orlando
Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: Wife and kids
Favourite sport other than rugby: Boxing
The sport you least like: Swimming
Person you would most like to meet: Roberto Duran
Sportsperson you admire most: Bernard Hopkins
Hobbies: Golf and watching TV
Where and when did you first play rugby: Mini rugby at North Rugby Club, Belfast at the age of 7
Biggest influence on career: Grandfather
Best career advice you were given: You don't get what you wish for, you get what you work for!
What you like most/least about being a rugby player: Like most – the friends you make and experiences you share with likeminded people! / Like least – the injuries!
Other sports that you played: Tennis, football and golf
Best rugby memory: Winning Ulster Schools Cup with a lot of my best mates
Rugby player you admire most: David Pocock
Rugby team you admire most: All Blacks
Sporting event you would most like to attend: McGregor vs Diaz at UFC 202
Three people you would invite to dinner and why: Eddie Murphy as he is the funniest comedian I've seen, Jack Nicholson as he seems like great company and would have great stories, and Roberto Duran as he is an absolute legend, a proper rags to riches champion and someone who lived it to the max.
If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be: A model!!
Place in the province you most like be / chill out: Adare
Fav song or band you like to train to or listen to before a game: Oasis and The Stone Roses
Who would you least like to room with and why: Anyone in the squad that snores
