Rotherham Titans, a brief history:
A relatively new club in the grand scheme of
things, Rotherham were formed in 1923. They were able to field two sides in
their early days, and had the luxury of a third during the school holidays when
the local sixth formers turned out for them.
As with many clubs during the Second World War, Rotherham shut down
before reforming at Clifton Lane in 1946. Over the next 15 years Rotherham
struggled in all areas, financial and with playing staff until a local
secondary school started playing rugby. The game began to be played in many
local schools subsequent to this and the arrival of a number of Physical
Education teachers in the area who were rugby specialists helped both the
playing standard and in the clubs organisation. Before long a regular supply of
young players were coming through.
Geography was the next big hurdle to overcome as the bigger sides from
down south regularly snubbed the trip north to play Rotherham, meaning when the
league was established they were placed well down the divisions. This perceived
injustice and placement at the bottom of the rugby tree was perhaps the
catalyst to drive up the leagues. This led to several former players, such as
Mike Yarlett, investing their time and resources to transform the club into a
stable and successful side.
Rotherham entered league rugby in 1987, achieving stunning success right
from the off, culminating in reaching the Premiership. In what has been called
the ‘Golden Decade’ of Rotherham Rugby, their run of promotions started in the
1988/89 season where Rotherham won the North East Division One title. This was
immediately followed up by five further promotions in six seasons to propel the
club to the fourth tier of English rugby by 1995/96. It wasn’t without
criticism however, as whilst some clubs hid the fact that the ‘amateur’ players
did not get paid, Rotherham were quite open in their professional approach.
Having also been refused fixtures against the big local sides prior to
the leagues forming, the Yorkshire Cup, still a prestigious competition, became
a symbolic quest for both the players and management. The competition had been
dominated by Wakefield, Harrogate and the four big Leeds clubs, Headingley and
Roundhay, (now called Leeds) Morley and Otley, Rotherham reached the final for
the first time in their history in 1993, going down to Otley, however two years
later there was no doubting that Rotherham had arrived, as they defeated
Harrogate 39-3 to win the Cup for the first, and to date only time.
Rotherham eventually reached the Courage National Division One in
1996/97 finishing seventh in their first season. The 1998/99 season saw
Rotherham finish equal on points with first place Bristol, with the West
Country side prevailing on points difference, setting Rotherham up for a
promotion playoff. They were denied by the aggregate tries rule, having tied
the scores with the Premiership's second bottom side Bedford 38 all. However in
1999/2000 Rotherham enjoyed a near faultless season, losing only two games and
winning their first National League One title, setting up a promotion playoff
re-match with Bedford. The first leg saw Rotherham score four tries winning
40–20 at home, while the second leg was one of Rotherham's most dramatic;
despite conceding two penalty tries and losing 14–0 they won on aggregate 40–34
gaining promotion to the top tier and the first ever representative from
Yorkshire to do so.
The club endured a torrid year as they struggled to win games, although
several were lost by only a narrow margin. Despite some of the biggest attendances
in their history, they only won two games all season finishing bottom and were
relegated back to National Division One.
Despite this
setback Rotherham duly romped to their second National Division One title in
three years, losing only twice all season. The success of the league title was
quickly dampened by the decision that Rotherham were to be denied promotion to
the Premiership as they did not fulfill the ever changing entry requirements. In the same year (2001/02,) Rotherham
won more silverware in the Powergen Shield at Twickenham, defeating Exeter
Chiefs 35-26 in the final.
Rotherham remained in National Division One for the 2002/03, now sharing
the Millmoor stadium with Rotherham United Football Club. Demonstrating their
consistency, they once again recording a near perfect season as they lost only
two games all season, climaxing as Rotherham became champions by beating
Worcester away in one of the club's most memorable achievements. It was the
clubs third National Division One title in four years, and this time, finally welcomed
automatic promotion back to the Premiership.
