Kvesic aiming to kick on for the Chiefs
By Mark Stevens
17/9/19
Matt Kvesic says his recent involvement within the England squad ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup has given him the perfect fillip ahead of the new 2019/20 season.
Although the 27-year-old didn’t make it into Eddie Jones’ final 31-man squad for the tournament in Japan, the Exeter Chiefs forward did come off the bench in England’s final warm-up victory against Italy at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
It ensured a fourth Test cap for Kvesic, whose last involvement with the national side had come three years previous against rivals Wales. However, this latest call-up was just reward for what had been an outstanding campaign last term, one in which he was a stand-out figure for the Devon club as they reached a fourth successive Premiership Final at Twickenham.
Having moved to the Chiefs from league rivals Gloucester during the summer of 2017, Kvesic would admit himself his first season in Exeter colours proved much tougher than even he expected.Competition for places, the battle to hit peak form, plus trying to get to grips with the club’s well-drilled game plan meant he was restricted to just nine starts all season.
It proved a tough introduction, but Kvesic returned for pre-season in the summer of 2018 determined to not only prove his worth to the Chiefs cause, but also showcase his on-field talents to the wider rugby public.
A man-of-the-match display in a pre-season friendly against Cardiff Blues underlined the new-found desire of Kvesic, who as the season went on, merely got better week by week. Indeed, by the end of the season he had helped himself to nine tries in 27 appearances.
His on-field form was duly recognised with inclusion in the BT Sport Premiership Dream Team, as well as a nomination for the Premiership’s Player of the Year accolade.
Kvesic could have done no more in what was a brilliant season. However, when he missed out on the initial preliminary squads named by England following the conclusion of the season, any hopes of recognition at a higher level quickly evaporated from his mind.
“I was disappointed not to be named in the initial preliminary squad,” he said. “But I got my head round that and was looking forward to a break and then getting back into pre-season with Exeter.
“I did the first five weeks and then England had a couple of knocks leading into the first warm-up game against Wales, so I got a call-up after that. I thought I would just be in for the week to cover for injuries, but I ended up staying for a few games.”
He added: “I was lucky enough to come on against Italy and I really enjoyed my time there, but I was also a little disappointed as I would have loved to have gone on the plane to Japan.”
Despite missing out on the trip to the Far East, Kvesic is continuing to look forward and can’t wait for the Chiefs to get back to work, starting with this Saturday’s Premiership Rugby Cup encounter at home to rivals Bath (3pm).
“I wasn’t expecting to be in the mix at all, so to be as close as I was, I can take some confidence with me going back into the Premiership season,” he continued. “Back-row is an attritional position, so if there are any injuries, I’ll just stay fit, ready and if the call from England comes, then great.”