Just the job for Horstmann
By Mark Stevens
31/3/18
A new day job may await Kai Horstmann at Sandy Park come the end of the season, but for now the experienced forward is leading by example as he help guide Exeter Chiefs to Anglo-Welsh Cup success for a second time.
The 36-year-old could not have put in a better shift against Bath at Kingsholm, producing a workmanlike display that not only underlined his importance to the Devon club but, more importantly, helped the Chiefs to an impressive 28-11 victory.
Horstmann, who is set to call time on his 16-year professional career in May, will then start a new role in Exeter’s commercial department as he looks to a different life away from the playing field.
However, he could not have wished for a more fitting retirement present on his 100th appearance for the club as he skippered the Chiefs to yet more silverware.
“I think it’s testament to us as a squad, where we are at, and the processes we have put in place. We talked about creating memories, but you have to get those processes right in Cup Final week,” said Horstmann.
“When you are getting absolutely flogged in pre-season, and you have done it for a long time like I have, it’s pretty horrific but moments like this completely make up for it.
“I don’t know how many times people get the opportunity to play in finals throughout their career, but I suspect, for the majority, you can count them on one hand. So when you get an opportunity to win it and bang it in like we did, it is something special.”
Horstmann was one of a number of experienced stars named in the Chiefs line-up, but around him were a decent spread of the new generation, all of whom have played their part in helping bring the trophy back to Sandy Park.
A winner of the competition in 2014 against Northampton Saints, plus a starter in last season’s Aviva Premiership title triumph over Wasps, the Harare-born ace admitted it was another magical day in his illustrious career.
“It’s right up there,” he added. “What we are as a club, a group of players, it’s a real joy to go into work and grafting like we do. It’s a hugely intense environment, but it has to be in order for us to be successful, so when we get opportunities to win silverware, it’s special.”
Moving away from playing will undoubtedly be tough, but Horstmann says the opportunity to stay connected with the Chiefs is something he could not turn down.
“It will be different, probably a little bit quieter,” he joked. “But I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a huge privilege to stay involved with the club and being given the opportunity I have. I’m hugely excited about it, but I will miss the playing side dreadfully.I will miss moments like this, I will miss match-days and being able to do that out there, but it had to happen at some stage and I’m excited by the future.”
If this is to be Horstmann’s last hurrah in a Chiefs shirt then it could not have been better scripted, but the man himself insists he is ready and waiting to play his part if called upon by Rob Baxter during this final run-in.
“You never know, I don’t know what Rob is thinking,” he added. “We are blessed to have a hugely talented squad here at the Chiefs. I’ve had a few injuries this season, which have stopped me a little bit, but full credit to the guys who are doing it each week and playing amazingly well. For me, it’s a case of keeping knocking on the door and hopefully I might get an opportunity. If I do, great, if not, then I’m 100% behind the lads.”