20 questions: Micheal Keating – Rotherham wing
It was a massive win for us. It got a bit edgy towards the end when they started coming at us but we managed to hold on and got five much-needed league points.
Must have been a big confidence boost after seven straight league defeats?
Definitely! We had a tough run of games and it seemed the harder we were trying, the worst we played. We really needed that win to go into the last few games of the season.
How is Justin Burnell settling in as your new head coach?
He’s come in and said that we were going to stick to what we’re good at – doing the basics right, putting a lot of pressure on the opposition and trying to play some rugby. That’s the way we like to play and it’s been effective.
What has he brought to the club since joining?
A breath of fresh air. We needed to look at things with a different perspective because of the poor run we were on. We had to calm down and just enjoy playing rugby again.
What was going wrong for Mark Jones?
I feel really bad for him. We trained really well all week but wouldn’t execute during games. He wasn’t the one going out on the pitch giving away penalties or missing tackles.
So why do you think it didn’t work?
Mark had his ideas but the players seemed to get stuck in limbo between new, untested ideas and the ones which worked before with Lee Blackett when we made the play-offs two years running.
Any positives to come out of that situation?
The way the boys have stuck together has been great. We’re a tight squad and that was the only way we’d survive.
Things to work on for the end of the season?
We’ve got to put teams under more pressure. As Justin said when he joined he’s not going to be able to make a huge amount of changes in six or seven games but it’s going well so far.
Third season at the club?
Yes, I joined in 2013 coming from Doncaster Knights after they were relegated to National League One.
The Knights look like a different beast now?
They’ve come on by leaps and bounds! Clive Griffiths is a very good coach and they’ve been playing some very good rugby.
Could they challenge for promotion?
I don’t see why not. They’ll definitely be a tough challenge for the likes of Bristol and Yorkshire Carnegie. They always had the ambition to go up even when I was there.
How was coming through the Leinster academy for you?
I supported them as a kid so it was brilliant to make it all the way to the first team. I only played a handful of games for the first team but I’m really proud of it.
Played with Brian O’Driscoll?
Unfortunately not. I trained alongside him and I was starstruck. I was too afraid to even speak to him!
Why leave?
There are only four professional teams in Ireland and the competition for places is fierce. I loved being there but I was hardly playing so I decided to join Doncaster and I haven’t looked back since.
Fancy another pop at the top flight?
Of course I do! If anyone were to offer me an opportunity to do so I’d snap their hand off.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I’m doing a business degree and I’m currently working with a computer software company so maybe something like that.
Favourite cheat meal?
Well, anything unhealthy, really, but I love a pizza or Five Guys.
Three special dinner guests?
Will Ferrell, Roy Keane and my housemate Ali Birch.
Best and worst banter at the Titans?
Ali cracks me up but Jack Preece needs to find some new material.
Best and worst dressed?
Beside myself, I’d give best to Will Goodwin because he also makes an effort. Unlike Tom Holmes who focuses on being comfortable rather than fashionable.
