Captaincy a privilege for Richard Mayhew
Flanker Richard Mayhew is a man filled with pride ahead of this evening’s European Rugby Challenge Cup match against Connacht, as he takes on the role of captain for the club.
Having delivered typically abrasive and physical displays in his Aviva Premiership, A League and European appearances so far, the 30 year old flanker has been rewarded by being given the metaphorical captain’s armband out in Galway, a responsibility he is relishing.
“I’m very privileged to lead the team and very excited about the opportunity. It is a really good side I am leading with some really exciting young talent mixed with some older guys to bring in some experience.”
“I’m going to go out there and try and lead from the front and get stuck in. I’ve got a great team around me too with people like Hoggy and Scotty Lawson are experienced guys to help me go out there and do a good job.”
With four full internationals in the pack alongside him, with Dan Temm and Will Witty also packing down, Mayhew’s view is that the forwards are going to be key out at The Sportsground.
“The onus is on us to front up and do the job, it’s the old cliché of win up front and you have a good chance of winning the game. If we can do that, we have some exciting backs, there’s TP, Charris and the outside backs so we have to lay the platform and give them some good ball and play some exciting rugby.”
“Going away to Ireland is a tough challenge but one to be relished. As rugby players we love the challenge. We’ve had a really good week; everyone is really excited and ready to make an impression.”
“Connacht aren’t a team where you travel and are expected to win, they are a good challenge and and it’s a good opportunity to show what you have got.”
“They are a consistent side, which is why they are top of the pool and up until last weekend the Pro 12. They have a good coach in Pat Lam, they are playing some really good rugby with threats throughout the team. They are a really good side and we will be making sure we do our jobs right.”
