Rugby: Experienced pivot back for Clifton

Will Johnston

Photo by: Shelley Tate. 

Matty James thought he had retired from club rugby.

But after a few injuries hit Clifton during the pre-season, the former Manawatu and Tasman first-five eighth back-tracked from his decision – for the first three weeks at least.  

James, who played professionally in England and France until 2021, has played for Clifton since returning from overseas. He became one of the competition’s most experienced players with his calm nature and accurate kick a feature in his game.  

He said he’s kept in touch with coaches Te Waiti Mareikura and Mike Kainga since the end of last season and realised they had suffered some injuries during the pre-season.

“Clifton was in a bit of a spot with injuries with a few backs down,” the 37-year-old said. “I came out to help, support them and achieve their goals for the first couple of weeks.”

After two weeks into the CMK-sponsored competition, with losses to Southern and Inglewood, James admits his on-field role is purely to give some guidance on the field to assure the players around him that “everything’s right.”

Saturday’s match against Spotswood United at Tikorangi could be his last as the team is expecting several of those injured players back from injury. Indiha Sao Tui-Huta (overseas), Josh Setu (leg) and Tomasi Faoagali (concussion) will boost the team, which is in a rebuilding phase after losing several experienced players last year.  

“I don’t want to hold anybody back,” the Spotswood College Year 10 Dean said. “Even if I can still contribute on the field, I’d much rather let these boys take over. Once these boys are good to go, I’ll sail off into the sunset.”

From what James has seen from Clifton in the first fortnight, he said there is some talent coming through which will provide the club with some “long-term gain.”

He singled out halfback and captain Topia Barrowcliffe and forward Tommy Hamilton.

“These young boys have really stepped up and that’s how you rebuild a team after losing lots of those good players.”

He hopes for good weather on Saturday, as Clifton prides themselves on throwing the ball wide. Wet weather has ruined their prospects so far this season.

“We’re a team who likes to play, so hopefully we get some good, dry ball and focus on ourselves.”

He expects Spotswood United to be a challenge with plenty of X-factor players across the park.

In the remaining matches in week three of the championship round, defending champions New Plymouth Old Boys travel to Southern, Stratford-Eltham is home to Tukapa and Inglewood host Coastal. Old Boys and Coastal are unbeaten so far.  

All matches kick off at 2:45pm.

Meanwhile, Coastal and Okaiawa will field a combined team in the women’s premier competition which starts on Saturday because of a lack of numbers.

The side plays Southern at Hicks Park and Clifton hosts new entrants Tukapa at Tikorangi both at 12:30pm. Inglewood has the bye.