20 Questions: Perry Humphreys – Worcester wing
It’s been great so far. I ended up playing in all the games so far and scored three tries. But I try not to think about it too much and worry about the next game.
What about that second half against Gloucester in round two?
It was unreal. I didn’t know I was going on until two minutes before the second half restart but Ben Te’o was concussed so they sent me in. I had a good first touch and that got me into the game.
Got your first Premiership try as well didn’t you?
Yes, in the corner. It was a great feeling to score at Sixways. For it to be my first Premiership try, too, made it extra special.
Not fazed by the Premiership then?
The senior guys always try to remind the youngsters that’s it’s just a game of rugby and that we shouldn’t worry about outside circumstances.
What were your goals at the start of the season?
There were a few injuries in the back three at the start of pre-season so I tried to work as hard as I could for the six weeks of training. My aim was to play one Premiership game and it went from there really.
Have you got new goals now?
I just want to keep doing what I do. Focus on the basics and, hopefully, I won’t give Carl Hogg a reason to drop me.
Where were you before the Warriors?
I was with Leicester for three years but joined the Worcester academy two years ago. This is my first season with a professional contract.
Why leave Leicester?
They just didn’t have any room in their academy for me. But I have no regrets and they’ve taught me a lot of the rugby values. I started rugby quite late, playing football and cricket, so they’d been great with me.
How much rugby did you get last season?
I played most of the A-League games as well as some Challenge Cup games. But it was restricted to that because there was no LV=Cup after the World Cup.
Did you go on loan anywhere?
No. I did ask to but the coaches wanted to keep me at the club which I guess was a good thing. I must have been in their thoughts for the first team.
What have you been working on?
I’ve played at full-back most of the time as a player so high-ball and crispness of passing are the two main thing I’m concentrating on.
Favourite position?
Full-back is what I’ve known for the longest but I do enjoy playing on the wing right now. I don’t mind either, to be honest.
What about the Warriors’ start to the season?
We’ve shown in attack that we can beat teams scoring ten tries in the last two games but our defence and discipline hasn’t been up to scratch. That gave the other teams easy field position.
Big game against Newcastle today?
They like to throw the ball around playing on a similar artificial pitch to us. Everyone knows how important it is but we’ve got to treat it like any other game and not overthink things.
Are you looking over your shoulders already?
Bristol are the only team bellow us in the league but, as I said, there’s no point overthinking it. We’ve just got to go out there and get that win. We should have beaten Gloucester and Sale so it’s important we win soon.
Is it frustrating to come so close?
It is, but at the same time we know we’ve got it in the tank. You can’t beat yourself up too long. We know we can win games now it’s up to us to polish things off and actually do it.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I wanted to study physiotherapy at university before rugby picked up. I’ve actually started a plumbing course with two other lads this week. It’ll be a qualification to fall back on later.
Favourite cheat meal?
I eat quite well to be fair but I enjoy a Chinese even if it’s been a while since I had one.
Best and worst banter at Warriors?
Worst is probably Cooper Vuna but Ryan Lamb has some good chat.
Best and worst dressed?
I hate to stitch anyone up but I’ll give worst to Wynand Olivier and best to Luke Baldwin.
