20 Questions: Tom Heathcote – Worcester fly-half

What’s your assessment of the start to the season?
We’re pretty happy but we’re frustrated too because we felt like we could have got more out of our games at Sale and Gloucester.
How much of a boost was that opening win against Northampton?
It was massive for everyone involved. To know we can compete and beat the team that topped the table last season was a great way to kick things off.
How much emphasis do you put on home form?
To keep the best record possible we can at Sixways is massive for us. We’re looking to build some good momentum from that.
How are you coping with the step up from the Championship?
We knew it was going to be a big one but we had a long pre-season to help us be ready from the off. With the Championship final being so late it would have been a very quick turnaround and it would have been hard. We saw what it did to London Welsh last season.
In what aspects did the 16-week pre-season help?
A bit of everything but it meant we had more time to come together as a team. We had a couple of camps away where we all got to know each other. We had time to work on our patterns too.
Most pleasing thing so far?
Our ability to impose the way we want to play on the opposition at times. In the games we haven’t done well in we were forced into a style of play we didn’t want to play but we showed we could dictate the game.
Any areas of concern?
I don’t think there’s anything specific that cost us games each time. The main thing for us is to improve and learn from the mistakes we make.
It seems like you’re going out there to win rather being afraid to lose, do you agree?
Yes. We knew we’d come second best most of the time  going into a war of attrition against most teams in the Premiership, so we’re looking to play our game, attack and trust ourselves to make the right decisions to win games. We’ve been dangerous when we could do that.
How are you settling as a new fly-half?
The long pre-season helped me massively. Because of the way we want to play I need to know our pattern well and trust that the players around me know what they’re doing. There’s some pressure on me as a decision-maker but I’ve just got to back myself when I’m out there.
Why did you decide to leave Edinburgh?
It was a really exciting opportunity to join a club with a lot of ambition. Talking to the coaches it was something I really wanted to be a part of. Hopefully, I can be here for a long time.
How was Scotland?
It was a good season of learning in a different environment. It was very different from Bath so it allowed me to work on other areas in my game.
What about the Pro12?
It gave me a lot of experience playing against different teams from different countries.
Came through the Bath academy before that?
I joined the club when I was 15. I had three years in the academy and then four full time once I finished school. The club has given my big opportunity so I’m looking back at my time there fondly.
Why the switch to Scotland?
It was a tough decision to make after growing up in England and representing England at age-group level. But I had the chance to play Test rugby and I couldn’t really turn it down.
How do you chill out?
I’m studying part-time so that takes a bit of time when I’m not training. Apart from that, meeting up with the boys or chilling at home.
What are you studying?
I’m doing a Masters in International Development and Management. It’s an Open University course which gives me more time to do it.
Planning for the future despite being only 23?
I try to. I studied at university in Bath so I thought I’d carry on now I’m back in England.
Three dinner guests?
Lance Armstrong to discuss everything that happened, Bruce Springsteen and
LeBron James.
Best and worst banter at the Warriors?
I’ll go with Tom Biggs for best and Ben Howard for worst even if it’s a bit harsh.
Best and worst dressed?
Ryan Mills is probably the best but Matt Gilbert is without a shadow of a doubt the worst.