Mumm's living the dream

By Mark Stevens

When Dean Mumm departed Sandy Park last May, it was to chase an opportunity, a dream even he thought had probably passed him by.

Fast forward the clock a few months and the 31-year-old forward is now ready to play his part for Australia as they chase Rugby World Cup glory for a third time.

Mumm is indeed very much part and parcel of a strong Wallabies squad, who will be vying for top spot in Pool A alongside Wales and host nation England.

His inclusion in Michael Cheika’s squad is certainly justified, not only for three outstanding years playing in England with the Exeter Chiefs, but also his late cameo at former club NSW Waratahs where he cemented his place for this autumn’s tournament.

Until that point, however, Mumm thought his involvement at this year’s Rugby World Cup would be more of a watching brief from the stands, rather than being in the heat of the battle with his country.

Even now Mumm is quick to express his bewilderment at being involved in the Wallabies camp for his first World Cup.

“If you go back to January this year if someone said I'd be here, I probably would have said I’ll be in the stands watching - I bought tickets for Australia v England and Wales at Twickenham,” he said.

"Knowing I’m here now and have an opportunity to play, it’s completely different but from that end you don't’ take it for granted and it's special honour to represent your country."

Already Mumm - who skippered the Chiefs to LV= Cup glory in 2014 and to their best-ever finish in the Aviva Premiership last term - has settled back quick into his English surroundings as Australia gear up for their opening clash with Fiji at the impressive University of Bath.

“It’s nice to be back, the weather hasn’t been wonderful - the first two days were raining, which is pretty much how it works, but I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Certainly Mumm has returned to a Wallabies squad that have impressed in recent months, particularly during the Championship, and who will be among the favourites to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy next month at Twickenham.

Just being back amongst the Aussie mix is something Mumm is cherishing, even if things haven’t changed a great deal during his time away in Devon.

“One of the things you find with the team is personalities don’t change,” he said.  “Australia’s a pretty humble place and no-one gets too ahead of themselves.

“It was a little bit like putting on an old pair of duds I just haven’t worn in a while.”

Mumm is keen to take advantage of what will likely be his last opportunity to play in a World Cup.

“I’m just sort of a little bit pinching myself that I’m here in this capacity,” he said.  “Being away in the states we were a bit of the isolated being there.  In the UK you can see it means a lot to a lot of people.”