The return to the Premiership for Rotherham was coupled with a change of
name as a sponsorship deal with Titan Environmental gave them the 'Titans'
nickname. Millmoor however proved even less of a happy top-flight ground than
Clifton Lane as Rotherham struggled to adapt to the pace of the league on their
return. They were disappointingly relegated without winning a single match.
At the end of that season, Mike Yarlett, the owner who had until now
financed the club's rise through the leagues, pulled out, and extinction
appeared to be a very real possibility. It became clear that Yarlett's
withdrawal of his backing had come after significant frustration with the RFU’s
apparent ‘ring fencing’ and their failure to meet his request to guarantee the
promotion from National Division One to the Premiership. In August of 2004
and on the brink of folding, the arrival of Nick Cragg and Martin
Jenkinson along with the help of Rotherham Borough Council, (who valued the club's community work as much as the sport itself), the acceptance of savage wage cuts from players, supporters
donations and help from previous players, were able to rescue and stabilise the
club. It was not without some controversy however as prior to this the RFU was lambasted because of its supposed supporting of a consortium
from South Africa, who upon taking over would be relocating to London. This was
avoided and the goodwill gestures ensured that Rotherham could continue to
play, coupled with a return to their spiritual home ground at Clifton Lane
which they share with the local cricket club.
The 2004/05 season started well, with five wins in a row, but the
reality of their financial situation, and wholesale squad changes that had been
undertaken saw the Titans fall away, finishing eighth, their worst ever
position in National One. 2005/06 saw Andre Bester take control of the club in
the double role of Chief Executive and Head Coach. (Bester incidentally had
taken over from Ben Harvey at Birmingham). With attendances between 920 and
2250, the Titans managed to improve to finish fourth in National One.
The next season 2005/06, saw the renamed ‘Earth Titans’ finish second
five points behind Leeds Tykes, despite losing many top players such as current
England wing David Strettle. This was to prove the highlight of more recent
times, as despite signing a record sponsorship deal with Complete Technical
Services in 2007/08, the season was a massive disappointment as Titans slumped
to eleventh. They finished the 2008/09 season in tenth as they sought to
rebuild the team, but 2009/10 was the worst league return in thirteen years
since they were promoted to National Division One. Despite this poor finish,
and finding themselves in the relegation playoff group, they never looked in
danger as they won five out of six pool matches.
Rotherham looked to mount a fresh challenge for the 2010/11 season and
succeeded in improving on the previous few seasons, finishing seventh and into
the promotion playoffs. Bester aimed to secure a squad for the following year
prior to the playoffs and the club effectively released several players prior
to the end of the season, the ensuing lack of motivation being a contributory
factor to the Titans losing every playoff game to finish the season.
Last season brought excitement back to the club as many new faces were
brought in while retaining the core of the previous year’s squad. Titans assembled
one of the largest packs in the league backed up with an impressive back line
and quickly became a team to fear. The club enjoyed a run of seven unbeaten
home games in the Championship including impressive victories against Bristol
and Bedford and also winning away at promoted London Welsh.
This season the solid home form has continued with three wins and a draw
from the first four games, including a 54-31 win over Jersey (the most points
Jersey have conceded in a competitive game in some time). However the wheels
seem to have come loose, if not quite fallen off, in recent weeks as they have
lost three of the last four league matches and with only two wins in seven away
matches all season, if Jersey can match up to the might of the Titans pack, who
list penalty try as one of their top scorers , then a win is a real
possibility. They have conceded over 30 points in five matches this season
showing that despite pack superiority they can be vulnerable. With home matches
against high flying Nottingham and the ever improving Bristol to come, a points
return is looking increasingly necessary if we are to put pressure on Doncaster
and Moseley and remain in the Championship for next season.
Who to look out for:
Palepoi
(Pale) Nonu.
Centre.
Powerhouse Kiwi centre
Pale (as he prefers to be known) Nonu joined
Rotherham from Launceston two
seasons ago following
the Cornish club's relegation into National Two South. Nonu, whose younger brother is New Zealand All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu, previously
had spells at Mounts Bay and St Mary’s College in
Dublin.
