20 Questions: James Short – Exeter wing

Big game against Sarries today?
Massive. It’s between the two sides at the top of the Premiership. We’ve played them before so we know how to be successful against them.That’s been our focus this week.
Does it feel like a big game?
Definitely! Whoever wins will go top so it is a huge game. Hopefully, we can play how we want to play and challenge them.
What’s the plan?
We’ve been good at moving teams around the field this season but sometimes you have to adapt to the opposition. We’ll play to our strengths but we’ll also try to exploit their weaknesses.
Is that a big test for you to see if you can break them down?
The Premiership is very competitive this year and every single game is massive so I don’t think you can judge yourself on one single game. It’s all about performing week-in week-out for us and today is just another big Premiership game.
Does it had more spice with Sarries being your old club?
I was there for a long time but I try to forget about it. I’m Exeter now and fully committed to the Chiefs.
How do you look back at your bonus-point win at Worcester last week?
After all the emotions we’d been through the previous week against the Ospreys in the Champions Cup we wanted to make sure we’d back it up away from home. Worcester are very tough to play against so it was very pleasing to get the win.
What about your personal form recently?
I’ve been scoring tries which, as a winger, is what I want to be doing. That’s what I enjoy about rugby so the past few weeks have been great.
How was winning the Premiership in 2011?
It was great to do it so young in my career. I was only 21 and lucky Sarries had a great team.
What do you remember from that try in the final?
It came from a break by Schalk Brits. It was great to get over the line but I don’t think that I’ve appreciated the moment because I was so young. Some players never get to win the Premiership and I should have made the best of the moment.
Did you think you’d made it?
I was very aware I’d won the Premiership and I maybe rested on my laurels after that. I should have put it to one side and gone for more. The next three seasons were tough with short spells at Wasps and Irish.
It looks like you’re back on track now…
It was frustrating but that’s something I had to go through. I’m glad I’ve won the Premiership but I’m focusing on winning it again with the Chiefs.
Is that Exeter’s big goal this season?
We want to be competitive but winning the Premiership is why we go to training every day. I’d definitely savour going back to Twickenham this time around.
What about the Champions Cup and that quarter-final at Wasps?
Their European form has been very good so it should be a very exciting game. It’s knock-out rugby so we’ll try to play as best as we can on the day.
Enjoy living in Exeter?
It’s a lovely place and I really enjoy in the area. It’s very rural and rugby mad.
A big change from London then?
Definitely! In London you can go out and no one knows you but here you bump into people and they always have a chat. It’s nice to have support from the community. Luckily they’ve only been supportive with me so far!
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
Something creative like product designing.
How do you chill out?
I play the guitar but I try to keep myself fresh for the games. Walking the dog is great to clear your mind.
Three special dinner guests?
Joe Rogan who hosts a comedy podcast on iTunes, Neil deGrasse Tyson who’s a space philosopher and my old mate Luke Baldwin.
Best and worst banter at Exeter?
Jack Nowell has got rubbish banter but Ian Whitten is pretty good.
Best and worst dressed?
You just have to look at Julian Salvi’s haircut to know he has no style. Hard to say it but Phil Dollman is the best.