PLAYING at Twickenham is supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an amateur rugby player.
But Longton forward Gareth Rawlings will soon be eligible for an annual pass as he prepares for his fifth game at rugby headquarters this weekend.
Rawlings is part of the Lancashire side who will be making their sixth successive appearance in the County Championship final when they take on Cornwall on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, from Weston Coyney, qualifies for Lancashire because he was first selected for the county when playing his club rugby at Manchester and Fylde.
“I first started playing in 2006 and was only picked as injury cover. Sunday will be my 19th game, and five of them have been at Twickenham, which is remarkable,” said Rawlings.
“I made my debut against North Midlands at Stourbridge, so we’ve come a long way since then.
“I’ve been extremely lucky to play at Twickenham as many times as I have.
“Rugby is a short career anyway, so the experience doesn’t diminish at all. These are the days you cherish and will reminisce about in years to come.”
Unavailability prevented Rawlings from featuring in last year’s 35-26 victory over Cornwall, but he still has a couple of winners’ medals to his name.
Gloucestershire were swept aside in 2010, before Hertfordshire were beaten in 2011.
Rawlings’ first final appearance, in 2007, ended in disappointment when Devon emerged victorious, while Hertfordshire also left the Red Rose wilting in 2012.
This year’s competition has seen Lancashire beat Yorkshire, Cheshire and Northumberland in the northern group of the Bill Beaumont Cup – the highest tier of the County Championship – to book their Twickenham place.
Electrician Rawlings is now hoping he can provide the spark for another Lancashire triumph.
“We’ve got a decent side, and there is a strong connection with Fylde because the coach, Mark Nelson, is in charge of the county as well,” explained Rawlings.
“The majority of the players are from National One level, but it is quite easy to fit in with what is expected because of my time playing for Fylde.
“It should be a good game, and I’m sure Cornwall will be looking to avenge their defeat of last year.”
Rawlings and his Lancashire team-mates kick-off at 12.15pm on Sunday, which is then followed by the England v Barbarians fixture at 3pm.
Rawlings will be cheered on by parents, Pat and Brent, and three-year-old son Sebastian.
“My dad’s been to all the games and he’s got himself some Lancashire gear. He’s such a regular they even ask what he wants for his pre-match meal now,” joked Rawlings.
“My fiancee, Andrea, is working and can’t make the game, but it will be fantastic for my little lad to be there.
“He’s rugby-mad already, so it would be nice to win the match and then take him on to the pitch at the end for a few photographs.
“That would be a great moment. It’s just a shame Andrea won’t be there to complete the family portrait.”
Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/other/rugby/story/215119.html
Rugby Union: Longton"s Gareth Rawlings relishing yet another Twickenham ...
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