Irish-bound Ben tired of being in Goode’s shadow
AFTER realising his days at Saracens were numbered, ambitious full-back Ben Ransom has revealed why he turned down offers to remain in the Premiership in favour of establishing himself at London Irish.
Ransom, 24, made 15 topflight appearances last season for Sarries but was forced to look elsewhere after failing to have his contract renewed.
He insists there are no regrets, though, telling The
Rugby Paper: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Saracens. I was part of some fantastic squads and made unbelievable friends and memories, none of which can be taken away.
“Now I just want to establish myself as a No.1 full-back. At Saracens I had a great role model in Alex Goode, but whilst it was great learning from him, I need to make my own mark now.
“Saracens didn’t renew my contract but even if they had offered me a new one I probably would have left anyway because I needed to go somewhere where I could try to establish myself – and I believe Irish is that place.
“I had a couple of offers to stay in the Premiership but I’ve worked with (Irish technical director) Brendan Venter before at Saracens and I think the new coaching set-up at Irish will make it a very exciting place to be.”
Ransom added: “Brendan asked me if I wanted to be part of something that was building for the long-term and could bring sustained success – very similar to what he did at Saracens – so I just jumped at the chance.
“Brendan gave me my first contract at Sarries and he’s a very good coach. There’s a good group of exciting young coaches and it’s a club with a great history and facilities, so it’s an environment I believe will benefit me.
“Coming into a team that got relegated I didn’t know what to expect, but there’s a very friendly culture, which is something Brendan likes to build.
“He wants people to feel part of the future and that’s what drives success, so, hopefully, I can help us get straight back into the Premiership.”
Ransom has escaped Goode’s lengthy shadow, but he concedes he faces another battle at Irish following the arrival of former All Black James Marshall, fresh from helping the Hurricanes lift the Super Rugby title.
Ransom said: “Irish have got good fullbacks in Tommy Bell and Greig Tonks, who can play at 10 as well, while James is coming in from winning Super Rugby, but that competition is going to be really healthy for the team.
“We’ll have lots of people driving for those starting shirts, but I’m desperate to be out there helping us to win each game.”
Having enjoyed previous Championship experience with Bedford in 2012-13, Ransom reckons Irish are equipped for promotion.
He added: “I played in a very attacking side under Mike Rayer at Bedford and we did pretty well in getting to the Championship final, but Newcastle bullied us in the pack a little bit and that’s going to be crucial this year.
“But we definitely feel we’ve got a good pack, as well as some exciting backs, so we believe we have the squad to go back up.”