Rogerson on mission to secure early promotion
VICTORY over Yorkshire Carnegie would be just that much bit sweeter for proud Lancastrian Matt Rogerson who is looking to produce another barnstorming display for Irish at No.8.
The 25-year-old joined from Championship rivals Jersey in the summer and has not looked back since a man-of-the-match display in the first game of the season against Ealing.
“I’ve really enjoyed it so far,” Rogerson said. “I signed when Nick Kennedy was still DoR but in the interim Declan Kidney and Less Kiss came in so when I arrived at the club, I was really keen to impress.
“I got some opportunities early doors and since then I’ve been lucky enough to play most weeks.”
Like fellow back rower, Samoan international TJ Ioane, Rogerson counts Sale among his former clubs, but he has yet to appear in the Premiership, something he should put right next season.
The Exiles head to Headingley on a nine-match winning streak in all competitions with a healthy cushion over Ealing.
Rogerson and his teammates are desperate to get the job done as early as possible and avoid a do-or-die scenario when their title rivals visit the Madejski Stadium on the final day.
“If we can avoid that scenario that would be the best thing. We have worked so hard all year, we don’t want it to come down to the final game,” he said.
“If we can maximise the number of points we get from every game from here on in, then hopefully it won’t come down to that.
“We’re on the home stretch, but at no point can we become complacent. All the games in this block are arguably bigger than any we’ve played up to this point, and that starts with Yorkshire away.
“It is a notoriously difficult place to go to and win. But we know that if we can do a job on those guys, we’re on our way.”
Carnegie are a totally different side to the one that was beaten 72-5 by Irish back in October.
Last week’s thrilling 4544 win down at Bedford showed the spirit of the group despite off-field problems.
“To do what we did in the last 10 minutes, with the situation we were in, and from the start of the season to now, just shows what a bunch of boys we are,” said combative scrum-half JB Bruzulier.
“Everyone, players and coaches, get on well, there’s no divide, and you can tell that by the way we have turned things around in a few months.
“Irish will be a huge test, but we’ll give it a go.”
Bruzulier, who is one of the few players under contract for next season, also thanked the fans for their unwavering support.
“The fans have been amazing. We may not have thousands of them, but they are loyal, and we are really grateful for that. We’d like to thank them for being patient and hanging in there when the times have been tough.”
George Watkins returns from a knee injury as one of five changes to the Yorkshire side that won at Bedford, while it will also be a special day for Exiles wing, Topsy Ojo, as the former England flier makes his 300th appearance.