20 Questions: Alex Rieder – Wasps back row

How’s your week been?
Training has gone really well and everyone is keen to make a statement after Sale last week where we feel we didn’t play as well as we should have and ended up losing.
Where did you go wrong?
We maybe switched off at times at the lineout and the physicality was a step up for some of the lads who hadn’t had much game time until then.
The weather can’t have helped either?
We also had a short turnaround playing at Sale on the Friday with our league game against Newcastle the previous Sunday. But you don’t want to make too many excuses.
Was it a wake-up call for some youngsters who had only played in the A-League until then?
You could say that with a lot of boys playing their first first-team game and they might have realised the expectations that come with it.
The Anglo-Welsh Cup is a special competition too, isn’t it?
It is full of players, young or old, desperate to showcase their talent hoping to break into the first team and you just can’t switch off.
Big reaction expected at Worcester today then?
There’s no excuses to have this time. Everyone’s had some game time and knows what is expected of them.
Will playing at home help too?
We can’t sit back at the Ricoh Arena. It’s a fortress for us and we’ve got to keep it that way.
Is there more expectations given how well Wasps have done this season so far?
The Premiership and Europe campaigns have gone really well this season and we want to show we have the strength in depth to do well in all competition.
What’s your role in this Anglo-Welsh Cup squad?
I’ve been lucky to have had some Premiership experience so I can be a bit of a leader in the squad. But I’m surrounded with others like Guy Thompson and Nick de Luca. The main driving force for us all is that we’re pushing for more game time with the first team.
Happy with your own season so far?
I didn’t get a lot of match action apart from during the Six Nations last season so to already have played in five games is great. It’s nice to have something to train towards so, personally, it’s been a great season so far.
Second year at the club after joining from Rotherham?
I’m really enjoying myself in a great club with a great bunch of lads. Playing more games also makes me feel more part of the squad because the bond between players is deeper when you play together.
How big was the step-up?
The intensity in training was the main thing. You train like you play and it took a bit of time to get used to because it was more chilled in the Championship.
Targets for the season?
I just want to kick on and get more game time in the Premiership while Nathan Hughes is away with England and James Haskell and Sam Jones are out injured.
What about the Champions Cup?
That’d be the ultimate goal. Seeing how well the boys are doing only makes you want to get involved even more.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I’ve deferred the final year of my business degree at the University of Leeds. My Dad’s been quite successful in business so I’d probably do something related to that.
Already planning for the future then?
Your rugby career could be over in a flash. You just have to be prepared for the worst even if I hope to keep calling myself a professional rugby player for as long as I can.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’d have to say a burger.
Three special dinner guests?
American comedian Kevin Hart, Wasps hooker Tom Cruse because he’s always good fun and Jessica Alba, even if my girlfriend wouldn’t be too happy.
Best and worst banter at Wasps?
Tom’s banter is a bit odd coming from Rotherham and some of the lads find it weird but I enjoy it. Matt Mullan doesn’t crack too many jokes so I’ll give worst to him.
Best and worst dressed?
Everyone’s abusing me over my countryfied fashion sense, especially Nathan Hughes, so I’ll give worst dressed to him and his NBA jerseys. Josh Bassett can pull anything off, though.