Planet rugby decided the perfect tonic for Ireland, Munster and Shannon flanker Alan Quinlan as he bemoaned his broken thumb that keeps him sidelined at present was to unburden himself. He has to go back and see the specialist and is hoping to put him under pressure to remove the pin in the thumb a little early so he can play in Munster's European Cup semi-final against Stade Francais. 1. Favourite line from a movie? "`I'm giving serious thought to eating your wife.' Anthony Hopkins as the most famous serial killer offers that conversation stopper in the film Hannibal."

2. What's your nickname? "Cheeky is probably the one that I am called most often because it is my nickname at Shannon. I first got it on a Shannon tour to Canada in 1995. I suppose I was a bit vocal back then, I always had an opinion on everything. The other one is Quinny, not very interesting but that's what I am called by most people outside of Shannon."

3. What is the most recent book that you have read? "I am currently reading Vinny Jones' autobiography. I have only just started so I'm at the stage when he is recalling his younger days. He was a bit of a tearaway, a bit of a wild young fella. I suppose there might be a certain parallel or at least that's what people might think."

4. Two things/people that you would bring to a Desert Island? "The first would be Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova and the second would be former Big Breakfast presenter Kelly Brook. I would bring the two of them so they could keep each other company. I really hope Anna Kournikova reads The Irish Times."

5. Meat and two vegetables or Lemon Sole with a garlic jus? "I suppose it would have to be plain food as I don't go out that often. I am getting a little more adventurous as I used to have a reputation as a very fussy eater. I don't like fish but when I do go out now I going through a sampling phase and am more willing to try something new. But deep down I'm just a bacon and cabbage lad from Limerick Junction."

6. Favourite other sport outside of rugby? "In terms of watching it would have to be Gaelic games. Up until my mid teens I played a lot of hurling and loved it. I would go to as many Tipperary games as I could during the summer. I also go to a few Kildare football games because John Lacey's brother, Brian, plays for the Lilywhites. In playing terms it would have to be golf. I am a member of Tipperary Golf Club and judging by my most recent outing with the Irish squad, a bad 18 at present."