20 Questions: Matt Williams – Worcester hooker

Enjoyed the off season?
Very much so. It was quite a weird one as we had five weeks off and then came back for some testing. If we passed we got another little break. I got one!
What were the tests?
It was the usual run, strength and body fat tests. We had a programme to follow during the break so the coaches were keen to see who kept on top of things. No one failed which is great to see.
Everyone is on the same page going into the new season then?
Exactly and that’s very promising. It shows we’re all ready to do the hard yards and get on with pre-season before the friendly games start. We’re desperate to change our place in the Premiership table and it starts now.
Talked about targets already?
Some of the internationals are yet to get back but Gary Gold has been very clear already about where he wants Worcester to go. We don’t want to be stuck at the bottom anymore.
Gary is not one to beat around the bush, is he?
He’s come with very clear messages and simplified things. That gave everyone at the club some directions. We’ve got a very talented squad so it’s all about continuing on the path he put us on.
How was the past season for you?
I had a really shaky season. I started pre-season well but picked up a concussion against Clermont in pre-season and ended playing catch-up after that. Dean Ryan leaving didn’t help either as the new coaches didn’t really know me.
How did you cope with it?
It’s not easy but you just have to do your best to help the team. I trained as hard as I could but the guys ahead of me weren’t doing much wrong.
New goals?
You wipe the slate clean in pre-season and I’m hoping I can stay fit to get some game-time in pre-season. I get on with the other three hookers too so it’s about finding a balance between being selfish and helping them out.
Was it the same at Northampton?
I was stuck behind Dylan Hartley and Mike Haywood but I did my best to push them hard and make them better players. Everyone in the squad was doing that and that’s why we won the Premiership in 2014.
Why leave Saints?
I needed a new challenge because it was hard to get past Dylan and Mike. I moved from openside to hooker when I arrived in Northampton but I needed game time to improve.
Could you have gone on loan instead of leaving?
It’s hard to go on dual-reg when you’re the third-choice hooker. You’re only one injury away from being called upon so the coaches need you in the squad all the time.
What does Gary Gold want you to do?
He’s very honest and he wants me to be who I am. I asked him whether I should move back to flanker but he doesn’t think so. I’m still fresh as a hooker but he’s a great guy to learn from.
How important will pre-season be for you then?
It’s huge. I just need a couple of games early on to show my potential. I was pretty quick for a loose forward so I’m fast for a hooker. I’m working hard on my set-piece but it’s coming along nicely.
How different is playing from training when it comes to the set-piece?
It’s almost impossible to replicate a match situation in training. I can hit my jumper in training but to do it in a game with the fatigue and the crowd shouting at you with only five minutes to go isn’t the same.
How long did you spend at the Sharks in South Africa?
I joined them straight after school and spent three seasons there before Northampton gave me a great opportunity to move to Europe.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I’m really into physiotherapy so I’d have liked that sort of job.
Favourite cheat meal?
I enjoy going to Hanbao for a burger in Worcester.
Three dinner guests?
Usain Bolt, American actor Steve McQueen and my grandfather Ian.
Best and worst banter at Worcester?
I’d actually give worst to myself but best is Luke Baldwin.
Best and worst dressed?
Ryan Mills is the best while Val Rapava-Ruskin was the worst before he left.