20 Questions: Joe Simpson – Wasps scrum-half

Ready to take on the European Champions Toulon?
Yes and it’ll be an interesting proposal. We know it’ll take a lot to break them down but we’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Does it make it easier to be the underdogs?
In some ways. If anything we’ll get a huge amount of experience from that game but we’ve got a good team and if we manage to keep all 15 players on the field it’ll all be to play for 80 minutes.
How do you plan to take them on?
They haven’t got many weaknesses but we know we can hurt anyone with our ability to score points. We’ve just got to make sure our defence holds.
Should we expect to see Wasps run from deep?
Maybe but we’ll have to be careful not be carried away with the situation because it could backfire against a side like Toulon.
Did the Northampton loss dent your confidence?
We felt like it was our game to lose in the first half until the red card swung the momentum. But we were in the game for about an hour so that was very pleasing.
What do you make of Wasps’ season so far?
We’ve gone from massive highs with some incredible results to frustration when we let ourselves down. We’re growing and we’re getting some nice additions to the squad for next season.
Chasing the Premiership semi-finals?
Sale are pushing us for that last Champions Cup qualification place but our fate is in our hands. If we win our last four matches we’ll be in there and anything above that will be a massive bonus. It’ll be a huge disappointment to finish seventh.
What about your own form?
I feel like I’m playing the best rugby of my career. I need to keep playing with that energy if I want to push for international honours.
Is that the next target?
Yes. Unfortunately I missed out on the Six Nations but I hope that I’m in the coaches’ minds and I’d love to be involved in the World Cup. But I can’t afford to slip off the boil. I need to end the season like I’ve started it.
Where did you begin in rugby?
I was around 8 or 9 and started playing at St Benedict’s school. I loved it so I joined Richmond and it went from there.
Always been at Wasps after that?
Yes since joining the academy. I’ve loved my time here so far. I’ve been a Wasps fan since I was a kid so to be in the same changing room as my idols was great.
Tell us something we don’t know about Dai Young?
He’s how he comes across. He says what he means and that’s great from a DoR. You always know where you stand with him.
Could you beat Christian Wade in a race?
I don’t think anyone comes close to Wadey these days. I would hate to actually race him. He’s freakishly quick.
What annoys you the most in life?
People that litter. I just can’t stand it. Put in the bin!
If you could be any sportsman?
Rory McIlroy deals with fame and fortune pretty well. Travelling the world, playing golf with a little entourage. The next golf game will be named after him too and that’s pretty cool.
Involved in any other sports growing up?
I did athletics in the summer until I was 16 which I enjoyed. I played a bit of cricket as well but it was more enforced on me at my school.
If not rugby, what career would you have?
Probably somewhere in the City in consultancy or asset management. That’s something I’m looking to do once I retire.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
My favourite comedian Sean Lock and columnist Katie Hopkins for her outrageous comments. It’d be great to speak to David Cameron to know what’s going on with the elections coming up.
Best and worst banter at Wasps?
Andy Goode’s been at it the longest and he’s pretty good. Changing room D is absolutely shocking but the worst is Carlo Festuccia. You can’t really understand what he’s saying half the time.
Best and worst dressed?
Sam Jones is a good looking guy. Whatever he comes up with, the boys take note and look it up online. James Haskell wears horrible footwear like Gucci shoes or some random gym hoodie he’s trying to promote.
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on April 5.