Rookie Ronaldson ready for biggest challenge of his career in Toulouse
HEINEKEN CUP POOL THREE:
Toulouse v Connacht
By Daire Walsh
For 23-year-old out-half Craig Ronaldson, last season was one to remember.
Not only was he a vital part of the Lansdowne team that secured the Ulster Bank League Division 1A title, he picked up the Division 1A Player of the Year and Ulster Bank League top points scorer crowns at the inaugural Ulster Bank League awards.
Returning to his old stomping ground, Ronaldson found himself preparing for a crunch Heineken Cup encounter against Toulouse. The surroundings of Stade Toulousain may be a world away from the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch, but Ronaldson views this latest big-game experience as part of a wider learning curve.
“To go from playing in Lansdowne to playing the Heineken Cup against Toulouse would be great. It’s a challenge I look forward to. Hopefully I get involved,” he said.
“It has been a great experience. I’ve been delighted with getting game time. I’m learning the whole time.”
Having played all his rugby with Lansdowne at No 10, the former Kilkenny College student has been shifted to the centre this term, but despite finding this new role daunting initially, he is now getting great enjoyment from playing outside of veteran Scotland international Dan Parks.
“I’ve always just played 10 at Lansdowne, but to find out I was playing 12, I’m not going to lie, I was nervous enough in the Heineken Cup games. It was something I enjoyed, working outside Dan [Parks]. I think it can only benefit my game.”
Ronaldson knows Connacht are in for a tough afternoon against Toulouse. “We know we’re up against a big challenge. We’ve just been trying to gear up the intensity and everything in training this week for what can hopefully be a good performance.”