Nonu
32, was born in Wellington, New Zealand, but considers himself Samoan because
both his parents are Samoan.
But for visa problems Nonu would have been part of the
Exeter Chiefs Championship winning side during the 2009-10 campaign. After a
three week trial Nonu was offered a contract, but a visa delay meant they
missed the cut-off point for registration.
Because of his size
(Over 6 foot and 17 stone) Pale in the past has been labelled just a "smash
them up" player. But he believes the criticism unfair and is determined to
show his talents. He considers himself an all-round player. Not one to be
messed with once he has a ‘head of steam’.
Latu
Makaafi.
Flanker.
Tongan flanker Latu Makaafi will again face his former club. Latu played for the Tongan under 21 setup in his early years and had a run of five man of the match awards in one season. The back row forward also made it through to full international status by playing 72 minutes against Fiji in a 2003 World Cup qualifier. Latu was one of the first two professional players in Jersey, signing in August 2006 alongside Kern Yates by Director of Rugby Dai Burton, playing for the Jersey for two years, including the promotion winning campaign of 2007/08. Since leaving Jersey he has played for Hull, Wharfedale and last season at Doncaster before coming to Clifton Lane this summer. A tall and muscular back row player at 6 foot 4 and over 16 stone, Latu is known for his hard work at either eight or six. An impressive season coupled with a good attitude at Wharfdale helped him step up a league to Doncaster. Latu made 24 starts for in the 2009/10 season coming away with 12 tries over that period, giving him a try every other game. This is attributed to his excellent ball handling and strong running skills as well as his willingness to work to a team ethic as the Jersey supporters may well remember.
Jimmy Williams.
Scrum Half.
Twenty
three years-old, Cheltenham born scrum half Jimmy Williams joined Rotherham
Titans last summer from Birmingham Solihull. Williams made his Rotherham debut
against Leeds Carnegie in September 2011 and quickly established himself as
first choice for the number nine jersey. Williams, who has represented Gloucestershire
and England Counties, is regarded as one of the most improved scrum halves in
the Championship. His speedy, accurate distribution combined with his tenacity
and work-rate, look set to make him a star of the future. Jimmy’s sole try of
the campaign to date was a recent effort against Munster in the B&I Cup. An
audacious show-and –go enabled him to outwit three defenders before racing in
to score in front of the clubhouse at Clifton Lane.
Lee Blackett.
Centre.
Twenty
nine years-old, Chester born wing/centre Lee Blackett is in his second spell at
Clifton Lane. He made his debut for Rotherham back in January 2004, against
Bath in the Zurich Premiership. During the first spell at Rotherham, he became
one of the club’s youngest Captains at the age of 23. He represented England
students and England Counties before he left South Yorkshire to move to the
west in 2006, joining Leeds Carnegie. There he spent six successful seasons and
still holds the Premiership record for fastest try scored (8.28 seconds v
Newcastle Falcons). Blackett’s return now sees him combine playing duties with
the added responsibly of Backs Coach. His aggressive style both in defence and
attack has made him a crucial component of the side and a favourite of the
faithful in the “Shed” at Clifton Lane.
Eamonn Sheridan.
Centre.
Twenty
three years-old Birmingham born centre/wing, Sheridan joined the Titans in the
summer from Leinster Rugby. Although English qualified, Sheridan grew up in
Ireland, with his first club being Navan RFC. From there Sheridan spent four
years in the Leinster Academy claiming honours at under 18 and under 20 levels,
before joining Rotherham and at 6' 4" and 17 stones; Sheridan offers a
powerful presence in the Titans midfield. His muscular line breaks are fast
becoming a trademark in Championship rugby as he keeps the visitors defence on
red alert when in possession of the ball. However, the likeable Irishman offers
much more than physicality. His intelligent running lines combined with his fleet
of foot has seen him score five tries in all competitions to date. Sheridan has
become a prominent figure at Clifton Lane and much is expected of him.
