MUNSTER WING ALEX Wootton has no problem being patient, but he is relishing the chance to play a big part in Munster’s crucial December schedule.
The wing is Munster’s top try-scorer this season – thanks primarily to his four tries against the Cheetahs in September – but with Keith Earls, Simon Zebo, Andrew Conway and Darren Sweetnam also in the chase for jerseys 11, 14 and 15, getting big-game jerseys is never easy.
However, Earls’ hamstring injury combined with the absence of Jaco Taute and Chris Farrell constitutes a midfield injury crisis that could conceivably have a knock-on effect for Johann van Graan’s selections further out.
Playing centre himself is not completely out of the question for Wootton, but he has to go back to his days in Sedbergh School, 50 miles north of Blackburn (almost 100 miles north of his home in Prestbury), to picture himself anywhere other than wing or fullback.
Ever since then, Wootton has been on the pathway as an Irish winger. His County Down-born father wasn’t slow to remind young Alex that he was Irish-qualified and while on the books with Northampton Saints he was called up by Mike Ruddock for U20 duty. Before long IRFU high performance manager Colin McEntee was trying to make a home for Wootton in the provinces.
“It was quite an easy decision,” Wootton says of the call to leave England.
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“Munster came up and I snapped at it because of the history of the province, over in the UK everyone knows about Munster, it was an easy decision to come over.”
Wootton rises with Connacht's Cian Kelleher to win a high ball on Ireland duty in 2014. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
There isn’t an ounce of regret in Wootton’s voice as he ponders the road not taken, even though he surmises that he would have more experience of senior rugby if he had remained with a Premiership club.
“One thing I have realised in Ireland is that the transition to get to where you want to be is a bit slower because obviously there are fewer teams than there would be in France or England.
“I bided my time, so I could have been ready a few years before I played this year and last year.
“To play for Munster is not just the love of the game, it is the love of Munster as well. When I first came over, I was playing a lot for Garryowen (and) learned a lot about Munster. The more time I was here, the more patient I wanted to be, because this was the club I wanted to be at. It was an easy thing to do, just wait my time and hopefully it lasts.”
The wait is looking time well spent. Wootton’s talent is ripening and his outside gas and finishing skill was more than welcome in the frenetic weekend win over Zebre. These international window opportunities are a valuable proving ground, but through November, Wootton felt his focus shift slightly.
Bryan Keane / INPHO
Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO
He’s not quite sure why. Perhaps because his own form has been so good, or maybe because a man he could view as a peer in Darren Sweetnam went off and claimed a couple of international caps.
This was the first time I have watched international games and said to myself, ‘this is where I want to be,’ properly.
“In the past I have watched it and been a bit of a supporter whereas this time I have been a bit gutted, I suppose. It is great to see those guys do well. Sweets has done really well for Munster the past few years. It is great to see those guys do it, and it’s great if more Munster guys do well. It’s great for Munster.”
“That’s the bigger picture. Obviously I have smaller goals in the path to get there. (But) that 100% is the goal.
“When I first moved over here when I was 17, that was one of the goals. Obviously I have had to wait my time. That is why I keep working here, and hopefully if I get the opportunity to go to a camp, or even get a cap… that’s kind of what’s driving me.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
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November gives Wootton irresistible scent of international rugby
MUNSTER WING ALEX Wootton has no problem being patient, but he is relishing the chance to play a big part in Munster’s crucial December schedule.
The wing is Munster’s top try-scorer this season – thanks primarily to his four tries against the Cheetahs in September – but with Keith Earls, Simon Zebo, Andrew Conway and Darren Sweetnam also in the chase for jerseys 11, 14 and 15, getting big-game jerseys is never easy.
However, Earls’ hamstring injury combined with the absence of Jaco Taute and Chris Farrell constitutes a midfield injury crisis that could conceivably have a knock-on effect for Johann van Graan’s selections further out.
Playing centre himself is not completely out of the question for Wootton, but he has to go back to his days in Sedbergh School, 50 miles north of Blackburn (almost 100 miles north of his home in Prestbury), to picture himself anywhere other than wing or fullback.
Ever since then, Wootton has been on the pathway as an Irish winger. His County Down-born father wasn’t slow to remind young Alex that he was Irish-qualified and while on the books with Northampton Saints he was called up by Mike Ruddock for U20 duty. Before long IRFU high performance manager Colin McEntee was trying to make a home for Wootton in the provinces.
“It was quite an easy decision,” Wootton says of the call to leave England.
“Munster came up and I snapped at it because of the history of the province, over in the UK everyone knows about Munster, it was an easy decision to come over.”
There isn’t an ounce of regret in Wootton’s voice as he ponders the road not taken, even though he surmises that he would have more experience of senior rugby if he had remained with a Premiership club.
“One thing I have realised in Ireland is that the transition to get to where you want to be is a bit slower because obviously there are fewer teams than there would be in France or England.
“I bided my time, so I could have been ready a few years before I played this year and last year.
“To play for Munster is not just the love of the game, it is the love of Munster as well. When I first came over, I was playing a lot for Garryowen (and) learned a lot about Munster. The more time I was here, the more patient I wanted to be, because this was the club I wanted to be at. It was an easy thing to do, just wait my time and hopefully it lasts.”
The wait is looking time well spent. Wootton’s talent is ripening and his outside gas and finishing skill was more than welcome in the frenetic weekend win over Zebre. These international window opportunities are a valuable proving ground, but through November, Wootton felt his focus shift slightly.
He’s not quite sure why. Perhaps because his own form has been so good, or maybe because a man he could view as a peer in Darren Sweetnam went off and claimed a couple of international caps.
“In the past I have watched it and been a bit of a supporter whereas this time I have been a bit gutted, I suppose. It is great to see those guys do well. Sweets has done really well for Munster the past few years. It is great to see those guys do it, and it’s great if more Munster guys do well. It’s great for Munster.”
“That’s the bigger picture. Obviously I have smaller goals in the path to get there. (But) that 100% is the goal.
“When I first moved over here when I was 17, that was one of the goals. Obviously I have had to wait my time. That is why I keep working here, and hopefully if I get the opportunity to go to a camp, or even get a cap… that’s kind of what’s driving me.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
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