Lawday's big chance

By Mark Stevens
25/7/18

Tom Lawday says he will be aiming to lead from the front when he skippers the Exeter Chiefs into action at the upcoming Premiership Rugby 7s at Franklin’s Gardens this Friday.

The former Exeter University student heads up a powerful Chiefs line-up for the annual tournament, lining up alongside the likes of James Short, Tom O’Flaherty and Argentinian international Santiago Cordero.

The competition marks the official start to the new 2018/19 campaign for the Devon club, who will face rivals Bath and Worcester Warriors in the qualification stages.

Lawday - who is featuring in the competition for the first time - says he’s excited at the challenge ahead and hopes to step forward and lay down an early maker for the new season.

“For all of us it’s our first opportunity to go out in front of the coaches and show what we can do,” said the 24-year-old forward. “The competition gives us a really good chance to go out, express ourselves, and show what we’ve been doing in pre-season so far.

“I think as a group we’re all really looking forward to the competition. I’ve spoken to a few of the boys and they’ve all said it’s one of the strongest squad we’ve put together. For myself, being named as captain is not only a huge honour, but it puts a bit more pressure on me to go out there and lead by example.

“Of course I’ll be immensely proud to lead the boys out, but at the same time I know I’ve got to be the guy who leads by example. I’ve not played 7s in a while, but in front of a big crowd and on a great stage like Franklin’s Gardens, it’s a huge opportunity for all of us.

“If you look at the talent, the speed and the experience we’ve got within the squad, I think we’re in a great position to really go out and attack the competition. For all of us it’s going to be our first real hit out, so why not go out and show what we can do.”

Certainly Lawday demonstrated last season that he’s more than capable of stepping up, establishing himself as a key member of the Cornish Pirates squad in the Championship.It was Lawday’s first meaningful introduction into senior rugby, having only signed last summer on full-time terms with the Chiefs.

He is, however, one of a growing handful of current Chiefs who have advanced from the University of Exeter through to the club’s senior squad. It’s a link which is proving highly profitable, not only for Exeter Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, but also his University counterpart, Keith Fleming.

“I think the tie-up between the club and the university is fantastic,” added Lawday. “There’s a few of us now who have come through that way. Not only does it allow guys like myself to get an education, but if you’re willing to work hard enough, then the opportunity is there for you to potentially get yourself into a professional environment like the Chiefs.”

Lawday has certainly made the most of his opportunity and now he hopes to kick on this term, forging himself further into the mindset of Baxter and his team of coaches.

“Playing in the Championship last season was brilliant for me,” he continued. “I got a lot of game time at a very good level. I’ve seen in the past how others at the club have done just that, people like Dave Ewers, Jack Yeandle, Sam Hill and Stu Townsend. Now, it’s up to me to kick-on and try and follow a similar path if I want to get that Premiership exposure.

“As I said, I was pleased with last season and how things went for me. Now, I’ve got to use that form and that good feedback and take my game on again. It will be a good challenge for me, but it’s one I am really looking forward to.”