Position: Second Row
Date of birth: 5th Apr 1987
Birthplace: Bristol
Height: 2.01m (6' 7")
Weight: 115kg (18st 2lb)
A West Country lad through and through, Dave Attwood joined Bath Rugby from arch rivals Gloucester at the beginning of this season.
Originally from Bristol, the 6ft 7in lock has made 22 appearances so far this season, with his lineout prowess and athleticism around the field catching the eye early on. He has also shown he's no stranger to the whitewash, scoring four tries already this season – the same number as Matt Banahan.
His set-piece skills and presence around the pitch haven't gone unnoticed by the national set-up either, with Dave just returned from training with the England squad competing in this season's Six Nations. He has represented England through the age groups, from Under 19's, where he scored in the semi-final of the Junior World Championship against New Zealand, through to the senior level where he made his debut appearance against the All Blacks in 2010.
We caught up with Dave to find out how it feels to be running out against his old club, and his past success with the discus...
Tell us how you ended up playing rugby – where did it all begin?
"I started playing for Frampton Cottrell back when I was about nine. I moved primary school and they didn't really have a football team, but there was a local rugby team and it evolved from there really."
You've played at all three of the "West Country" Clubs so have had plenty of experiences of the old derby game – how does it feel to be running out against an old team?
"I'm very much looking forward to this one, especially given how we failed to perform up there earlier in the season. It will be good to play against some of my friends again. "Derby games are always a bit more special because of the local pride at stake. I think that in the professional era it possibly means less than it once did, as every game is important these days, but it still matters, and anyone heavily involved in the Club really is desperate to win. I know I am!!"
You've developed a bit of a nose for the try line this season – ever fancied life in the centre or on the wing?
"Unfortunately I was the big kid at school and as such I was pigeon-holed right from the start and I never managed to get out of the pack! I used to play lock with Banners, but he escaped somehow, I never did figure out how!"
Away from matters on the pitch, you're currently renovating your house – how's that all going?
"It is very slow work!! I'm really enjoying the process and what is going on and I can definitely see myself doing something like this after rugby - there is something really enjoyable about renovating and restoring as opposed to building from scratch."
You have a joint degree in Physics and Philosophy that you gained whilst at Bristol Rugby – how did you manage studying and playing?
"It was quite difficult to juggle, but I was very fortunate to have some very key people look after me and support me, especially ex-Bath player, Ben Sturnham, who always looked out for me and kept me on the straight and narrow...most of the time anyway...come to think of it he wasn't always the best influence...but I got there!
"I'd certainly consider doing a Masters at some point if it suited my career path, but my girlfriend completed one a couple of years ago so I know first hand that they aren't for the faint hearted!"
Finally, we heard a rumour you were England U16 discus champion...
"Haha! Yes that's true I used to compete throwing the discus. I'm not sure I could have made a career out of it, you really have to be something special to be good enough to go to the Olympics, and I'm not sure I was, I think it more revolved around me be a great big oaf!"
Quickfire Q&A from our Facebook and Twitter fans:
If someone dared you to go to a haunted house all night would you do it? Of course, there is no such thing as ghosts!
Who is the toughest player you've ever come up against? Danny Grewcock
What is your best rugby playing memory? My first senior game for England
Who would captain your rugby dream team? Dave Flatman, so I could get the "bash 'em" talk every week!!
How do you take your coffee? Black with one sugar and a biscotti
If you weren't playing rugby, what would you be doing? Enjoying an injury free career as a bed tester
What three things would you save if your house was on fire? My girlfriend (because she probably couldn't save herself!), the dog, and the rocking chair
What song do you know all the words to? "I've got a brand new combine harvester" by The Wurzels
What's the best piece of advice you've been given? "Sometimes you just have to bash 'em harder than they bash you!!"
If you were stranded on a desert island which team mate would you take with you and why? Probably Catty - I could use him as a raft and paddle to freedom
If you won the lottery what would be the first thing you bought? I'd buy my dad a new car
What is your favourite sport other than rugby? Probably the darts
If you had to take part in Karaoke, what would you sing and who would be your back up? Anything by Michael Buble, and Carl Fearns because he would take over immediately, allowing me to skulk off
Who do you think will win the 6 Nations? Wales
What dream supercar would you own if money was no object? Rolls Royce Phantom
