Moon ready to seize his chance

By Steve Grace
19/2/19

Ben Moon’s solitary visit to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium was as a wide-eyed teenager in 2004.

With the Exeter Chiefs prop approaching his 30th birthday he had thought watching Neil Jenkins’ testimonial fixture with his father 14 years ago would be the closest he got to the hallowed turf at the iconic stadium.

However, Moon, who made his international debut against South Africa in November last year, now stands on the verge of representing England against Wales in Cardiff this Saturday as the two nations battle it out in round three of the Guinness Six Nations.

“Once you creep towards 30 you do think the chance has passed you by, it doesn’t mean you’ve given up,” he said. “My focus was on playing well for Exeter but circumstances got me my opportunity and I’ve enjoyed it so far.

“I’ve not played there before (Principality Stadium), but have watched a lot of games on TV. The Jenkins-Leonard testimonial gave me an idea of the scale of the place.”

Those circumstances include the retirement of Joe Marler and the injury to Mako Vunipola and now Moon will go head-to-head with Ellis Genge for a starting berth on Saturday.

And having impressed in November’s Quilter Internationals, the 29-year-old is eager to use the chance to give further evidence of his ability at the highest level.

“Mako is a big loss, he is a fantastic player and has a lot of experience but it gives me and Ellis Genge an opportunity to fight it out for that starting spot,” he added.

“This is an opportunity for me to push on from the time I got in the autumn.”