Dreams come true for Capstick

By Alfie Martin
13/11/18

Richard Capstick is hopeful he will get more opportunities to shine with Exeter Chiefs after producing two eye-catching displays in this season's Premiership Rugby Cup.

The 18-year-old debuted for the Devonians in their Round Two encounter with Bath and then followed it up a week later by claiming his first-ever try in Saturday's 29-13 victory over Harlequins at Sandy Park.

It was - according to the man himself - the stuff of dreams. Now, he hopes his introduction into the senior ranks can help pave a bright future ahead and that he will have further chances to showcase his talents on the big stage.

Never afraid to give youth it's chance, the reigning Cup holders once more underlined their wealth of talent by producing a highly productive performance against the visiting Londoners.

Indeed, when the rumbling Tomahawk Chop finally died down after the final whistle, Capstick reflected on the performance and was full of praise for his team-mates.

“It was a great experience to play to a home crowd on such a big stage," he said. "I couldn’t believe it when I heard earlier in the week that I was being given an opportunity and I think I took good advantage of it. When I came on we were in good positions on the field, but we just needed to be a bit more clinical and cancel out the mistakes. You saw what we can do when we take full advantage of all the opportunities we’re given and it really paid off.”

Having been afforded his chance on the big stage Capstick - alongside the likes of fellow rookies Marcus Street, Billy Keast, Alfie Petch and James Kenny - jumped at the opportunities made available to him at the club since his induction into the big picture.

“It’s great, the boys are really supportive and they’re always looking to help you out, especially throughout the week, they all want the best for you and it’s just a great club feeling,” he continued.

“It’s completely opposite to University rugby, the crowd were amazing. I was so nervous on the build-up to the day, but I think that’s what makes these days so special. These are the days you remember, your debut and your first try, it’s such a great thing to be a part of.”

Capstick's transition into top flight rugby has been challenging, but he insists that the watchful eyes of the senior players has helped keep him on track over the short time he’s been at the club.

“They have helped me out massively," he said. "Especially Jack Yeandle and Dave Dennis through the week. They are really helping me out and giving me bits of advice around the restarts and positional skills. Just little things that they’ve picked up over years of playing that has been so helpful to me."

Although thrown in at the deep end, the Taunton-born youngster is excited for what is in store for him as he looks forward to his next chapter as a senior Exeter Chiefs player.

“I still can’t believe I’m here, it’s what you dream of as a kid and it all happens so fast," he added. "I’m still a bit shell-shocked. For the season ahead of me, I just want to keep on improving my game and get in better shape to really meet the physical demands of men’s rugby and enjoy it at the same time."