20 Questions: Johnny Williams – London Irish centre

Congratulations on a great first season – surely you didn't expect to play so much?
If you'd have told me I'd play 21 games in my first year of professional rugby I wouldn't have believed you. I was lucky to get my shot in the Challenge Cup against Agen in November and never looked back.
A try-scoring debut wasn't it?
Yes I'll never forget that day! Scoring at the Madjeski in my first game in front of my family and friends was very special.
Your Premiership debut two weeks later wasn't bad either?
I started against Wasps for the double header at Twickenham and scored twice. It was amazing and that's definitely something I look back on with pride.
Did you wonder how long you would keep the shirt for?
I didn't think too much about it. I just made sure I kept training hard and played as well as I could. Luckily for me the coaches were happy with my performances so kept me in.
It must have been a big change from playing school rugby last year?
It was, especially when it comes to the physicality so the coaches made sure I was up to it. Having such a long pre-season helped me get up to speed too.
Did you feel out of your depth at any time?
My second game in Grenoble against some very big men was a big shock to the system. It took me a while to recover from that game.
Was it hard to play so much while getting to grips with senior rugby?
You have to get your head around it and brace yourself at times. I just made sure I trained hard in the gym and then transfered it to the field on the weekend.
How's the body feeling?
My shoulders are pretty sore but I'll have had a couple of weeks to recover before starting training again ahead of the Junior World Cup.
London Irish getting relegated must have been heartbreaking?
It was but I try to take positives from everything. We've got to look forward to winning a lot of games next season and hopefully return to the Premiership.
When did you realise it was over?
Losing in Newcastle was disheartening. We still believed after that but Quins got off to a good start in the penultimate game and that was that.
Having only just come through the academy, you can't feel too guilty for what happened?
I do because I was part of the squad that didn't help London Irish retain their Premiership status. But as a young player I can't be too harsh on myself and I'm looking forward to getting more experience in the Championship.
Definitely staying next season then?
One hundred per cent! I love this club and I'm looking forward to helping get us back up. But a year playing in the Championship will be great for the youngsters here.
Excited about the Junior World Cup with England?
Very much so. The team had a disappointing Six Nations and I wish I could have helped but London Irish needed me.
Is there more pressure on you, Harry Mallinder and Theo Trophy-Clews because of what you've done in the Premiership?
I don't think so. We're very much underdogs after the Six Nations. The squad will be stronger this time around and I'm very much excited by the challenge or representing my country in a home World Cup.
It's your only chance too, isn't it?
Yes. I'll be too old next season which I'm gutted about so hopefully I can end an already satisfying season by winning a World Cup. That'd be awesome!
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I have no idea and I know I'll have to think about it later on in my career.
Favourite cheat meal?
I look forward to a Meateor pizza from Domino's.
Any three dinner guests?
Comedian Kevin Hart, and actors Megan Fox and Will Smith.
Best and worst banter at London Irish?
Joe Trayfoot is a funny guy but the worst is Theo Brophy Clews.
Best and worst dressed?
Dom Waldouck was probably the best and Geoff Cross the worst.