Wasps star is aiming for Niz start in Prem

NEW Wasps signing Nizaam Carr says he is excited by the new challenge that faces him in England, and hoping to make a big impression when the Premiership action resumes this weekend.

The Stormers back-rower made an impressive debut in the low-key surroundings of an Anglo-Welsh Cup Friday in Swansea, after which even a chilly, wet evening and a 5,000 crowd failed to subdue his enthusiasm.

“I didn’t hesitate about the decision to come to England,” he said.

“There’s a lot going on in South Africa, but I’ve been playing for Western Province since the age of 11 and I needed a change and a new challenge.

“So when I got this opportunity, I told my agent ‘this is what I want’ and although it’s for three months, you never know what lies ahead.”

Ironically, having left one country for another, Carr’s black-and-gold bow was made in a third, but he clearly has been warned about the British winter climate.

“It was pretty wet out there, which doesn’t quite suit my game,” he said.

“I am looking forward to drier weather, but I enjoyed it anyway and it may be that tonight was a good taste for me of things to come.”

With Nathan Hughes away with England over the next fortnight, Carr and Guy Thompson seem likely to vie for the No.8 shirt against Newcastle and London Irish.

However, as his impressive Super Rugby career has shown, the five-times-capped Springbok has a number of strings to his bow, which could in the medium-term see him feature alongside Hughes.

“I don’t really mind what position I play as long as I get an opportunity,” he said. “My preferred position is No.8, but I don’t mind packing on the side of the scrum. Even if you asked me to play on the wing I would - I see myself as a team player and would like people to say wherever the coach needs me, I will play.” Carr’s arrival takes Wasps’ South African contingent to four, and he has already received plenty of off-thefield assistance from his three fellow Springboks Willie le Roux, Ashley Johnson and Juan de Jongh. “Willie and I played together in the November 2014 series and we’re quite good mates off the field,” Carr said. “Willie and Juan were really good to me when I arrived last week, showed me a lot of place, and where to go and eat. I’m really grateful to them, and to Ash who has helped me a lot with the calls and the structure on the field, so I’m really grateful to have a few South African boys out here with me.”

Carr says he is looking forward to meeting the rest of the senior squad this week as they work towards Saturday’s Premiership clash.

And in common with the rest of the forwards, he has immediately found another aspect of playing for Wasps to relish.

“All the big boys are coming back next week,” he said. “I haven’t really spent a lot of time with them yet, but it’s been good to get to know the younger guys and earn their respect and obviously I’m hoping to do the same with them.

“Our chef at Broadstreet, Abbi Gaurav’s cooking is the best. We’re not that fortunate back home, I’m enjoying the breakfasts and the lunches – they give you a head start for the day and the nutrition is very good.”

When I got this opportunity, I told my agent ‘this is what I want’ and although it’s for three months, you never know.