20 Questions: Will Taylor – Wasps prop

Enjoyed returning to action after a year out?
It was amazing to get back out there after that bicep injury. Playing at the Ricoh Arena against Cardiff in front of 10,000 people was pretty special. It was good to be playing with my mates again too.
Did the Ricoh Arena live up to the hype?
Definitely! The facilities are just sensational there. It’s great for the players with the hotel but also for the fans. The numbers that turned up was just amazing. We’d have never got that at Adams Park for a LV=Cup game.
What was your daily routine in 2014?
I had two operations on my arm so I spent most of my days with the physio. It was a write off for me to be honest but I’m back and raring to go.
Ready to pick up where you left off?
Definitely. Dai Young gave me a massive opportunity when I joined and it went great for a season and a half until my injury. I was playing most weeks until that injury stopped me but that’s part and parcel of this sport I suppose.
Huge competition at tighthead, isn’t it?
Massive. Our Italian Lorenzo Cittadini is one of the best in the business. Jake Cooper-Woolley has done well and was rewarded with a Saxons call and there’s Phil Swainston who’s been very good, too. It’s bringing the best in all the boys to be honest.
Why did you leave Wales so young?
I was at the Ospreys but wasn’t getting much game time with Adam Jones ahead of me among others. Opportunities were very limited so I thought a new club would be good for me. I had a good pre-season when I joined Wasps and it went from there.
When did you start playing rugby?
It was quite late as I was playing football being the fat kid in the goal. I tried rugby when I arrived in secondary school and I haven’t looked back. I joined the Ospreys, represented Wales U18s and U20s and then joined Wasps.
Did you play any other sport at school?
I quite enjoyed playing squash when I was younger.
If you could play another sport?
It’ll definitely be golf. Private jets and eating what you want doesn’t sound too bad.
If not rugby, what would you do?
I became a qualified personal trainer through the RPA last year and myself, Tom Varndell and Ben Jacobs set up a fitness company while we were all injured. It was great to keep us busy. I’ll probably look into that after rugby.
Boyhood hero?
Gethin Jenkins is right up there. I’ve always been a fan of ball-playing props.
Ever met him?
No. Unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to face him in a scrum.
How do you chill out?
A few of the boys live quite near to each other in Chiswick so we tend to meet up in town and have a coffee. Cinema is always a good option, too.
Latest film you’ve watched?
American Sniper. It was pretty awesome.
Live with any teammates?
Yes, I live with fellow props Phil Swainston and Simon McIntyre as well as James Cannon, unfortunately.
Any of you good at cooking?
James is just awful. Recently he tried to cook a stir-fry for his girlfriend but put the rice in without cooking it first. Fair to say he got a bit of stick over that.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
David Beckham because he’d be quite interesting to speak to. I think I’d get along with Mila Kunis, too. I’d have to invite James Cannon’s mum, too. She’s a lovely girl.
Best and worst banter at Wasps?
James Haskell thinks he has the best but it’s probably the worst. Andy Goode is pretty ruthless with the boys and Ed Shervington is up there, too.
Best and worst dressed?
Worst is one hundred per cent Simon McIntyre. Best is Andrea Masi, aka Mr Armani, by a country mile. Just sheer Italian class.
What can we wish you for the rest of the season?
Being injury free, getting some game time and seeing Wasps make the Premiership semi-finals.