Pope’s pilgrimage a huge benefit to Ormond
Little over a year ago, Ben Pope was a laid-back New Zealander living on the south island and contemplating an adventure
By Thomas Conway
He wanted to travel, to journey north and see what the world had to offer. The classy out-half could never have envisaged the experience that awaited him.
Twelve months on and Pope is revelling in the ecstasy of Nenagh Ormond’s historic success. He came to this small rural town with high hopes. He was welcomed, embraced, and integrated into the set-up almost immediately. And now he’s a champion. Just like his teammates.
“This is massive,” began the out-half who missed last Saturday’s game through injury.
“It’s everything we’ve been working for, this whole year, since I first became involved in the set-up. But the boys have been working towards this for the past couple of years, and building up to this point nicely, improving game by game. And obviously last week we were a bit gutted, to lose at the end and not have the league secured, but this week, today, it’s just hard to describe the emotion. It’s unbelievable really.”
Pope is candid. He openly admits that the experience of travelling to Ireland and joining a club he knew next to nothing about was a daunting one. But he quickly made the transition and has since evolved into a core element of this Nenagh Ormond side.
Pope’s on-the-ball quality and pitch-perfect kicking have helped Nenagh to inflict untold damage on opposition defences this season. He’s a versatile back with a sharp turn of pace and an eye for opportunity when gaps appear. Pope has been a vital recruit, and he’s grateful for the support he’s received, from both players, management, and the broader club.
“You couldn’t ask for a better club to come to, to be honest,” he added.
“It was hard at first - obviously you don’t know anyone, you’re trying to play rugby with boys that you’ve only met for a couple of weeks, but I fitted in nicely, almost immediately once I arrived, and that was a big help. In fairness to the lads, they made it as easy as possible for me, they welcomed me in, and so did the entire club.”
Intriguingly, the young New Zealander reveals that the brand of rugby Nenagh play is distinctly similar to the type of game he had grown accustomed to at home. Ormond like to play fast and loose, to run the ball as much as possible. Pope is a firm believer in that approach, but he acknowledges that such a gameplan isn’t always possible. In this climate, teams have to adapt. Versatility is key.
“They play that expansive running game, but of course, you have to play to the conditions at the end of the day, you have to be able to change tact and alter your gameplan,” he added.
“But I think we’ve shown that we can play both styles of rugby - the tough, gritty game and the expansive game.”
Pope has no immediate plans for the future and fully intends to remain part of this Nenagh Ormond squad next season. Like his teammates, he’s relishing the prospect of playing in Division 1B and firmly believes Nenagh can achieve further success in the coming years. The club is on the up, Pope feels, and he’s just delighted to be part of it.