20 Questions: Tom Varndell – Wasps winger
Over the moon! It gives us a lot of confidence and to be top try scorer in the league, with Christian Wade just behind me, is great for us both.
How good is Christian Wade?
A great talent. He’s fast, agile and plays with instinct, which all wingers need. He’s got a good eye for the try-line and he’ll only get better.
Unfinished business for you with England?
Yes. I’m only 26 and think I can keep improving. If I can build on what I’ve done so far this season hopefully I’ll get another chance.
Ever regret leaving Leicester in 2009?
No. Obviously Leicester are hugely successful but I’m hoping Wasps will soon be back on top of their game and pushing for trophies. I never look back.
How’s London life been?
Good. I’m from the area anyway and feel I’ve grown as a person. I’m a senior Wasps player now and I love the club. I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here.
Feel Wasps have turned the corner?
Definitely. Last year was tough but with new coaches, owners and players there’s a different feel around the club now. It’s all very positive.
Fancy playing for GB at the 2016 Olympics?
I don’t know. At the moment I’m concentrating on playing well for Wasps and getting back into the full England side. 7s is way off my radar.
How do you chill-out?
I’ve really got into cooking. I’m quite health conscious and with having a little boy, food is really important. I’ve three cookery books on the go at the moment.
Signature Varndell dish?
I cook up a lasagne now and again, which is pretty good, and my girlfriend loves desserts so I’m a dab hand at tiramisu and cheesecake. I’m a bit of an all-rounder.
If not a rugby player, what would you have been?
A teacher probably. I enjoyed learning things at school and teaching was something I’d been looking to do at University before my rugby career took off.
Fancy being a rugby pundit when you pack up?
I enjoy the bit of punditry work I do but wouldn’t want to do it forever. I’d probably like to have my own sports nutrition company and work within sports teams.
Any sporting teams?
Yes. I enjoy food and the biology of the human body and how nutrition impacts on performance, so that’s something I could see myself getting into.
Other sports you like?
I love athletics, basketball, golf and football. I’m a bit of a sportaholic.
Sportsman you’d love to swap places with?
It has to be Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. He’s living the dream. He’s the top quarter-back in one of America’s biggest sports and he has a good looking missus.
Tightest Wasps player?
Marco Wentzel. At the moment he’s trying to flog a TAG watch he bought at a charity auction for double the price he paid. That’s just shocking!
Best and worst dressed?
Worst is James Cannon, who dresses like a 40-year-old dad. Best is Chris Mayor. He’s a northerner but London life has gone to his head and he likes to dress sharp.
Best and worst trainers?
Mayor’s the worst. He might dress well but he’s a lazy bugger… always asleep on the physio’s couch! Nicky Robinson’s the best, he loves doing the extras.
Best banter?
Christian Wade’s very funny and James Haskell is always audible.
Has Haskell not mellowed with age?
Not at all, he’s exactly the same as when I played with him at England 18s and 19s level. He’s loud and good to have around, but sometimes you just want him to shut-up!
Team-mates you’ve been afraid of?
We had five Tuilagis at Leicester once and you didn’t want to be doing defensive drills against them! It’s the same with Billy Vunipola and Ashley Johnson at Wasps.
Ambitions in life?
To do more travelling. I’d love to take a year out and do America and Mexico.
Ambitions for the season?
Wasps in the top six and to be top try scorer again. I’ve got my eye on the all-time try list as well… I’m 9 off the top.
