Minikin: Why I’m happy to stay with Ionians
LEWIS MINIKIN says he has ambitions to play in the Championship, but for the moment his loyalty lies firmly with Hull Ionians.
Rugby Paper sources wrongly identified Minikin as a Yorkshire Carnegie signing with the talented full-back saying there was never any chance that he’d renege on his Ionians contract for the 2019/2020 season and follow former DoR Martyn Wood over to Headingley.
“He said he would have wanted me to go but at the same time he completely understood that I didn’t want to leave Hull Ionians at that point in pre-season,” Minikin said.
“I do want to play Championship at some point but, for now, I am happy to be at Ionians for what should be a good season.”
With Wood having left the club following last season’s promotion to National One, Mike Umaga has come in as head coach.
And Yorkshire county player Minikin is looking forward to working under the former Samoa international once he recovers from injury.
“I think we needed a bit of a freshen up and a bit more direction. I think we’ll do well. I can’t wait to get back fit and start training with them.”
Clubs that move up from level four tend to struggle in National One but Minikin says Ionians love a challenge.
“In my first two years at Ionians, we were in National One and they were really challenging and then last year, dropping down a league, we lost about ten players and loads of people were tipping us to go down again; however, we ended up winning the league and I think we could have even won it more convincingly. As a team, we are really up for challenges; I think that brings the best out of us.”
Carnegie continue to be linked with National League players as they look to put a squad together in double-quick time, raising concerns over player welfare in some quarters.
The Rugby Players’ Association issued a statement to TRP: “The RFU are working with Carnegie regarding its capability to meet Championship standards. From a welfare perspective, it is incumbent on both parties to ensure that the playing squad can fully meet the demands of Championship rugby.”