Maunder's chance to shine

By Mark Stevens
14/10/16

The name Maunder is synonymous in Exeter Rugby folklore, such was the achievement of former captain Andy Maunder, during a distinguished playing career with the Devon club.

His total of 149 appearances and 49 tries, plus his renowned half-back partnership with fly-half Andy Green, made him a legend of the old County Ground, as well as a former team-mate of current Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter for a number of seasons.

Now, though, it’s son Jack who is ready to etch the Maunder name into the latest chapters of the club’s history.

A product of the Exeter’s highly successful Academy set-up, the 19-year-old scrum-half has been named on the bench - for the first time - ahead of Sunday’s European Champions Cup opener against ASM Clermont Auvergne at Sandy Park (5:30pm).

With Will Chudley missing out this week with a knock, Dave Lewis steps up into the starting line-up for the visiting of the French giants, creating a space in the match-day 23 for young Jack.

It’s a moment he has dreamt about ever since watching his father run out in the club’s famous black jersey all those years ago.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me and something I really hope to enjoy,” said Maunder this week. “It’s something I have thought about for so long, so hopefully this Sunday I’ll get my chance.”

Family commitments on the other side of the pond with Jack’s sister mean the parents will have to watch from afar should their young son come off the bench, but other members of the Maunder family will be among those packing into Sandy Park for what should be a cracking European encounter.

However, even now Maunder admits he’s still checking his phone to see if it’s reality and not just a dream

“I was joking with a few of the players today that when you see your name on the squad list for the first time, you check it four or five times,” he said. “Even before I was told the family, I kept checking, and for a minute I almost forgot my name!

“Yes, it’s all a bit daunting, but there has been a lot of hard work done by a lot of people, especially the coaches at the club, to instill the values of the club into me. Obviously you hope you show those values when the time comes because that is what will get you through the tough times against top opposition.

“As I said, lots of work has been done by the physios, the strength and conditioners to build as much confidence into you as possible, so that when you get to those moments you are in the best shape to enjoy it, but at the same time also give it your best shot.”

Certainly Maunder should have no problem in stepping up to the mark, having showcased his talents in senior rugby already during spells with Redruth and Plymouth Albion, while on the international scene he has blossomed playing are group rugby for England.

Asked what the main difference were between school rugby and that of life in men’s rugby, Maunder joked: “Men are not as nice!

“In all honesty, though, the experience I have had playing at Plymouth and Redruth has been brilliant. I’ve learnt so much about the game, things like game management, decision-making, and just what it’s like to play men’s rugby as opposed to that of playing at school.

“Now I’ve got this massive opportunity at the weekend, as have all the other lads, of playing at home in front of our fans in what is a huge European game. For me, I just have to enjoy it, take as many of moments out of the day as I can, because you only get one debut.

“It’s cool that it’s Clermont, who are top of the Top 14 as the side I’m up against, but I just want to do the best I can and go from there.”