20 Questions: GJ van Velze- Worcester captain

Enjoyed a long-awaited week off?
We trained on Tuesday and Wednesday but had the rest of the week off which was very enjoyable after 11 games on the trot.
How does it feel to be safe from relegation with three games to go?
This season was never about being safe or being relegated. It’s nice but it doesn’t change our mentality. We have a long term plan where we want to take the club to higher boundaries.
What was the target at the start of the season?
To find our feet as quickly as possible in the Premiership. There was a fear of the unknown coming from the Championship so we took every game as they came and see where he took us.
Did it help to be realistic about the challenge ahead?
Dean Ryan is really experienced and he’s pretty straight talking. He sat us down and told us we had to realise where we came from and what we had to do to achieve what we set out to do. That made it very easy for the players.
How tough was the end of 2015?
We kept losing games very narrowly and it was quite tough for me personally because I was injured. I could see the effort the guys put in but we couldn’t win games.
What were you lacking?
We didn’t need miracles. All we had to do was to keep doing our job. It was credit to the coaches and the players for sticking at it and we got our reward against Sale at the end of February.
Been on a decent run after that?
Before we got pummelled by Exeter it had been a good few weeks winning five of our six Premiership games. It was very hard to play 11 games back to back so this week off came at the right time.
What changed in March?
We always felt like we needed a bit of luck at some point and thing would snowball our way. We didn’t how it’d come but were waiting for that moment. We played really against Sale for an hour and managed to get over the line that was a turning point.
What’s next for the Warriors?
The last three games are massive. We can’t switch off now because they could easily ruin everything we achieved this season. We’ve got to do well to enjoy our summer and hit the ground running next season.
Is the top half of the table your next target?
I’ve said it a few times in recent weeks but with the amount of resources we have and the people involved the club should do well and do well over a long period of time.
Where do you have to improve to do that?
We like to play fast rugby and move the ball around so we need to stick at it and get better over time. Set piece can always improve too.
How good has Francois Hougaard been?
He felt like he had a point to prove and that’s the case for a lot of player in our squad so he fitted perfectly at the club. I’m delighted he’s staying for another three years.
What’s been your role as club captain?
We’ve got a few experienced players in the squad and we get together on Mondays to review games. We then present it to Dean and share a few ideas about what worked and what didn’t in order to move forward.
Enjoyed the season so far?
It was disappointing to get injured early in the season and it took longer than I thought to get over it. But I really enjoyed coming back and play 11 games on the bounce.
Signed a new deal too?
It’s given me a big confidence boost to know Dean counted on me for the long term. It’s good to know I can be part of something special here.
Favourite cheat meal?
My wife spoils me with great home cooked meals but my favourite would have to be a South African braai.
If not rugby, what career would you be doing?
My mum would probably say an academic career like medicine but cricket was my other big passion growing up.
Three dinner guests?
Boris Becker, Steve Waugh and Kings of Leon lead singer Caleb Followill.
Best and worst banter at Warriors?
Tom Biggs is the best but Luke Baldwin is the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
I’d give best to Ryan Mills and worst to Niall Annett.