Stronge aims to be the top scrum-half in his division
MICHAEL Stronge has set a clear goal to become the best scrum-half in the Championship.
The 24-year-old was a stand-out for Nottingham last season, scoring five tries from his 18 appearances, and has proved a key man for Craig Hammond’s side since joining in 2020.
Nottingham finished last season in 10th position and despite impressing individually, Stronge says it was a frustrating campaign that the team want to rectify.
“It was a tough campaign. We didn’t feel like we did ourselves justice, we left too many wins out there,” he said. “We either started games really well or ended them well but couldn’t find that 80minute performance. So, there were some good parts but there was a lot left out there that was frustrating.
“In this pre-season the boys are working really hard, and we know we don’t want a repeat of last year and want to get back to where we should be.”
Stronge says the environment around the club is strong as Nottingham head into their seventh week of pre-season, but says the players are itching to get into the new season with their campaign starting on September 10 away to London Scottish.
He said: “It’s a really positive environment around the club. We’ve got a really good group of boys who want to work hard and for each other, which makes such a difference when you’re doing tough sessions in the middle of pre-season. Everyone’s pushing each other and it’s a young squad still, which is good because everyone wants to be there and wants to win.
“I’m really looking forward to it. Pre-season games are all well and good but it’s the league which you just want to get stuck into. I think after last season being a bit difficult, we’re looking forward to getting back into it this year and righting a few wrongs.”
Ahead of next season, the former Ulster Academy and Ireland Sevens player has been working on his leadership qualities and has set himself the goal of being the stand-out No.9 in the league.
He said: “I’m trying to push on with my game. I got nominated for the Championship team of the season last year, so the aim is to push to try and be named as the best scrumhalf in the division, while also building my leadership qualities around my game.”
The club have been busy in the transfer market and have signed 10 players ahead of next season, including powerful threequarter Jordan Olowofela from Premiership winners Leicester Tigers.
Stronge said: “The new lads who have come in have bought in massively. They are all great blokes and have slotted in really well. They’re working as hard as anyone is.
“Jordan Olowofela is the notable signing, he will be pretty exciting to see play in the Championship. I’m just glad he’s on my team as I wouldn’t want to come up against him.”