20 Questions: Will Fraser – Saracens flanker

Been anywhere nice this summer?
No, I was in the physio room every day after having surgery on my latissimus dorsi muscle, which I tore off the bone beneath my shoulder. I’d been hoping to go to Argentina with England.
Made many gains during your rehab?
I’ve been able to do a lot of leg work and put on a bit more size and bulk. I’m weighing in at 105kg and feeling pretty good.
Big blow to miss the end of last season?
Huge. To go the whole year with nothing more than a dead leg and then miss the Heineken and Premiership semis, and England, was gutting.
Are you good to go this coming season?
I don’t think I’m going to make the start, no, but hopefully I’ll only miss a handful of games. It’s a matter of just playing it by ear.
How do you like to chill out?
I live with Jamie George so we’ll just put on a movie, have a go at the PlayStation or I’ll do a bit of studying when I get the motivation going.
What are you studying?
A part-time degree in history but it’s pretty heavy going and I might have to rethink it.
Enjoy cooking?
I do, but I haven’t really got the patience and it’s usually bland stuff like chicken breast and veg. If I was cooking for someone, I’d probably get a special meal from Waitrose and try to blag it as my own.
If you could invite three guests to your ‘blagged’ dinner, who?
David Beckham, because he’d have cool stories to tell; Frankie Sandford from The Saturdays, because she’s lovely to look at; and Micky Flanagan for a few laughs.
How did you get into rugby?
I was taken to my local club, Amersham & Chiltern, when I was eight. At 13 I joined Fullerians, where I had my best rugby days before joining Sarries.
Play any other sports at school?
Loads… cricket, football, hockey, swimming and tennis. I played first team cricket but rugby was always going to take precedence.
Teenage rugby idols?
Richard Hill because he played my position. To later have him as my mentor at Sarries was special. Jonny Wilkinson was up there, too.
If you could be another sportsman, who?
Before the scandal I’d have said Tiger Woods, but now I’ll go for Sebastian Vettel. I enjoy my Formula One and driving for Red Bull would be cool.
Pet hates and dislikes?
Bad eating habits, people who leave lights on and heavy traffic. I try to curb my road rage, though.
Pre-match rituals?
I put my left sock on first, but the main one is to write by brother Henry’s initials on my wrist before every game. That’s very important to me.
Henry was paralysed in an accident…is he a hero to you?
Without getting soppy, yes. He’s been through a hell of a lot and I try to use it as further motivation when I have the odd down moment, like my injury.
Best and worst banter at Sarries?
Chris Ashton gives off a lot of banter and Mako Vunipola dishes out his fair share as well. Worst is Petrus du Plessis, who is the butt of many unprintable jokes.
Best and worst dressed?
Owen Farrell is very big on his fashion. I’ve been told I’m not great, but I’d say the worst is Eoin Sheriff, who just doesn’t cut the mustard.
What would you change about rugby?
The aggressive nature of rugby is being lost. We’re getting a bit health and safety and card happy. I’m not advocating thuggery but some things could be dealt with a little less harshly, which is the case in rugby league.
Best moment in rugby to date?
My starting debut for Sarries, when we put 50 points on Leicester at Welford Road, and getting MoM in last season’s Heineken quarter-final against Ulster.
Hopes for the new season?
To make a major final and finish things off better than last season. Plus, getting fit, playing well for Sarries and putting myself in the shop window for England again.