Jersey RFC v Rotherham Titans

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.