Lonsdale's living the dream
By Alfie Martin
30/9/18
Opportunity is certainly knocking for Exeter Chiefs rookie Sean Lonsdale as he continues to make his mark with the Devon club in this season’s Gallagher Premiership.
The 21-year-old has grasped with both hands the chance he has been given by the club’s coaching staff, who have made not secret of the significant strides he has made over the past 12 months.
At the weekend, Lonsdale demonstrated his talents once more, coming off the bench to help the Chiefs maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign with victory over visiting Worcester Warriors at Sandy Park.
Plunged into the action at half-time for the injured Sam Simmonds, the Manchester-born forward again went about his business with effortless efficiency, building on previous displays for the Chiefs this season.
Brought to the club back in the summer of 2016 having been spotted playing for RGC in North Wales, it was initially a slow-burn for the young forward who has used previous stints at Taunton and Plymouth Albion to help develop his game.
However, working in and around the Chiefs first team squad on a regular basis has been hugely beneficial for Lonsdale’s development and this season he has showcased what a blossoming talent he can be moving forward.
“When I first came here, [playing in the Premiership] seemed so far away, but now it really is a dream come true,” he said. “When I first arrived, I was a little shocked at the standard of play, but I acclimatised to it and now I feel much more comfortable here.
“It’s all been incredible, playing alongside the likes of Don Armand and Matt Kvesic, it really has been amazing.”
As always, Sandy Park was booming, a 9,730-strong attendance setting the stage for the Chiefs’ bonus point victory over their Midlands-based counterparts. The result favoured the Chiefs, setting aside any doubts that Worcester would repeat the shock victory they dealt back in February.
“The crowd were amazing,” added Lonsdale. “There was definitely plenty of motivation going into the game, especially given the result here last season. It was definitely a much better game today, but there is still areas for us to work on.”
Saturday’s showing was Lonsdale’s third Premiership outing of the season, coming off the bench to feature against Wasps earlier this month, before being thrust into the fire from the outset against Sale Sharks in Round 3.
Underlining the point that Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is never afraid to give young players their chance, providing they are primed and ready, Lonsdale admits he is still pinching himself a little at his rapid rise.
“You’re given a lot of chances to play, whether it’s in the A League or the Anglo-Welsh,” he said.“The coaches aren’t afraid to put you in the team as long as you’re performing and proving yourself.”
And with games coming thick and fast for the Chiefs, Lonsdale will now be looking to play a part in this week’s Premiership trip to Bath. Although he echoed the views of Baxter, who said his side would need to be much better than they were against the Warriors.
“It wasn’t our best performance, but to come away with 5 points at home, there’s not much more you can ask for,” continued Lonsdale.“A lot of it was down to simple handling errors, so there’s plenty to work on moving forward.”