Dave Walder Interview
1. How do you think Wasps done this year?
Not as well as expected. Overall it's been a very disappointing season.
2. You will be joining Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are you looking forward to it?
I can't wait. I just have to make sure I get my house packed up in time!
3. What are your perceptions of the Japanese Rugby?
I haven't really got any. I know it's a growing sport and has exciting times ahead and I'll be excited to be a part of trying to help it continue to grow leading up to the 2019 World Cup.
4.You spent the majority of your career up in your hometown of Newcastle, what was your feeling when you left the falcons and joined London Wasps?
It was obviously a shock the way it all happened and I was gutted to be leaving but after a season in London, I realised I should have left a couple of years earlier than I did.
5. You played for Newcastle Falcons when Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood played for the Falcons, how was it playing in the same team as these guys?
I was very close to Jonny in my early years and spent a lot of hours kicking with him so I learnt a lot. He is a great guy who would always go the extra yard to help a teammate so all in all it was really enjoyable.
6. You are well known for your tremendous kicking ability, how often do you practise on your kicking?
Thanks! I try and spend 20 minutes after most sessions working on all types of kicking but as the weekend gets closer, I tend to focus on my goal kicking.
7.Who is the greatest ever fly half?
I genuinely don't think I can answer that as the game has evolved so much over the years.
8. Who was your rugby hero growing up?
I was more of a football fan growing up so most of my sporting heroes were Newcastle United players!
9. Who is the toughest player you have played with/against?
Toughest against me would possibly be Andrew Blowers who seemed to be everywhere every time I played against him. The toughest player I have played with has to be Gary Armstrong.
10. How do you think England will do in the Rugby World Cup 2011?
I expect them to get to at least the ¼ finals and then it depends how the draw works out.
11. What tips would you give youngsters who are trying to make it as a professional rugby player?
Be themselves. I spent years kicking with Jonny and finally realised that I didn't get the benefit he did from kicking for so long and often, if I stayed out, I would end up being tired on game day. I then adapted and found out what worked best for me.
12. How was it making your first England cap?
Unbelievable. I find it hard to put into words how proud I was when I sang the national anthem.
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination? Barbados
Favourite food? Roast Beef
Favourite movies? Dumb and Dumber, The Magnificent 7
Hero (who isn't in rugby)? Alan Shearer
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)? Newcastle United
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby? Watch TV and play other sports
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting London Wasps week in week out this season, what would you say to all of them?
Thanks for sticking with us through a difficult season and hang in there as I'm sure that it won't be long before Wasps are back up where they belong at the top of the table.
