RFTG Susie catches up with Saracens' bright, young winger James Short;

1. Firstly, thanks very much for taking the time to talk to me today. I'd like to start at the beginning of your rugby career, when and why did you first decide to start playing?

 I played for Sevenoaks at Junior level, my Dad took me along one week...and hated it. I think I actually sat in the middle of the pitch and cried the first time I went! But, then I gradually started to enjoy playing and built some strong friendships which made me want to go back every week. Obviously, more incentives and opportunites come up, like playing for your County/South East England and you end up craving to play a lot more.

2. Who would you consider to be your rugby idol? Are there any wingers that you rate particularly?

 To be honest, I quite like to think of myself as an individual, but I like how nippy and explosive Jason Robinson was as a winger. I also like the strength of Lote Tuqiri, so I guess if there was anyone I'd look up to, I'd take elements of those players.

3. What are your own personal goals and ambitions for your first contracted season with Saracens?

 Well I've already achieved one of my goals by starting in the LV cup. Another outside goal would be possibly playing in a premiership game by the end of the season and then next year, I look to hopefully make the bench for the first team. A long-term goal is just to be a well respected player.

4. Seeing as this is your first season within the 1st team, have you had any practical jokes played on you yet being the 'new boy'?

 To be honest, not really. I've come up with a few other guys who've been getting a lot more than me! Actually, the 1st team have been really good. Without sounding boring, everyone's been given equal opportunities so it's all been really good.

5. What do you do to calm pre-match nerves? Do you have any rituals for good luck?

 Not really, the night before I'll try and visualise how I want the game to go and then little things like, I'll make sure my bag's packed ready for the morning and I'll always eat healthily. I just try and make sure that there's no stress in the morning so I'm chilled out.

6. Are there any aspects of playing professional rugby that you dislike? Are there any exercises or drills that you can't stand?

 I hate the early mornings, I'm really not a morning person! But there's not really anything else, I just love playing every day. The coaches mix it up at training so we don't get bored or anything, the days aren't the longest and I get to do what I love every day. Plus...there's always time to fit in a few drives at the driving range!

7. You've said you've got your own individual style of play, but is there anyone you'd compare yourself to?

 I just want to be quick, explosive and have that star quality which others have. As a winger, we're always being told that we need to be 'magical' and that's important for me. I want to have a real spark and flair, create a real buzz for the crowd and effectively change the game whenever I get the ball.

8. Leading on from that, how do you see yourself fitting in with Saracen's style of play, which tends to include a lot of tactical kicking?

 The coaching staff obviously make it clear that they want us to make yards rather than constantly kicking so I always try to push forward and attack. My main aim is just to show everyone else on the pitch up!

8. What would you be doing if you weren't a professional rugby player?

 The usual route really, from school to university...but I have no idea what I'd have done! Just to make as much money as possible I guess, but I'm doing what I love for a living, so I really don't know what else I could do!

Now some quick fire questions;

Tea or coffee? - Coffee.

Fruit or veg? - Fruit.

Weights or cardio? - Weights, definately.

Blonde or brunette? - Brunette.

Night in or night out? - Night out, definately!

Pint or spirits? - Spirits.

Give flowers or give chocolates? - Flowers.

Cats or dogs? - Dogs

Text or call ? - Text...but I'm rubbish at both!

Favourites;

Favourite film? - Rom-coms, so probably 'How to lose a guy in 10 days'

Favourite drink? - I'll go with freshly squeezed orange juice, with bits.

Favourite book? 'Yes Man' - I think it's by Danny Wallace...

Favourite female celebrity? - Megan Fox. (When I remarked I thought it might be Cheryl Cole, he told me 'her personality annoys me, but she's really fit though!')

Favourite television programme? - 'Life' on BBC1 - I like birds.

Favourite type of music/band? - John Mayer, Jack Johnson, just anything chilled out with a guitar.

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