We’re bringing you more rugby riches this week as we continue to cement our relationship with the elites of the game, bringing you the top tournaments, private gatherings and Karma Group-hosted happenings attended by rugby legends, like England Rugby International star Chandler Cunningham – one of our newest Karma Group Ambassadors. Chandler kindly sat down with us to answer a few questions…
What are the three top qualities you need to play flanker?
I think the best flankers I’ve played with and against have all had physicality, work ethic, and aggression.
How has your experience with the England U20s team influenced your development?
I think my experience with the U20s was great for my development as I got to represent my country and be in an environment that prepared me for the big step up to the England senior men’s team.
If you could time travel and play rugby in any era, which one would you choose and why?
I think the early 2000s as playing in England around when they won the World Cup would have been awesome!
What item(s) must you always have with you when you travel?
I’ve always got moisturiser and a speaker as I love music and can have dry skin.
How do you prepare mentally before a big match?
I like to manifest how I want things to go in a game and try to stay as relaxed as possible as when I’m calm and confident I think I play my best rugby.
What’s the oddest pre-match ritual you’ve ever witnessed?
I know someone who used to bang their head against the locker to hype themselves up before games!
If you had to eat only one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
Steak rice and veggies.
What has been your toughest match to date and why?
My toughest match was against the All Blacks at Eden Park in the summer as they just kept coming and they had the crowd on their side.
What are your three favourite things to do outside of rugby?
I like to spend a lot of time with family and friends outside of rugby. I like to go out for nice meals and coffee with friends. I also really enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures and I also enjoy listening to music – hip hop and afro beats, depending on my mood.
Tell us your three top Karma Group destinations and why.
I’ve been lucky enough to go to two Karma Group destinations so far and both have been amazing. Karma Kandara was in such a beautiful location and I was really able to switch off and relax after a hard long season and get the body right. The beach there and the spa were amazing. Soho Sanctum was in a great central London location and the room was amazing and it just had a really cool feel about the place. The cocktails and the Jacuzzi on the roof were also really good.
