Wilko boost for his kicking pupil Mugford
A CONTRAGULATORY tweet from Johnny Wilkinson capped a fine week for Sale new boy Dan Mugford, who has credited England’s World Cup hero for helping him keep level-headed in what has been a rollercoaster start to his Premiership career.
Mugford experienced both ends of the emotional spectrum after missing what would have been a late match-winning penalty up at Newcastle on the opening weekend before putting in a flawless display in the Sharks’ round two victory over Harlequins.
Afterwards, Wilkinson tweeted: “Congrats @DanMugford10 for your first premiership start mate. Play it second by second and enjoy the hell out of it.”
Explaining the connection, the mop-haired Mugford said: “My agent is Jamie Noon, who is obviously good friends with Jonny, and I have done a couple of kicking sessions with him.
“It was a great tweet to read and it gives you a nice feeling when someone like that is watching out for you.”
Mugford has slotted seven of his eight attempts at goal so far, showing the sort of consistency in front of the posts that persuaded Steve Diamond to pluck the former London Scottish, Plymouth and Nottingham player out of the Championship.
The fly-half, who turns 25 next month, says working with Wilkinson has definitely helped improve his focus as a kicker.
“It’s that commitment to the process no matter what situation you are in. Whether you are kicking at the training ground or in front of a packed stand or kicking in the first or last minute of a game, it shouldn’t really make any difference, your process should be the same.
“I have always been confident in my kicking but to get pointers off someone who was probably been the best kicker in the world for most of his career has been really beneficial. I just want to keep on improving and learn as much as I can.”
Mugford never gave up on his Premiership dream despite being released from Exeter’s academy when he was 18.
While the likes of his contemporaries Dave Ewers and Sam Hill prospered at the Chiefs, Mugford had to prove himself in the lower leagues before earning his big chance with Sale.
“First of all, to be given the opportunity to be a part of the squad is a huge honour and then to be able to start the game last week was massive,” he told TRP.
“Having missed that last minute kick against Newcastle I was disappointed but I had every faith in my ability to come back and nail my kicks.
“I am hugely grateful for the chance Dimes has given me and now I want to show what I can do.
“I think the move has come at a good time for me. Playing in the Championship every week really helped my game progress and now it’s about doing it at this level.
“I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by Manchester. I am really enjoying life here, I really like the city and the club and I am very settled. I like to think that if I perform well on the field I could have a long future here.”