LISC chairman Jerry Browne recently spent a sunny afternoon playing golf with London Irish favourite, Lovejoy Chawatama.

Here is a summary of their conversation.

Lovejoy, great to see you again, and for agreeing to do an interview for the Exile Files. Is it ok if I call you LJ?

No problem, Jerry.

When did you start playing rugby?

I started at school. I played throughout my time at school and at university, I started my professional career at London Scottish when I was 22. Then moved to London Welsh, where I made my Professional debut aged 25, before joining London Irish, after their demise.

Were there similarities between the demise of Welsh and Irish?

Yes, in both cases we were being told that that the money from a new investor was on its way, but it never arrived.

Many of us felt that that you, the players, knew that the Exeter game was going to be the last time you played together for Irish?

Yes, we just made sure that we were all covered for insurance purposes, but we knew that it was all over for the club.

How did the folding of London Irish affect you?

I have a wife and three kids to support, so I had to make sure that I could do that. I had already received offers from a couple of clubs and soon secured a one-year contract at Quins.

But you signed for Bristol last autumn.

Yes, I had been talking to Bristol previously. When Kyle Sinckler announced that he was going to France at the end of the season, then Bristol stepped in and offered me a two-year contract plus the option of a further year, which I accepted. I studied at Bristol University, so I know the area well.

How will that change your life and your Family life and lifestyle?

Well we are moving down to the Bristol area at the end of May. We have bought a house down there. My wife’s parents live close by, which will be good. My eldest son starts school this September. So, the timing of the move could not be better.

You are 32 years old now how long do you think you could play for. Can you do a Dan Cole?

Definitely. As I didn’t start pro rugby until I was 25, I don’t have many miles on the clock. Subject to injuries, I think I could play on at the top level for another six seasons.

You will be meeting up with Josh Caulfield and BVR at Bristol. Are you looking forward to that?

Yes, I was always a close friend of Josh at Irish, and they have both been doing really well at Bristol.

I play golf with BVR. He is seriously good. Would any of the Supporters Club members or Committee be interested in playing with us? Corniel van Zyl is also a keen golfer.

We will ask if anybody wants to play.

We have not seen much of you on the pitch at Quins. What has been your role? How have you stayed motivated while not playing?

Chances for me have been few and far between. When I signed for Bristol, I was no longer a long-term prospect for Quins, so I have really just been injury cover as travelling reserve. I did get to go to the Champions Cup quarter final in Bordeaux, which was a great weekend. I was also able to hook up with Adam Coleman. I missed the guys over at Ealing the other week though.

Going forward, I am now preparing myself for the move to Bristol. Concentrating on weights and intensive running regimes.

Did you ever have international ambitions?

I had some discussions with the England scrum coach during Eddie Jones time, then I got injured. Yes, I am still ambitious and want to play international rugby, that is my dream.

We have played golf together twice now; how do you balance your private life with your professional life?

I have three young kids, so it is not easy, they take up a lot of my time. They are at the front of my private life.

I understand that you are a keen cook

Not at all Jerry. I am a backyard cook – BBQs only!

What other sports do you like? I hear you are a keen Arsenal fan.

Don’t talk to me about football! Yes, I am a big Arsenal fan, I could not bear to watch Tottenham losing at home to Manchester City last night.

Lovejoy, that has been brilliant, really enjoyed your company today. Our golf was very variable, but it was a lovely day.

We would like to put together a group of people to come down to watch you playing at Bristol. Would you be able to organise a block of tickets for us?

For sure Jerry. Let me know which game you want to come to, and I will organise it.

Been great to see you today and give my regards to all the Supporters Club members.

Jerry Browne, LISC Chair