O'Callaghan: Every game is like a cup final - The Worcester Observer

O'Callaghan: Every game is like a cup final

Worcester Editorial 6th Apr, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

WARRIORS lock Donncha O’Callaghan has admitted he’s found the Aviva Premiership tough but has enjoyed the ‘fight’ the club faces every week.

The giant 6ft 6in Irishman, who joined Sixways last September and has played in every one of Warriors’ Premiership games, recently scooped the man of the match award in the club’s 12-6 victory over London Irish.

But the 37-year-old, who has represented Ireland 94 times along with four appearances for the British and Irish Lions, has found his first season in England’s top-flight very physical and believes every game is like a ‘cup final’.

“The Premiership is a tough league. Every week it’s a physical battle and if you don’t man up to the occasion you’ll come out second best, especially if you’re a team that’s just been promoted,” O’Callaghan said.




“But I think the group are mentally stronger than earlier in the season. We were making a lot of mistakes when the campaign began but we’ve fixed those problems.

“There’s more maturity in the squad and that’s what you need, guys constantly learning at this level. We just need to keep improving and that’s what the coaches are looking for in our philosophy.


“This club is about giving players a chance at top-flight rugby and developing their game and we’re always treating each match as a cup final,” he added.

O’Callaghan said it was Director of Rugby Dean Ryan who attracted him to Worcester.

“It’s been a great move for me coming to Worcester. I’m playing 80 minutes week in and week out and I enjoy the challenge of it. The coaching staff don’t take you for what you are but look at how you can improve and I’m better suited in that type of environment,” he said.

“I was working closely with Dean at the Baa-Baas and he was speaking about how it would be a fight every week at the club, which attracted me as I love being tested under pressure every time I take to the field.

“I love playing rugby with the youngsters at the club, despite their poor taste in music. They create great energy and are a pleasure to be around.”

“They may not respect my fashion sense as they called me Elvis the other week due to the trousers I was wearing, but they’re a great bunch of lads to work with.”

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