Josh is Rowland of the Rovers
By Shane Brophy
Josh Rowland has a decision to make.
Last Saturday was meant to be his swansong from competitive rugby and what a way to bow out for the 36-year-old by scoring the match-winning try for Nenagh Ormond. But then the competitive element of the New Zealand native kicked in, the temptation of playing in the top tier of Irish rugby.
“After their last try, I thought that was it,” admitted the full-back who scored two tries in the game.
“I didn’t think we would be able to score two tries in the time that was left but to come back and get the winning try in my retirement game, I am pretty happy, cheers to Davy (Gleeson) I didn’t think he was going to pass it.”
He added: “I don’t know if my wife will let me (play on), my body is pretty sore. We’ll see how the summer goes but it will be hard to turn down 1A.”
The conclusion to the game was a microcosm of how Nenagh have performed all season, winning games late, testament to their belief as well as fitness.
“Something we have prided ourselves on all year is fitness,” Rowland added.
“For some reason we always seem to let opponents score the first try and then we decide to come back in the seconds halves, so it’s immense credit to come back and score two at the very end and win the game is about not giving up, and credit to the coaches who drive that into us each week.
“In the first half our discipline was so bad, we kept making high tackles or offsides and it killed us. They kept kicking to the corner and their big pack mauled over tries. They have got some big backs as well so it great credit to is for not giving up and keep going.”
The Galway based Garda came to Ireland initially to play with Connacht and had a brief stint with the Ireland 7’s before linking up with Nenagh Ormond.
“Rugby over here is definitely on the up and has been a pleasure to play with the boys,” he continued.
“It was very hard to pick a starting 23 as we were having thirty and forty at training. That’s what made it competitive week in and week out, having the numbers there and everyone looking to start.”