“I FEEL I can truly buy into the club, I didn’t want to go somewhere which isn’t keen to move forward.”
These were the opening words of Loughborough University scrum-half Matt Wickham on his reason for joining Rams.
The 21-year-old has been a shining light for the Students in both BUCS Super Rugby and National Two West in the past three years, and is delighted to be at Old Bath Road.
He continued: “Speaking to people I know, the club legend Jak Rossiter and Fergus Dick, they said how forward-thinking Rams is and how desperate they are to push on into The Champ.
“I’m ambitious and want to play as high a level of rugby as I can, so to join a club with similar desires is very exciting.
“I also like the demographic of the squad – it’s pretty young and it’s definitely not a feel of ‘get promoted and it’s job done’. We want to build something and keep it going.”
Wickham began his career as an Under 6 at Old Reigatian RFC, and was picked up by Harlequins as a U12 having joined Reigate Grammar School.
He progressed through the Quins Development Pathway until U18s, before making a tough decision.
He explained: “I was offered a University contract at the end, but I declined it as I’d have had to go to Surrey University and I really wanted to go to Loughborough.
“I knew it was the No. 1 sports Uni in the country, and speaking to the coaches before I joined, it was clear it was a professional set-up. It was a no-brainer.
“It’s been amazing and I don’t regret it at all. I started in the 2s in first year, but since then I’ve had more than 50 first-team appearances and captained the National League side.”
The sport science graduate is a talented all-round sportsman who played cricket for Surrey until heading off to university, as well as trialling for England hockey at U16 and U18 level.
Commenting on what he hopes to bring to the club, Wickham said: “I feel I’m a good team person and have enjoyed meeting everyone so far.
“In the past three years I feel I’ve developed a strong kicking game and good basics and I believe having become a leader at Loughborough my game management is strong.
“But fundamentally I want to play fast rugby which is good to watch – I like to play with tempo, I back my skillset and am happy to play from anywhere.
“When it’s on, I want to get the ball moving about and (Director of Rugby) Seb (Reynolds) encourages people to play freely. I’m excited to do that.”
Standing 5ft 8in and weighing 73kg, the new recruit saved his final words for the supporters, who he hopes to strike up a strong relationship with.
He ended: “One of the most enticing things about the club is the fans, they’re a very passionate group.
“I’ve heard there’s a real sense of community around the club, and as a player I want to win for the supporters.
“If I get the chance to run out with the fans in the stand and on the balcony, it would be cool and something I can’t wait for.”
By Richard Ashton
