‘I’m 35 but there’s still room for improvement’
EVERGREEN England No.9 Richard Wigglesworth aims to prove old dogs can learn new tricks as he targets a World Cup place.
Wigglesworth, 35, was recalled by Red Rose boss Eddie Jones and, having displaced long-serving Danny Care for the final Autumn Test against Australia, the veteran Saracens schemer has a shot at making next year’s global gathering.
However, Wigglesworth told The Rugby Paper: “Eddie’s given me things to work on – and believe me, there’s lots more I can improve.
“The perception is that when you’re getting old you know it all, have done it all and are as good as you can be, but that’s a trap I can’t afford to fall into.
“If you decide that you’re 35 and know it all and can’t get any better, you’ll fall off a cliff pretty quickly and won’t be any good. I’ve got to keep pushing to get better and while they might only be small improvements, they all count.
“There are good players like Danny, Ben Spencer and Dan Robson who will be out doing their stuff again and they’re all quality players in their own right, so I hold the view that I’ll need to get better rather than thinking I can’t.”
After making his first Test appearance in three years against Wales in February, Wigglesworth’s enduring fine form for Premiership champions Saracens enabled him to add another five caps, bringing his overall tally to 33.
Having forced his way back in, Wigglesworth believes England’s winning November performances will herald more big days to come.
“There was a great feeling within the squad,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed being involved with England going back to my first cap in 2008, but I was impressed during the whole time I was there and there was a really good buzz this time.
“The lads all came away feeling they’ve got something special going now and, to a man, they’re all top lads who want to work hard and improve. That creates a really good atmosphere in itself and we’ve got a lot to look forward to now.”
Wigglesworth’s form has been rewarded with a oneyear contract extension by Saracens and he has no intention of stopping there.
He added: “There are loads of fine examples of players who’ve kept themselves in good condition and are playing well. George Smith at Bristol is one and rather than just hanging on, I still feel there’s lots of improvement in me.
“If I get to the point where I feel I’m hanging on, I’ll be out of the door pretty quickly – and I’ve no intention of doing that. I’m keen to play on for at least a couple more years and then we’ll see what happens after that.”
Premiership pacesetters Saracens now face Cardiff home and away looking to build their Champions Cup challenge. Wigglesworth said: “This period is huge now and we can put ourselves in good positions in both competitions.
“At the end of the season we want to have a chance to do something special and it’s important we put the groundwork in now. Results couldn’t have gone much better so far but from a performance point of view we can be much better.”