Rob Cook picking rugby over cricket

ENGLAND recognition and an exciting promotion run with Nuneaton have convinced all-rounder Rob Cook that his sporting future lies on the rugby field. Also a talented cricketer, the 24-year-old captained Lincolnshire to the Eastern Division title last summer and a place in the Minor Counties final where they were beaten by Berkshire. But after two games at full-back – against Ireland and

France – for England Counties, the prospect of a place on their summer tour to Japan and Korea, and the extension of Nuneaton’s season into the second week of May as they chase the National Division Three North title, Cook concedes that cricket may now have to take a bit of a backseat.

“I had trials at full county level, but they came to nothing and although it has been going well, I’ve realised that I’m not going to go further as a cricketer,” said Cook, who works as a cricket development coach in Lincolnshire schools.

“My ambition now is to be given the opportunity to play professional rugby and to play at the best standard that I can.”

Cook, who represented England Universities while studying at Worcester, is in his second season at Nuns and enjoying every mimute of it, taking his try tally for the season to ten with a double in last week’s 51-10 win over Bradford & Bingley.

“We didn’t play that well but still won by 40 points, which has to say something,” said Cook.

“We were relegated last season, but fortunately we kept most of our players and we have been able to build on what we did then. It also helps when you win a few games, and we have a great team spirit.

“It’s definitely in our hands now, the title is ours to lose, but I’m feeling pretty confident that with the boys we have we can keep on winning. I don’t want to sound big-headed, but I can’t see us losing again.

“We are very confident in what we do, the coaching under Mike Umaga has been fantastic this year – everything is really well organised, and I even look forward to training.”

From a personal view, Cook, who played at fly-half last Saturday and is equally at home in the 10 or 15 shirt, was delighted to be recognised by England Counties.

“Playing for your country is fantastic whatever level it is and I have really enjoyed the experience,” he said. “It’s what all players aspire to.

“I’m sure it has helped my game and I feel I have made a lot of progress this season.

“I don’t mind where I play. I like playing at full-back, but it can be frustrating when you are not getting the ball and at fly-half you are always involved in the game.

“It will be great for Nuneaton if we do get promotion. The standard in the next division will be awesome so it would be a big test for a few of our players, but we’re a young team and I think we will do all right.”