Bristol deal has given Hawkins new lease of life

BORN-again Bristol hooker Rob Hawkins would love to extend his shortterm deal at the club after admitting he retired too early.

Hawkins, 33, quit rugby when his contract with Newcastle expired last May with the intention of forging a career with the police.

That fell through, however, prompting Bristol to snap up the popular former Bath and Leicester No.2 for three-months as injury cover.

Hawkins told TRP: “I’m back from the dead and having enjoyed my initial couple of months at Bristol, I’d love to stay. I still feel I’ve got another couple of years left and coming here has utterly refreshed me.

“I wasn’t playing much in my last year at Newcastle and fell out of love with the game, but this spell has been a real boost. I questioned my long-term future and probably jumped ship a bit early, but I’m enjoying rugby again.

“Even though we haven’t been hugely successful or are where we want to be in the league, I’ve loved the environment, the boys and city. I was at school locally at Colston’s so I’d love to carry on playing here.”

Following the recent sacking of Andy Robinson, Hawkins added: “We’re on tenterhooks with the coaching situation and it’s strange, but adversity isn’t bad for a team sport and, hopefully, this will unite us and add motivation.”

Bristol host Leicester in the Premiership this Friday before potentially season-defining games against fellow strugglers Gloucester and Worcester.

Hawkins said: “We can’t afford to be picky with games now, whether it’s Leicester or Worcester we’ve got to look at every match as an opportunity to pick up wins, draws or just try or losing bonus points.

“Losing becomes a habit, but so does winning and we could springboard to better things if we treat every game like a cup final.”

Rookie fly-half Billy Searle has impressed, with Hawkins adding: “He’s stepped into first team rugby seamlessly and has a good head on his shoulders.”