Joe Ford previews the start of the Premiership Cup against Sale Sharks
31st October 2024
“As a rugby player, if you can’t get excited about Sale Sharks at home, then you shouldn’t really be playing”: Joe Ford on Sharks coming to Castle Park.
Doncaster Knights face Premiership team, Sale Sharks on Friday night in the first round of the Premiership Rugby Cup. Head Coach, Joe Ford, explained how a week off has helped the team prepare.
“Yeah look it was a five week block of games, back to back, so it was important to get away from the club and refresh. I think it’s been good for everyone, players and staff.”
We are not where we want to be at the moment, but we are working so hard to get this right. And with a new team, it just takes time, the consistency of things.”
You know, I”m confident, I know we will come good. We are training really well so I’m looking forward to this week.”
In the week, the Knights announced the addition of two young Edinburgh rugby loan players who will be joining the club for the cup. Ford said: “I hope they will bring physicality, they’re obviously two forwards who are highly rated up in Scotland.”
“We messaged Edinburgh, just for a little bit of reinforcement in that area and they had Tom and Euan who are both needing game time in the next month, so it works perfectly for us. I’m excited to see what they can bring.”
Ford looked ahead to Friday nights fixture:
“As a rugby player, if you can’t get excited about Sale Sharks at home, then you shouldn’t really be playing. There’s been a great buzz this week.
“The crowds looking decent as well which gives the lads a lift. I think it’s really important that we use that, you know, and start the game well to get the crowd behind us and then, hopefully it’ll be a good game.”
“I know Sale are going to send a pretty decent team so I’m looking forward to it.”
The Head Coach explained how the Prem Cup competition is a really important learning opportunity for the club, “It’s brilliant experience, with everything the Prem Cup brings.”
“They’re obviously full time outfits like us, it attracts bigger crowds, etcetera. It’s where, obviously, this club want’s to be at some point in the future.”
“It’s great to test ourselves, and the northern side of it is good too. Newcastle, Sale, Caldy, will be really good. I’m looking forward to testing ourselves against two of the best teams in the Premiership.”
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