TIGHT-HEAD prop Nick Barry admits he is relishing the chance to ‘test himself’ at National One level as he becomes Rams’ third summer signing.
Having made more than 100 appearances for Camberley, the former Surrey Under 20s ace, who featured in the 43-16 Jason Leonard County Championship final victory against a Seb Reynolds-coached Berkshire back in 2019, cannot wait to get started at Old Bath Road.
A Hampshire county player at senior level, Barry impressed as a guest for Rams Titans against the Royal Air Force at the back end of last season, and has now made a permanent move.
Explaining his decision to join, he said: “I managed to get a couple of training sessions at the end of last season, and everyone was so welcoming, it just felt like a really good club.
“Playing the RAF game, I didn’t really know the calls, but everyone came round me, supported me throughout the game and that was incredible.
“The facilities are unreal, and I can’t wait to test myself.”
The presence of National One Team of the Year prop James Baker, the homegrown legend with more than 400 first-team caps to his name, was another reason for Barry’s arrival as he continued: “There were other clubs who’d said: ‘you’ll get lots of game time.’
“But one of the reasons I’ve joined is because of James. He’s got so much experience – I’ll be able to learn his little tricks and with the competition for places, it will make us all want to work harder.”
Starting his career at Farnborough RFC aged five, the front row swapped to Chobham at 12 before returning to his boyhood club two years later, then moving onto Camberley.
The former Cove School student featured for his club side in a Twickenham final in 2019, now joining Rams after a pre-season endured in tough conditions while on holiday, as he ended by explaining the attributes he hopes to bring to OBR.
The 24-year-old concluded: “I’ve been doing my training over in Turkey and had to do it after 8pm, because it was 42 degrees during the day!
“I like to scrummage, to ball carry, and just can’t wait to get going and meet all the players and supporters!”
By Richard Ashton
