20 Questions: Josh Bassett – Wasps wing

Happy with your win in the Premiership 7s?
It was great to win the club’s first silverware since 2008, especially to do it in front of our own fans at the Ricoh Arena. It was nice to give something back to them.
As the captain, you followed in the footsteps of Lawrence Dallaglio. That must be a nice feeling?
It was great to captain the side but it was a great team performance. The boys showed their class but, yes, it was up to me to lift the trophy at the end.
What can you take from the 7s to the 15s season?
The fitness and the basic skills to play Sevens have been highlighted and that’s something every player can take on. There’s more people on the pitch in 15s and less space so you have to adapt to it. We have to switch our attention back to that now.
When’s your first pre-season game?
We’re playing Yorkshire Carnegie next Sunday. It’ll be good to get going ahead of the new season.
Wasps have made some star signings this summer, what can we expect?
It’s great to see the likes of Willie le Roux, Kurtley Beale and Danny Cipriani join the club. It’ll give us the opportunity to score tries. But we also pride ourselves on our defence. That’s what wins you games.
Is that your main focus to be able to better those two semi-finals?
You have to score points but you can’t give away cheap penalties or soft tries. We want to make sure we don’t keep the other team in the game because of our errors.
How important will Phil Blake be in that area?
Phil joined as defence coach this summer and he’s already told us what he expects from us. We have to keep progressing.
Is a final next season the goal to have after two semi-finals?
We have to focus on getting in the top six for the Champions Cup place. Some people might think we over achieved last year but we want to keep improving.
Targets for the season?
It’s a long season and there’s a lot of rugby to be played but I want to keep improving as a player and play as much as I can. We have a great squad and it’s helping me improve. I can’t wait to train alongside our new signings. They’re world class and I’m sure I can learn a lot from them.
What do you have to do to start more games?
Work hard. All the players know it’s going to take a full squad effort to do well. Everyone will be involved at one point to help the club reach its goal.
Fourth season at the club?
There’s been a lot of changes since I joined but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Topping our Champions Cup last season and making the semi-finals has to be the highlight.
How do you look back at your time with Bedford?
I loved my time there. I still keep tabs on them to see how they’re doing. I still have mates there and they had a great season last year. The club has a great ethos and hopefully they can push on.
Came through the ranks there?
I was playing for Ampthill and then joined Bedford at colts level. From there I went through the academy and ended up in the first team.
Was it hard when you became pro with Wasps?
Bedford were very much part time when I was there but Wasps helped me make the transition, making sure I was getting enough recovery. They know what they’re doing and it was seamless.
How long did it take you to fully adapt?
Fortunately I was playing regularly with Bedford so my body was used to the physical side of the game. I was young too and I just wanted to train and play as hard as I could to make an impression at my new club.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
Sport has always been a big part of my life so something in sport. But if I could chose anything I’d be a movie star.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m very into my BBQ so brisket or pulled pork goes down well.
Three dinner guests?
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Armstrong and Michelangelo.
Best and worst dancer at Wasps?
Christian Wade likes his moves but Alex “salsa hips” Reidier is the worst. The only salsa about him is what he eats with his Doritos.
Best and worst dressed?
James Haskell has to be the worst but Jake Cooper-Wooley looks pretty fresh for a prop.