Mike Delany recently announced he was leaving New Zealand to play rugby in Japan. Mike first appeared for the Bay in 2005 and was a regular until 2010 winning the Mafia Player of the Season award in 2007 and 2009. He played a single test for the All Blacks against Italy in 2009. Mike played for the Highlanders in 2008 and then was selected for the Chiefs from 2009 to 2011. Despite being considered good enough to play for the All Blacks, Mike was never considered good enough to be a regular starter for the Chiefs and the only time he was a regular starting first-five was during his season at the Highlanders.

Mike was kind enough to answer some questions sent in by Mafia faithful and supporters of other provinces. Read on to see his responses and click here to read Colin Bourke's interview. You can follow Mike at http://twitter.com/Mike_Delany.

1. Is Bourkey's moustache the worst in the history of mo's?

I was actually a bit of fan considering he didnt really mean to grow it..think he just cant be bothered shaving.  Its in his genes that it grows perfectly into a bro moe.

2. How much did knowing Foster was going to leave after this season influence the attitude of the squad?

Not too sure how much that influenced the squad. We as a team wanted to win for ourselves and our supporters so the fact that fozzie was leaving didnt really effect us.  I suppose its a matter of whether or not fozzies attitude changed considering it was his last year.

3. Does he regret not joining the Blues when offered a couple years ago??

Yes and no. Im thinking was that I want to be the best in the chiefs region and just not give up on that. Looking back it probably would have been a good idea to get more game time considering how much Brett has played there.

4. Will he return to lead us to (further) glory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup?

Would definitely love to come back and play for Bay of Plenty if I am still playing well when that may be.  Would be a dream to finish my rugby career in the blue and gold.
 
5. Does he prefer 10 or 15? And don't settle for a "I just rather be on the paddock" response.

Definitely enjoy playing 10.  Love to get my hands on the ball and call the shots.
 
6. What was the favourite Bay game that you played in?

Hard to say as I we have never been in a final etc with BOP.  It was pretty special to play my 50th game in my home town in front of my family although we lost in last play to Hawkes bay though.  Any win against the likes of canterbury and Wellington are fond memories. Debut against Wellington at the Cake tin also stands out.
 
7. How much work has he done to "bulk up" over the years?

Ive had to do quite a bit considering im a skinny white boy. My lack of size may have hindered selection when I was younger as was always told to put weight on! Its just a part of being a professional rugby player these days, you wouldnt last long without spending a fair bit of time in the gym in order to take the knocks which are only getting harder.
 
8. Cruden, Slade and Donald. Who would you rather play against and why?

Donald.  Always enjoyed that match up with Waikato Vs BOP games.
 
9. Do you feel you have never really had the chance to play 10 for a period of time in Super rugby?

Not really.  Thats probably the most frustrating thing in not getting to build on my game through out a season. One of the possible regrets I may have once I have left NZ.
 
10. How do you think the current Bay squad will do this season without you? Will they be battling for top spot or to avoid relegation?

I think the current squad is very strong and if they play as good as they are week and week out, they will be right up there.  Consistency will be important for success this year.  Not a lot of time to build on performances with this years structure.
 
11. Do you have plans for a career after playing rugby and will it be outside of rugby?

I would like to help BOP rugby in some way once I finish up. Always liked the idea of coaching so depending on how things go overseas I would like to give back to BOP rugby.  I do have a sports degree which I gained at Waikato University, maybe TRY and use that!
 
12. What sort of communication did he have with the All Blacks coaches since his injury last year?

Not a lot.  They tend to communicate with coaches and filter it through that way.  Often touch base when they visit each of the franchises during the season.

13. Was game day preparation build up on his test debut all he had expected? Who gave him his jersey? How did it feel to be handed it?

Its still a bit of a blur and a very surreal experience.  I just couldnt wait to get out there, put the jersey on, do the Haka and complete a child hood dream.  Was a huge honour to become apart of such a strong legacy within New Zealand.

14. Can he describe how he found the AB culture as a 'newbie'? Is the 'back seat club' still prevalent?

I guess with the professional game it is important that new players fit in as quickly as possible.  There are seniors players in the squad that make sure the transition into the team is positive.  There is still a strong 'back seat' culture and hierarchy so as a newbie you make sure your not last on the bus. 

15. Biggest thing to surprise him about an AB tour that he hadnt expected?

Biggest surprise to me was how down to earth everyone is.  Also how well everything on and off the field is planned and thought of, nothing has been left to chance. Very professional in everything they do.  I was also surprised how chilled out Graham Henry is.

16. Do the Chiefs socialise mainly along ITM cup team loyalties? Who was his best mate in the Chiefs or BOP?

While in the chiefs the players all get along together pretty well.  The fact that the BOP boys live together means we still spend most of the time together.  Hika Elliot tends to tag along because he wishes he was from the 'real' Bay.

17. Who does he think will replace him at 10 for BOP? Who would he pick?

I think either Noakes or Waenga will slot in easily.  Both different players and offer different games. Dan will also be a good option at 12 or 15.

18. What is the best thing about playing for BOP? What will he miss the most?

I'll miss the unique bop team culture, the team mates/coaches, the stories, and the supporters. It will be pretty hard watching this season and not being apart of it.  By far the most enjoyable rugby of my career has been with BOP.  Theres not much I wont miss, maybe just kicking the ball onto the wet clay at bay park...oh and ofcourse Hori Bop.
 
19. What went wrong with the chiefs this year? How was it he wasn't required on the bench even?

No too sure why we didn't go too well this year..or I cant really say..I wasn't required on bench as we were playing so well and winning a lot.

20. How long is his contract in Japan? Is he worried about nuclear fallout?

My contract in japan is initially for 2 years. Hopefully there for longer than that if I play well.  Ive done a bit of research on the nuclear situation and 'apparently' nothing to worry about! fingers crossed.

21. Does he get along well with Stephen Donald?

Yeah I get on with Donald well. He's a good guy.

22. Who does he see that is an up and coming player around the countryside?

Probably Sam Cane, so young yet already easily mixing it with the best in the world.