20 Questions: Charlie Davies – Wasps scrum-half
Definitely. We’ve always known we can deliver performances and the last few weeks have been about building confidence. Not perfect, but we’re moving forward.
How good is Christian Wade?
Unbelievable! Fantastic player and a fantastic lad. He’ll have a red rose pinned on his chest for a long time to come and deserves everything he gets.
Fourth year for you at Wasps now… enjoying it?
Yes. We’re a close bunch of boys and a relatively young squad. Wasps have been through tough times but I like the environment here.
Describe boss Dai Young?
He’s a stand-up guy, very straightforward and honest. He’s a good guy to work with and all the players have the utmost respect. We’re very lucky to have him.
Where did you start out in rugby?
Chesterfield RFC, when I was nine. I joined Nottingham‘s academy at 16, then had a year in the Championship before moving to Stade Francais at 19.
Must have been an unbelievable move?
It was a surreal year in Paris, one I look back at now and think I might have extended. But I decided to come back to England and it was the right thing.
Play any other sports as a youngster?
Football, basketball and I was a very keen skier, snowboarder and skateboarder. It wouldn’t be sensible to do those things now, though.
Teenage sporting idol?
He was a bit before my time, but I enjoy boxing and Muhammad Ali was someone I always liked because he was a showman who had charisma like no one else.
How about rugby heroes?
Jonny Wilkinson for his professionalism and work ethic, but as a No.9 I liked Dwayne Peel. He was one of the best in the world with Wales and the Lions in 2005.
How do you chill-out?
I’ve just moved in with my brother, Ed, and my cousin in Ealing. Ed’s a good chef so it’s nice to get away from rugby and spend time with them.
What’s his speciality dish?
Steak. He probably made me the best steak and mash dinner I’ve ever had.
If you could invite three dinner guests?
I’m a big fan of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, so he’d be one; Mila Kunis, because she’s quite tasty; and Michael McIntyre for the comedy.
Hobbies or pastimes?
Watching films and playing Xbox. I’ve also picking up the guitar again, as my brother’s a musician and he’s been teaching me a few things.
Is your brother a pro musician then?
He’s looking to become pro. He’s got a masters degree in music and plays a lot of acoustic guitar and classical stuff, he just needs a break.
Much of a social scene at Wasps?
Tom Varndell and I are the social secretaries and we try to organise the odd night out at comedy clubs etc. We have regular afternoon trips to the cinema, which the front rowers like as it means they can hide away with their big tubs of pop corn!
Best film you’ve seen recently?
Captain Phillips, with Tom Hanks. Highly recommended.
Best and worst banter at Wasps?
Andy Goode’s decent. He’s very quick-witted and has learnt to take the Mickey out of himself after taking stick over his ‘skullet’! Worst is James Haskell, who fires it around to zero effect.
Best and worst dressed?
Best is Sam Jones, who’s a good-looking lad and shops in all the right places. Worst is James Cannon, who’s so tall he just has to wear what fits!
How can you get past Joe Simpson?
I’ve been given targets to work on, like my box-kicking. Simmo’s developed that part of his game really well and is playing superbly, so I’ve got to bide my time and take my chances when I get them. It’s good competition.
Can Wasps make top six?
Yes. It’s one of the tightest Premiership‘s ever and it will be hard, but we all have internal targets and are working towards that goal.
