20 Questions: Thomas Waldrom – Exeter No.8

How’s pre-season going?
We’ve had a tough few weeks as it always is at Exeter but we had a week off last week and I went to Turkey with the family. I’d never been there so it was good to discover a new country.
Friendly games can’t be too far now?
We have four games coming up starting with Gloucester at Sandy Park in two weeks. It’ll be good to finally play some rugby and get some game time. It’s time to get the body right and build into the relentless season that awaits us.
Won’t be many breaks this season?
Nope. I think we’ve got 20 games on the bounce from the start of the season so the coaches will have their work cut out for selection.
What’s been the worse pre-season drills?
The running on the beach. We even did some contact there which was interesting.
What can we expect from the Chiefs this season?
The same as last year really. We weren’t far off a great season so we don’t need to change too many things. For some reasons we struggled against the teams below us but beat the ones above so we’ll have to make sure we sharpen things up that end.
How do you explain it?
We need to address what we did well against the top teams and keep it up every week. We need to approach these games with the same intensity.
Got over missing out on the Premiership semi-finals on points difference yet?
If we look back there are things we maybe could have done better to make it but it gives us more motivation to go and do it this season.
Reached the Challenge Cup semi-finals, too?
It was a great competition for us. It took a big effort from the whole squad to get there and it gave us a lot of experience. The quarter-final at Sandy Park was awesome.
What about your own season, talk about making an instant impression?
It went far better than I was expecting it to go. I knew the game the Chiefs play would suit me but I didn’t think it’d go that well.
What do you put it down to?
It was a new set-up for me and there are a lot of youngsters at the club pushing you like Dave Ewers. I tried to help them out as much as I could but you always want to keep up with the new generation. You don’t want to be the guy slowing everyone down.
Julian Salvi will only add to the competition in the back row?
That’s what you want in a squad but, yes, the back row spots will be hotly contested next season.
Is that a sign that Exeter are now one of the big clubs in the country?
It’s a great testament to Rob Baxter. He looks at what sort of players he needs to be successful and he’s built a great squad over the past couple of seasons. We’re not new kids on the block and we must go one step further now.
There are rumours going around that you stole the ball off your teammates a few times to score so many tries, is that true?
Not at all! It just happened that the way we set up I end up with the ball. Sometimes you have to think a couple of phases ahead and make sure you’re there when the line beckons and the ball is clear.
Surely that form deserved an England call-up?
I just wanted to get as much game time with Exeter as I could because I was enjoying myself. If I look back at last season, I can honestly say it was a success and the move has been great for me. It was nice to play in the Saxons game as a recognition of my efforts. I can’t dwell on England too much.
How did you find out about your omission from the World Cup training squad?
Graham Rowntree rang and said I had a great season but they were going to stick with Billy Vunipola and Ben Morgan which I understand.
Will Henry Slade, Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie make the 31-man squad?
I don’t know but I really hope so.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m prone to some chocolates, crisps and fizzy drinks after games.
Three special dinner guests?
Adele, Tiger Woods and my wife Emma.
Best and worst banter at Exeter?
Best would be Ben White but Kai Horstmann is the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
Kai’s the worst again while Phil Dollman is the best.