20 Questions: Mike Williams – Worcester lock/flanker

How's your first season in England been?
Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Coming to Worcester was a fresh start and they've backed me pretty much all season.
Tough at the bottom?
Yes, but the future looks good. With the way we're playing and good players coming in, even if we go down we're likely to come straight back.
How did your move come about?
I was finishing a two-year contract at the Bulls and, being England-qualified, wanted to try rugby here because my agent thought it would suit me. Worcester showed the most interest.
England ambitions, then?
Definitely. Every player's dream is to play Test rugby and one of the main reasons for coming here is to have a shot. I see my long-term future in England.
Dean Ryan been good to work with?
Very good. I had a tough patch around Christmas and we had a one-on-one to fix things, but since February I've started every week.
Class yourself as a lock or flanker?
I've pretty much played second row all my life, but play back row as well and like to see myself as utility. It hasn't done guys like Danie Rossouw or Courtney Lawes any harm.
Where did you start out?
I'm from Zimbabwe and played school rugby there. Then, aged 17, I joined the Sharks academy in Durban before joining the Bulls.
Did the Mugabe regime affect your family?
It was tough at stages but I was fortunate that my dad had a very good job, so we didn't experience as much trouble as some people.
Do you miss home?
Yes, but after five years away you get used to it. I've just booked my plane ticket for a visit, the first time I'll have been home for a year.
Rugby heroes growing up? Bakkies Botha was the one I really looked up to. I was lucky to be coached by Victor Matfield at Bulls, too.
Did you curse when Victor made a comeback?
Not at all. I always had a feeling he would. He was looking so fit and was still training and I think he'll be in the mix at RWC2015.
Who do you lodge with? Nick Seymour, our hooker. He's a good guy, we share  the cooking and household chores, but I'm 23 next year and will get my own place.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Bakkies Botha, because I've never met him and he's one of my biggest inspirations; Danie Rossouw, because he's another player I've really looked up to; and Cuba Gooding Jnr, the actor who starred in Men of Honour.
How do you chill-out?
I'm an avid golf fan so I've been playing quite a bit. Other golfers include Alex Grove, Chris Pennell, Ben Howard and Ryan Lamb, so there's a good group.
Follow other sports?
I played water polo at school but since moving here I've got into football. I'm following Liverpool at the moment so a bit of a glory-hunter!
Interested in music/films?
Yes, I listen to a lot of Mumford & Sons and Ed Sheeran, relaxing stuff like that. Film-wise, I'm a regular cinema-goer and best film I've seen recently is Lone Survivor.
Describe yourself as a person?
Outgoing and laid back. Nothing really annoys me. I never like to just sit at home, I like to get out and have a coffee or visit the boys. I just like to be happy.
Pre-match rituals?
Always strap my left leg first and everything else is from the left, too… left sock first, left boot first etc. It's just something I've always done.
Best and worst banter at Warriors?
Best is Ed Shervington, who rounds up the troops and instigates everything. Worst is John Andress, because he is the guy everyone gives the most trouble to.
Best and worst dressed?
Sam ‘Cornwall Boy' Betty is worst. He just chucks anything on and doesn't care. Best is Jeremy Su'a, a real fashion guru who wears all the right stuff.