Dombrandt making life even harder for Robshaw

HARLEQUINS man-of-themoment Alex Dombrandt can pile on the agony for injured stalwart Chris Robshaw as he aims to cement his back row place.

Robshaw, already under pressure for his England spot from Mark Wilson and Brad Shields, now finds his Harlequins jersey threatened following the emergence of Dombrandt,

right, whose forceful display in last week’s win over Exeter won him many admirers.

Dombrandt, 22, who joined Quins from Cardiff Met University in March and has taken his chances with aplomb since Robshaw suffered a knee injury in October, said: “I got my opportunity during the Premiership Cup and I’m pleased with how it’s gone.

“Coming from university earlier this year it was hard to gauge what was expected, but I was determined to get my head down, hopefully earn an opportunity and then take it. There have been injuries and I’ve managed to put in some good performances.

“I’ve had my chance in the Premiership as well and it’s felt good. I see myself as a six or No.8 so the challenge now is to stay in there and contribute to the team. There’s a really positive environment and we know we’re pretty close to becoming a good side.”

Dombrandt’s route to the top has been unusual. A Quins supporter as a youngster, he played for Warlingham RFC and Old Caterhamians while attending John Fisher School near Croydon, but attracted little interest from Premiership academies.

Only when he took up a degree course at Cardiff Met University did his rugby career begin to flourish and in 2017 he represented Wales during the U20s Six Nations.

He explained: “I might have been on Quins’ radar a little bit at school but there was never any serious interest. But after going to Cardiff Met and being in a really good rugby programme there, I was lucky enough to get noticed and Quins signed me.

“My education was the most important thing and finishing my degree in sport and PE means I now have that behind me because rugby only lasts for so long. “At Cardiff I played in the BUCS Super League on Wednesdays and then on Saturdays in the Welsh Premiership, so it was an excellent programme and then when I had the opportunity to play for Wales U20s in 2017, it was great to get that exposure. “I’m fully English but in the Six Nations there are no rules over nationality if you’re playing in Wales so it was a win-win situation.”

At 6ft 4ins and 18st 12lbs (120kgs), Dombrandt cuts an imposing figure.

Quins boss Paul Gustard had a playful dig at his ‘university rig’ after the Exeter game, but Dombrandt says: “I’m working hard on my conditioning and it’s starting to click. It’s been a good start but Gussy will keep me on the ground.”

Dombrandt’s dream now is to line up against Wasps in Big Game 11 at Twickenham later this month.

He added: “It would be a dream to play in that but it’s one step at a time.”