20 Questions: Richard Wigglesworth – Saracens scrum-half
It couldn’t have gone better. You’re treated unbelievably well and are part of a pretty successful team, so in terms of enjoyment I’ve absolutely loved it.
See your long-term future at Sarries?
If the set-up remains the same and they still want me, I’d love to finish here.
What makes the club so special?
Great set of boys, winning games, coaches are all top blokes, trips away, how well they look after your family… there’s so much that goes on.
Which of your two Prem titles was most special?
Both were special. At Sale, I was 21 and that was the game where I came of age. The second one here was special because I already knew the effort needed.
Soft spot for Sale?
I love the club. They gave me my start and it’s great to see they’ve turned things around. I was worried for them because we need a team in the North-west.
Follow any other sports?
I’m a big Man Utd fan so it’s been a good week there. I enjoy rugby league, too, and follow Wigan, so it’s been good having Joel Tompkins at Saracens.
Hear you enjoy watching boxing?
I do. My brother-in-law, Scott Fitzgerald, has just won the ABA finals so he’s looking to join the GB squad and get into the 2016 Olympics. He’s 21 and looks the real deal.
Another sportsman you would like to be?
Robin van Persie’s been doing all right, and David Beckham doesn’t have a bad lifestyle. But I’d probably say Roger Federer… top pro, unbelievable talent.
How do you chill-out?
I’ve got a three-year-old girl and an 18-month-old boy so they keep me busy. Nothing gets your mind off a bad game better than coming home to your kids, because they don’t care.
Favourite holiday spot?
Went to the Maldives a while ago and if you want to tip back and do nothing, that’s the place. Barcelona’s outstanding and I’d like to go skiing some time.
Have any rugby idols?
Growing up I watched Matt Dawson, but I was lucky enough to play with Jason Robinson… a true legend and a talent you’ll probably never see again.
Pre-match rituals?
I have to put my left sock and boot on first. I have no idea how it started but it’s pretty automatic now and if I get it wrong, I start again.
Best bit of advice received?
Work hard. I took my work ethic from my dad who was a dairy farmer, which is an incredibly hard way of life.
Still got the family farm?
No, he’s turned it into a golf course! Farming’s not what it was so he diversified and it’s now an 18-hole course called Staining Lodge, near Blackpool.
Favourite food and drink?
I’m an incredibly fussy eater, which annoys my wife no end. But I’m a meat man really and I enjoy a medium-rare steak. Drinks-wise, I’m not too fussed.
Prized possessions?
I’ve got my first England shirt and the two Premiership-winning shirts with Sale and Sarries framed up. They’re very special to me.
Is Sarries coach Paul Gustard as mad as he seems?
I don’t know about mad but he’s got some off-the-wall ideas! It’s interesting, though, and we’re lucky with all our coaches like that. He and Alex Sanderson make a good double-act.
Best and worst dressed at Sarries?
Worst is Brad Barritt, who thinks he’s stylish but fails miserably. Best is Nils Mordt, who spends 80 per cent of his wages on his wardrobe and loves a mirror.
Ready for a big finish to the season?
A huge finish! We’ve got a massive game against Toulon today, then it’s the Premiership. I’d love to win another big trophy.
Keen to add to your 12 England caps?
Massively! It’s been a decent season for me and I’m desperate to go to Argentina, but there are plenty of other scrum-halves.
