Wasps prop switches focus from bomb disposal to Dragon slaying
LONDON Wasps prop Ricky Reeves is no stranger to the heat of battle but admits temperatures were through the roof on his home debut – and he loved every minute of it.
Lance Corporal Reeves, who served in Afghanistan in a bomb disposal unit, made his bow off the bench in the 90-17 LV= Cup victory away to Viadana last month. Granted a sabbatical by the army to join the Aviva Premiership club, the loosehead, who arrived in the summer from Bedford Blues, was handed a first home start in last week’s narrow defeat to Saracens.
“It was a massive chance for me and I have been waiting patiently for my turn,” said the 31-year-old, who is in line to feature tomorrow at Newport Gwent Dragons.
“I haven’t had much game time but I loved every minute of it. When I was at the ground it hit me but after that it was so fast and I had to be so focused that there wasn’t a chance to look around and take it in.
“I’ve played in the Army-Navy game and in the first 20 minutes it’s full tilt. It started like that and continued for the whole game.”
Tonight LV= Cup holders Harlequins face Sale in a repeat of last season’s final, while on Sunday Saracens host Scarlets and London Irish welcome Northampton.
Be part of the rugby family at the LV= Cup final at Sandy Park, Exeter on 16 March. Tickets now available: www.ticketmaster.co.uk