Steenson not calling time on No.10
GARETH Steenson insists winning silverware comes ahead of pulling pints as Exeter’s most popular landlord targets a fourth successive Premiership final at Twickenham.
Steenson, proud co-owner of The Stand Off pub in the city along with former Chiefs teammate Carl Rimmer, turns 35 this April and is planning for life after rugby.
However, his desire to dominate Exeter’s 10 jersey burns as brightly as ever as his side aim to reclaim the Premiership title from perennial rivals Saracens.
Steenson said: “The pub idea happened off the back of my testimonial last season. I had a little bar in my garage called ‘The Stand Off’ where the boys could chill after a game, so when I was asked if I would bring it into the city, I thought ‘why not?’.
“Carl and I opened it last autumn and it’s been really well received. While at the end of my playing contract in 2020 I’ll be moving into the coaching side here at Chiefs, it’s nice to have other things on the go and options for that post-rugby career.
“That’s for the future though as I’ve got another 18 months left as a player and I want to enjoy it every time I get an opportunity to play. I’ll be 36 at the end of my contract but I’ve still got a huge desire to win things for this club.”
Steenson is battling Joe Simmonds for the starting jersey, but the Ulsterman adds: “I’m always under pressure, it’s been like that since I came here in 2008. But that competition is something I’ve always relished and I always feel I can become a better player.
“Getting older, my experience means I don’t worry as much about making mistakes and in whatever time I have left, I want to maximise my game. I’m aware that there are only a few trophywinning opportunities left for me and it would be amazing to get back to Twickenham for a fourth successive year.
“We want to push for honours on a regular basis and we’re in a good spot but we know that can change quickly so we’re looking to build as much as a buffer as we can at the top of the Premiership, knowing the importance of getting a home semi-final.”
While Chiefs are battling on without seven international players – Henry Slade, Jack Nowell and Tomas Francis among them – Steenson says: “It shows where we are as a rugby club.
“It’s brilliant that so many of our guys are getting Test recognition. We want guys going off to represent us at international level because when they come back, they bring that hunger and experience with them and a lot of confidence.”