Rest taken-now I’m raring for Doncaster!

NOTTINGHAM Rugby are one step closer to Twickenham after a nail biting win against Blaydon at the weekend in the 4th round of the EDF Energy National Trophy at Meadow Lane.

The draw on Monday has been reasonably kind and we will now be playing Cornish Pirates at home on the weekend of the 7th of February. It certainly is a lot better than an away tie!!!

I was lucky enough to be rested this weekend for which I was very grateful to the management. National Division One rugby is relentless, especially when you have a small squad such as ours and I am a big believer in gaining suitable rest when possible.

Having experienced life as a full time and part time rugby player I think that rest is probably the biggest difference between the two. The training at Nottingham is well structured and has to be well planned in order to fit around the guys that work as well as play.

We don’t necessarily train any less than a full time side but in the time that those players would be resting and recovering we tend to be at work. The fixture list doesn’t really allow for any free weekends and I have played nearly every minute of every game this season and my body was crying out for a rest.

Now I am raring to go for the big game this weekend against local rivals Doncaster Knights. It is a top four battle between two good clubs and I can’t wait for Saturday to come round.

There will be a large contingent of Nottingham fans there to cheer us on too – I am told the official Green Army trip is a sell out but they are hoping more fans will make their own way there. Should be a great atmosphere and I am sure we can deliver them a win.