20 Questions: Will Warden – Richmond captain

How are you finding the Championship so far?
Let’s just say it’s been a learning curve. We’re losing but we’re still very much enjoying the challenge. We need to learn quickly though.
So tough adapting to the league?
Yes, the step up from National League One is tough, especially because we’re doing it with most of squad that played for us last season. Only three or four players from the 35 players we’ve used already weren’t there last year.
That must make the club very proud?
Very much so. A lot of us were part of the team that won promotion from National League Two back in 2012.
What do Matt Corker and Rupert Harden bring?
A new level of professionalism and we’re trying to learn off them. Corks is brilliant even if I’m not sure how he can still run around like a spring chicken at his age.
Shocked by the physicality of the Championship?
I think that one on one we can match our opposite numbers, but the thing we noticed is how quickly the opposition capitalise and often score from your mistakes.
Feel like you’re improving?
We’re making progress every week but then there are a couple of moments that don’t go our way and we’re 14 points down. But we’re getting closer and staying in the fight longer.
Confident you’ll get a win this season?
We can surprise any team so I’m pretty sure we’ll get a win. We’re having a great time and as long as the tap in the club house keeps pouring beer we’ll be fine.
Could it be today against Ealing?
I’d love it to be, but Ealing have got some good momentum after they beat Doncaster last weekend.
What do you know of them?
We used to play them in National League One and they like to throw the ball around. You have to admire what they can do with ball in hand. They might have changed a bit since but we know they’ll be strong.
It’s live on Sky Sports too, isn’t it?
Yes, it’ll be a great experience. Half the boys went to get their hair cut on Friday!
Are you training more this season?
We’ve kept the rugby sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays but we’re trying to do more conditioning work on the other days. We’ve got access to a great facility in Vauxhall.
Is it hard to juggle work and rugby?
It’s all about finding the right balance. We’re trying to get better but we all have careers outside rugby, too. We want to be the best professional amateurs and to be honest it’s turning into a very serious hobby.
What’s your day job?
I’m a marine cargo underwriter at Allied World. I basically analyse and transfer risk in terms of insurance.
Ever thought of giving professional rugby a shot?
I could have explored it when I finished my degree at Loughborough but I didn’t have any real opportunity and thought I was only an injury away from not being able to play. So I went into work in the City and started playing for Richmond.
How long have you been at the club?
This is my sixth season. I joined that year we won promotion from National League Two South and I’ve been club captain for four years now.
Tough to miss the start of the season and especially the game against London Irish?
It was gutting. I picked up a groin injury towards the tail end of last season. We went on tour to Cape Town with the lads and I played a couple of games there despite the niggle. But it wasn’t right so I had to sort it out. I was actually playing for our 3rds to get some match-fitness when we played Irish so I didn’t even see the boys at the Madejski.
Favourite cheat meal?
The club has brought in a nutritionist this season which has helped us make smarter choices. And we’re still throwing beers down our neck after games to help recovery.
Three special dinner guests?
My girlfriend Emily would tell me off if I didn’t invite her but I’d take my front row boys (Timmy Walford, Jason Phipps and Ali Lyon). They deserve a good meal after all the hard shifts they put in.
Best and worst banter at Richmond?
Annoyingly, I have to give best banter to Jason but Quins boy Stan South is the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
Martin Freeman is the best but Timmy and his full array of polo shirts are the worst.