Jack chases Euro dream after star turn at the Rec
FIRST-TIME house buyer Jack Innard wouldn’t put his mortgage on a Champions Cup debut – but that’s his aim in the coming weeks.
With club captain Jack Yeandle and England star Luke Cowan-Dickie ahead of him in the pecking order at Exeter, opportunities have been limited for the Truro-born 25-year-old hooker.
“I’ve just had to bide my time and when I get my opportunity make sure I take it,” Innard said. “I want to play week-in weekout so I am just focusing on playing as well as I can.”
Yeandle’s three-week ban for his red card against Sale and Cowan-Dickie’s involvement in the Six Nations opened the door for Innard’s first Premiership start of the season at Bath.
And Innard rewarded Rob Baxter’s faith in him with an energetic performance that earned him the man-of-the-match award.
Innard says Tom Dunn, his opposite number on the day, is a good example of patience bringing its rewards. Dunn was once third or fourth choice at Bath yet he has made the No.2 jersey his own and been capped by England.
“He’s a good, hard player who has worked extremely hard and gives 100 per cent every time,” says Innard, “He’s shown what you can achieve if you play the waiting game and don’t get bored.”
Innard has yet to play in Europe but with the reigning Champions Cup champions set to continue their title defence at home to Lyon in the last 16 in three weeks’ time, that could all change.
“I would like to make my Champions Cup debut,” he said. “It’s the highest standard below internationals and it is another chance to test yourself against the best players.”
If Exeter come through the Lyon test, they’re on schedule to meet four-time winners Leinster.
“It’s a good draw for us being at home for the next two rounds, because we’re strong at home in Europe.”
Innard’s search for the ideal property in Exeter may be ongoing, but the bricks and mortar of his game look to be built on firm foundations.
The flanker turned hooker credits a loan spell at Cornish Pirates, and those around him at the Chiefs for helping him in the transition.
“As a young front row, playing in the Championship really hardens you,” he said. “Alan Paver (Pirates coach) helped me with my scrummaging.
“Rob Hunter does really good stuff with the forwards at Chiefs and it’s been great to learn off Jack and Luke. With the standards they set, that’s how you strive to play.”
European draws> P38