DOWNTIME WITH... MARK ATKINSON: "I can't have four squares of chocolate, I'm having four bars!"

The Gloucester centre on his sweet tooth, a Savage prank and embarrassing stitches

- Alan Pearey

DO YOU have any phobias?

Heights. When I was at Sale we did rock climbing in France and it wasn’t for me. I don’t like claustrophobia either. Like going in an MRI machine.

What really annoys you? 

Electric charging stations. You can do everything right and they just decide not to work.

If your house was on fire, what one item would you save?

My Yorkshire teabags because that’s the first thing you’d need, isn’t it? Either that or I’ve got a pint dispenser, a keg. I’d probably need something stronger than tea. 

What would be your Mastermind specialist subject?

I’m a real rugby geek. So either that or Jack Reacher novels. I finished the latest one two days ago and I feel a bit lost now.

What’s the best gift you’ve received? 

As a surprise, my missus (Lydia) got a covers band to perform at our wedding. We’d seen them play in Cheltenham.

And the best thing you’ve ever bought? 

Our Cockerpoo, Maple. I’d never been a dog person but on a hungover New Year’s Eve morning about seven years ago I finally caved in to the missus.

Who would be your three dream dinner party guests?

I’m going for a theme based on podcasts with footballers of a certain era who sound like they had the most fun ever. So Harry Redknapp, Jimmy Bullard and David Bentley. Bentley is like the myth, the legend amongst all of them.