Olly Robinson is targeting a first team place at big-spending Bristol next term but when pre-season begins in a few weeks he’ll settle for something a more modest – a kind word from his dad.
The promising back rower left Moseley after a standout 2013-14 campaign to sign a two-year deal with the star-studded Bristolians who are coached by his father Andy.
The 22-year-old admits he thought long and hard about whether he wanted to play for his old man who has a reputation for being a hard taskmaster.
READ MORE: {}
Indeed he told Post Sport his mum shared his misgivings and he says rather than benefitting from nepotism he expects to have to work harder than any of his team-mates to impress the former England and Scotland coach.
“It was something I thought through countless times in my head and not a decision I’ve taken lightly,” Robinson said.
“I sat down with Kevin Maggs and all sorts of people and chatted through what would be the best move for me. I think we have come to the right decision. Going to Bristol is such a great opportunity.
“I am sure there will be testing times, times when he will say things I don’t like but I will just have to take it on the chin. In fact I am sure he is going to be a lot tougher on me.
“I think he has coached me five or six times in my life and I don’t think he’s ever said a good word to me during those sessions. But we’ll be OK.
Most Read
“There’s other coaches there too who I am really looking forward to working with, Sean Holley, Danny Wilson, that’s going to be fantastic.
“It is something that had to be thought about because of our relationship and I know my mum had doubts about it and going to Bristol certainly isn’t going to be the easy option for me.
“Two of the best opensides in the world are going to be there, Ross Rennie and Jack Lam, and I can’t wait to get stuck in to working with and learning from them.
“And I am going to have to work extra hard because they are the obvious first choices and I am going to have to prove I am worth it before my dad even think about picking me. With his personality I am not going to get any favours at all.
“But I look at that as a positive thing, I am going to have to work doubly harder than everybody else if I am going to play for Bristol.”
Robinson certainly impressed everyone at Billesley Common with his dedication and work ethic.
After a very commendable first year in Red and Black the footballing openside really came on last season, not only in the tight areas but out wide too where he was a very effective link with leading try scorer Matt Williams.
Don’t miss
Robinson even added a scoring touch to his own game with five tries in his last eight games under Maggs.
That form meant he was always going to attract the attention of other clubs – especially with one so close to home.
“I have absolutely loved my time with Moseley. I am going to be forever grateful to Maggsy for giving me the chance, I hope I have repaid his faith.
I understand the supporters might be frustrated at losing players but that passion they have for the club is what makes Moseley such a great club to play for.
“People have to be realistic, Moseley aren’t full time, Maggsy has got three hours with us a week and there is only so much he can do and only so many extras you can do on your own before you’d be better in a full time environment. “I have had probably the two best years of my life there but I am really excited about the next chapter.”
That chapter involves Robinson pitting himself against some of the most recognisable names in professional rugby.
The Bristol back row will feature not only Scotland international Rennie and Samoan Test player Lam but ex-Wales captain Ryan Jones.
Indeed the whole side will be littered with household names, Samoan prop Anthony Perenise, Welsh half backs Dwayne Peel and Nicky Robinson and winger David Lemi included.