So said Seb Reynolds with Rams legend James Baker due to make his 450th first-team appearance at Dings Crusaders tomorrow (3pm).
The one-club man, who joined as a junior in 2000 and made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old five years later, will tick off his latest remarkable landmark as the visitors look to end 2025 on a high.
And the Director of Rugby beamed: “I’ve spoken about it at his various previous milestones, but it’s just incredible what he does and the way he’s looked after himself.
“Three or four years ago he might have been looking at retirement, but there are a few people who’ve been influential in helping him keep going.
“Firstly James, how he commits himself, the professionalism he puts into looking after his body, but also the support his wife Mel and his family bring.
“They’re so supportive of his rugby, and I also credit (Head of Medical) Dan Michael – he’s been working with James for three years and the work they’ve done together now has us sitting down and working out what he’s going to do for the next couple of years!
“He’s at the front of the conditioning ahead of some of the youngsters and it’s just a testament to him to reach 450 caps. I wish him many congratulations.”
‘Two sides who will want to go at it’
Rams head to Shaftesbury Park on the back of a stunning 40-29 success at Rosslyn Park, but with free-scoring Dings also back to winning ways last time out, Seb is under no illusion of the task at hand.
He explained: “They’ve scored a lot of points recently and it’s impressive, but they’ve always been a very good side.
“They play entertaining rugby on an artificial pitch, and similar to last week it’s two sides who will want to go at it.
“Hopefully that’s what the crowd get to see.”
Early-season win irrelevant
Rams recorded their highest National One total in a 73-24 home success against the Bristolians in Week Two, but Seb said it bears no influence on tomorrow’s clash.
He continued: “They will probably looking for revenge, but for both teams you move on and it’s a different stage of the season – they’ve improved a lot since then.
“It’s a new encounter, a tough fixture and one we’re looking forward to.
“It’s important we put another performance in after Rosslyn Park. Sometimes you can’t control the result, but what we’re looking at with this young group is how we can keep getting better each week.
“If the result comes with that, it will be a nice bonus.”
Coach’s praise for fans
With the travelling fans cheering their side onto victory at Park, plenty more are expected in Bristol and the head coach is hoping to reward them for their loyalty.
He ended: “The support is always special, and I think everyone who comes along is interested to see how this young group are going to develop.
“The last couple of years we’ve been pushing towards the top, but there’s a different flavour to this side and what you get with that is some unexpected gems like last week.
“We felt we could do it, but you’re never sure when you’re up against a quality side in Park who are going great guns and then you get that moment – I had to remind Ash Rowden after he chose not to come!
“The fans are amazing and buy into what we’re trying to do. Hopefully we can give them some Christmas cheer tomorrow.”
