Ahead of Friday night’s battle against Durham, Northumbria University M1 Rugby Union players Oli Robinson and Matthew Jenkinson were in a reflective mood. Team Northumbria Media’s Oscar Haley sets the scene.
This season has seen TN produce a number of scintillating displays of rugby that have put them in contention for a first place finish in this year’s BUCS Super Rugby competition - a stark contrast to last season’s struggles at the foot of the table.
Third year duo Oli Robinson and Matthew Jenkinson have seen a transformation in the program over the last year and are both keen to ensure that the new standard and culture that head coach Darren Fearn brought in last year are maintained as they reap the rewards both on and off the field.
"In my first year, a lot of the team culture was all over the place,” said TN skipper Robinson. |I’d turn up to the gym sometimes and there would be three of us there, so obviously, it had to move on after that year.
“We’ve built that team culture with the mantra being what we believe in we need to go by. If anyone crosses that line it doesn’t need to be me as captain, or Darren as coach that’s holding them to account, the whole team will react.
“This year there’s a lot of second and third years that have stepped up and become leaders which is great to see.
“One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is this year compared to last year was that last year we were probably a bit hesitant.
“I think last year was definitely a case of laying the building blocks for this year. We had a lot of boys gain a lot of experience for this season and we really believe that we can win games.”
Robinson’s view is echoed by team-mate Jenkinson.
“I think, we’ve hardened up a lot this year,” he said. “When we go under we come out fighting.
“Everyone gets on. I think pre-season was a really big thing this season. It got us all together, and we’re all buying into the team culture.
“On a personal level, I’d love to leave University and have won the BUCS Super Rugby competition.
“I want to leave the program in the best possible position for Dazz and the rest of the second-year guys because that’s how tight we are as a squad.”
The two back-rowers were more than complimentary of Fearn’s ability to build a squad of players who are ready for the intensity of BUCS Super Rugby, something which has really been a key factor in TN’s climb up the table.
“The forward pack hasn’t changed at all from last season and Daz has only brought in lads where he needs them,” said Robinson.
“We’ve added one or two in the backs this season. He’s [Fearn] brought them in because they fit the way we play but more importantly they’re good blokes, they know the area and they’ve bought into the mentality.
“He’s been instrumental in creating an environment where, if you’re good enough and you’re playing well enough, there’s no reason why you can’t be picked which has really improved the squad and the transition from the twos to the ones.”
Jenkinson added: “For me, it’s never been a case of bringing in loads of new players.
“What Dazz has done is back and progress his players, something that has really helped us this season.
“The squad this year is such a tight group of good players.
“We’re in a situation where we can start players in positions and they don’t look out of their depth.”
And while TN are further ahead of Fearn’s pre-season aspirations, he was clear that his side have to keep their foot on the gas ahead of Friday’s derby showdown.
“They’re a good team [Durham] and I know they’ve got a good side,” said Northumbria’s head of rugby union.
“Tom Catterick, who’s played fly-half for the Falcons, is starting for them but I know that if we play like we can then we’ll beat them.
“We’ve had a good week off but we know that if we take our foot off the gas we’ll get beaten so we have to make sure we’re ready for a tough Durham outfit.”
Kick-off is at 7pm at Kingston Park.
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