20 Questions: James Cordy-Redden – Ealing centre

How important was that win against Jersey?
The Championship is pretty open this year with a lot of opportunities for team to get wins at home. It was a good result and we’ve got to keep doing that when we can.
A gritty win too, wasn’t it?
It was great for us as a team because we’re known for liking to throw the ball around and we struggled to adapt to the ways of the Championship a bit. So to be able to win ugly was good.
Is that hard to do?
We much prefer winning ugly than lose playing pretty rugby. It’s all about the result in the end so maybe we’ll see more driving mauls than counter attacks from now on.
What’s the mood after three games?
We’ve one win, one draw and one loss so it’s a mix bag. But as long as we keep together as a group hopefully the results will come our way.
Most positive thing so far?
The desire to keep going and the work rate on the field. Last week we led at half-time but ended up chasing the game late on. But we stuck together and came up with the win.
Anything you have to improve?
We have to get the basics right. Game management is key to make sure we get the result we want.
Big game at London Irish today?
It’ll be a tough game at the Madjeski but we’ll stick to what we know and hopefully last weekend will help us put in a good performance and generate some momentum.
Goals for the season?
We don’t want big goals as such apart from playing good rugby and hopefully it’ll be good enough to avoid relegation.
First season at the club?
I was with England Sevens last season but I came on loan to Ealing towards the end of the season. I played a couple of games and joined full-time on the back of that.
What are your targets?
I always wanted to have a career in 15s and I hope to go as high as I can. I’ve signed for a season here so I’ll do my best to earn another contract and maybe reach the Premiership one day.
How was England Sevens?
I massively enjoyed it. I’ve learnt so much and it was a great opportunity for me. I was unlucky with injury which meant I didn’t play on the World Series but it still made me a better player.
Which is your best position?
I joined England Sevens as a full-back but I played prop in Sevens. I like being involved a lot on the field so I thought moving to the midfield would give me that opportunity. I don’t want to be a utility back so I’m looking to nail down that No.13 jersey.
Anyone else involved in the decision?
I think I’ve got more chance of progressing in my career as a centre so it was a personal decision but chatting to Ben Ward at the club he said he wanted me to join as a centre so it worked out great.
Played for Cross Keys before that?
I was at Bristol‘s UWE and driving across the bridge three to four times a week. The Welsh Premiership toughen me up being a former public shoolboy. I’ve learnt how to play in the mud there.
Did you get some stick from your Welsh teammate?
Plenty of it but I very much felt like I was one of the lads at the end of the two years. I had a great time playing week-in week-out with them.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I’ve got a degree in Real Estate and Management so I’d probably be working in chartered surveying. I’ll probably go back.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’ve always been one hundred per cent a full-time athlete!
Three dinner guests?
Wrestlers John Cena and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and singer Mary J. Blige
Best and worst banter at Ealing?
Arthur Ellis is the best but Joe Munro can’t tell a joke to save his life.
Best and worst dressed?
Best is Jonny Bentley with his take on skater boy/surfer chick. Curtis Wilson is the worst – no explanation needed!