Sean Dougall - Leading the Titans

Sean Dougall - Leading the Titans

 

My name is Sean Dougall, I am 21 and currently in my second season with Championship side Rotherham Titans - where I play openside flanker. I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in the summer so this is my first season of having full time rugby as my main focus and so far it has been hard work but really enjoyable!

With club captain Sam Dickinson out injured I have had the honour of captaining the side for the start of the season which has been a valuable experience and a big learning curve. It is not always easy for a young player to lead a team with more experience, although all of the squad have been very supportive which has really helped. Rotherham coach Andre Bester encourages us to play with 15 leaders on the pitch, which makes my job a lot easier.

It has been fantastic to be involved with a completely new squad and since the start of pre-season the lads have really come together on and off the pitch. Andre has recruited players who are hungry for success and it shows in training and in matches. We have a relatively young squad compared to some other championship sides. But being so young brings a positive atmosphere in the team as the lads are all ambitious and hard working. There are also some big personalities in the side and there is rarely a quiet moment, which makes early morning gym sessions much more bearable!

The season has started with some ups and downs yet we have shown in the last few matches what we are capable of when we stay composed and play to our strengths. Our biggest weakness so far has without doubt been our discipline which is hurting us on and off the field but we are working hard not to let it happen again (especially as any more fines for penalties and some players will have no money left!). The main aim is to make the play offs although there is a long season ahead of us and we know that there is plenty to work on if we are to reach that target. We have some really exciting players to look out for over the season such as Semisi Taulava, our big islander number 8 who already has been a force on the pitch and his try tally shows that! In the backs, Gary Law our Scottish fly half has proved that he is a top class goal kicker and can consistently control the game. The competition for places in the squad is strong which is healthy for the players as it keeps everybody on their toes! In order to keep my starting place in the team I know I will have to perform at a consistently high standard which can only be positive for my own game.

We have some difficult away matches coming up, but we will be looking to build on our encouraging performance against Nottingham last weekend. Since signing with Rotherham I have been so impressed with our away support. The supporters are really passionate about the team and travel far and wide to support us. Hopefully we can repay them with away wins over the next few weeks. We have a lot of hard work to do as a squad still but these are exciting times for Rotherham Titans and I am looking forward to playing a full part in a successful team this season.

I have recently embraced Twitter, so you can follow me and the Rotherham Titans at @seandougall

 

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