Well, well... Holmes divines road to top
FORMER hydrography student Ed Holmes aims to prove water can turn into wine as he ramps-up his bid to achieve a miraculous ascent to Test stardom.
Holmes, 23, had never played Premiership rugby before this season, but since making his debut for Bristol against Bath in September, the ex-Exeter academy lock has been an unsung hero in a successful campaign alongside a host of more famous names.
Having proved his worth against the top-flight’s big beasts, featuring in 11 of Bristol’s 12 Premiership matches to date, Penzanceborn Holmes now has his sights on toppling the likes of Joe Launchbury and George Kruis and making an impact with England.
Holmes, who joined Bristol last summer, told The
Rugby Paper: “I was looking elsewhere because I wasn’t getting much game time at Chiefs. I needed to be playing and I’ve finished my hydrography degree now, so I can really crack on with my rugby.
“I’d been playing for Plymouth in National One but needed to be playing at a higher level, so my agent pushed me to go out on loan in the Championship. I came to Bristol for the last three games of last season, enjoyed it and got an opportunity to sign.
“Pat Lam told me he liked my work ethic and, physically, I put everything I have on the field. You can’t train hard work but if you have that mentality it’s a great thing and you can work with that.”
Holmes is now aiming higher, adding: “With Bath being my Premiership debut it’s all been a bit surreal. Running out at Ashton Gate in front of 26,000 was just fantastic.
“It’s gone pretty well and I want to be playing at this level and hopefully push on to further aspirations beyond that. I’ve relished the opportunity to compete against guys like Courtney Lawes, Maro Itoje, George Kruis and I really want to better myself.
“These are the guys that four or five years ago I was watching on TV, but now I’m competing against them so I want to really push on.”
Holmes is convinced he can achieve his international ambitions at Bristol.
He said: “The calibre of player here is phenomenal with guys like Charles Piutau, Luke Morahan, George Smith, John Afoa and Steven Luatua – all New Zealand and Australia Test stars who are great to work with for younger guys coming through.
“Then there’s someone like Jordan Crane, who’s won Premiership titles, so there’s great competition throughout the squad which brings out the best.
“We speak about a fiveyear plan and where we want Bristol to be in future. It’s an exciting time and I’m looking forward to being part of that journey.”