Jake proving he’s cut out for the big time
WHAT to take when you are going away, even for a few days, can be a concern for anyone. But when you are a professional rugby player remembering to pack your barbering kit would probably not be on the list for many.
Not so for Bristol loosehead Jake Woolmore as he headed to western France for last night’s Challenge Cup tie against Pool 4 leaders, La Rochelle.
Woolmore has been training to be a barber alongside his commitments with the Premiership club where his fellow squad members haggle for his off-the-field skills – but the 28-year-old stresses that ‘mate rates’ are not available.
“Initially it was the first one free because I had to build up that trust – now I try to get a fiver out of them. But not everyone has a five on them, so it is a tenner as I don’t have change,” joked Woolmore.
“The clippers are always in the bag because one of the lads is sure to ask for a quick trim. They usually try to get it done on their days off, but I tell them I haven’t got the time, so there is always someone asking at the last minute.”
Woolmore was playing semi-pro rugby with National League Two side Taunton Titans, combining that with spending three years in the care and education sector at Mencap, gaining extensive experience working with children who have learning difficulties.
He received a call one Monday morning from Titans head coach Tony Yapp asking what his plans were for that night, explaining that Exeter wanted him on the bench for the A league game against Harlequins.
“I was lucky because things began to fall into place when I had a bit of time off and I was offered a contract with Exeter,” added Woolmore who moved to Somerset from west London when he was 15 years old.
“I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage that with a full-time job, but I thought I could blag it to see how things went.
“I had a lot of catching up to do when I joined Exeter – especially the physical condition, having missed their pre-season preparations.
“Lots of people would love to live the dream of playing professional rugby but I never thought it was on the cards.
“And there I was standing in the dressing room alongside players like Jack Nowell who had been playing for England at the weekend.
“I’d never experience a full-time set-up, but I thought ‘right, I’m here let’s see how things go’. But I couldn’t see myself breaking into the side and getting regular first team rugby in the time I thought I had.
“I spoke to Exeter’s England prop Harry Williams who suggested Jersey – and that was another experience because of the different standard in the Championship in things like collisions and mauls.”
Woolmore initially joined Jersey Reds in April 2016 on loan as injury cover before agreeing to a permanent move to the side. While there he had a spell as acting captain.
Woolmore, along with fellow prop Jake Armstrong and wing Tom Pincus, were signed from Jersey when Bristol gained promotion back to the Premiership.
Since the switch, Woolmore has featured in all bar one matchday squad.
He added: “As I have gone through the various leagues there have been different challenges – stepping-up from when I was at Taunton, the things about physicality in the Championship and now the way Bristol want to play.
“It can be daunting, but you have to throw yourself into it, enjoy putting in the hard work and being part of it. Buying into the culture and what we want to achieve at the club. I’m trying to put my hand up every week to be in the squad.”