20 Questions: Max Clark – Bath centre
It came a bit earlier than we were expecting as we missed out on the Premiership play-offs so I didn’t have much planned. I just got back from Marbella with some of the boys and I’ll see if I can plan something else over the next few weeks.
How do you look back at the season?
We showed glimpses of how good we could be at times but we couldn’t hold it up for the whole game from time to time. Our away form wasn’t great either so it was a tough season.
Still got close to the play-offs and Challenge Cup final though?
We pushed hard to play in those big games at the end of the season but we had to learn from our mistakes the hard way and missed out on both.
Does that bring confidence going into next season?
Definitely. We’ll have some good things to work on and we’ll go into pre-season in a much better position than we were last summer when we started pre-season without a coach.
Would you have been happy with fifth in the league and a European semi-final at the start of the season?
No because I’m a competitor and regardless of how difficult the situation was at the club last summer you enter each competition to win it. The great thing is everyone at the club has the same mindset.
So no excuses?
There’s no excuse for our season. We all agree we simply weren’t good enough and that’s nice to have everyone on the same page. It’ll push us forward next season.
What about your own season?
I picked up a neck injury at the start but I’m happy with the amount of rugby I’ve played this year. I’ve learned a lot from being involved in the first team more.
Was it your main target?
A few centres left like Ollie Devoto and Kyle Eastmond so I knew there should be a chance for me to play. It was up to me to take it after that.
Plans for next season?
Just to keep improving and hopefully get involved week-in week-out with the first team.
Anything you need to work on?
I need to be more consistent with my performances. I often had a few good games but then some quiet ones.
How do you go about doing that?
It comes down to experience and knowing how to get up for games properly. I’ve spoken to the coaches and I’m looking a lot at what I’m doing in the lead up to game during the week.
Anything you found that doesn’t work?
Not really, it’s more about keeping a certain standard in training so it follows you on weekends during games.
Can complacency creep in as a youngster too?
You can think you’ve cracked it after a few good games but it comes back to experience and realising you have to turn up to training with the same attitude regardless of how well you’ve played on the weekend.
What about the rumours about turning Wales down for their summer tour?
There were very small talks about it and it took me by surprise to be honest. I hadn’t really thought about Wales having always played in England and I’ve just started playing regular first team rugby at Bath.
Keen not to rush things then?
Very much so and my mind is not made up yet. I just want to get up to speed at club level. I’ll be able to make a far more informed decision in the coming years should the opportunity arise again.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
That sounds like something my dad would ask me. I’ve never had anything specific in mind so I’m working with the RPA to work something out and start planning for life after rugby.
Favourite cheat meal?
I quite enjoy some Häagen-Dazs Cookies and Cream ice cream after a game.
Three special dinner guests?
I’d have someone funny like Micky Flanagan, someone inspirational in Muhammad Ali and then I’d walk in with model Emily Ratajkowski.
Best and worst banter at Bath?
Matt Garvey, Ross Batty and Nathan are the squad’s jokers so I’d give them best but young academy winger Harry Davies has the worst chat.
Best and worst dressed?
‘Garvs’ is funny but he is by far the worst dressed. I like how Tom Homer dresses though.
