I’m enjoying the buzz of Bath, says Molony
EUROPEAN glory days came thick and fast for Ross Molony during his love affair with his boyhood club Leinster.
Yet, despite making the bold decision to up sticks after 10 happy years and take up residency in the West Country, he feels the opportunity to create some more Champions Cup memories is very strong.
The 30-year-old lock has quickly made himself at home at The Rec since agreeing a three-year deal in April. He celebrated a first Premiership try in last weekend’s loss to Bristol, and demonstrated his passion for his new cause.
It took a little soul-searching having been born and raised in Dublin, and knowing that the annual trophy-chasing Irishmen would be again fighting for more silverware this season. But he felt that if he was going to take up a new playing challenge entering a crucial time in his career, Bath ticked every box when it came to promise, potential and solid foundations.
South African coach Johann van Graan is aiming his players at both domestic and European fronts this season. Having built an impressive squad and going close in last June’s Premiership final where they lost to Northampton, Bath are keen for a good Champions Cup run where they will face the likes of La Rochelle, Clermont Auvergne and Leinster in Pool 2.
And Molony, who played in two losing European finals for Leinster, said: “Joining a club which was in the Champions Cup was massively important. I was lucky to play in it for a number of seasons with Leinster. We’ve got a tough group, including Leinster, but it’s so exciting looking ahead at what is in store.
“What the club did last year was impressive and it is a big driving and motivating factor to try and go one better this time. The group knows that it won’t just come. It has to be worked towards. It all starts from zero again. We have to ensure we get everything right for this season.”
Molony, who played over 250 games for Leinster, has no regrets about choosing to switch to the Premiership. He feels the move has come at the perfect time and that it can develop him into an even better player.
He insists: “It’s been brilliant, really refreshing and motivating to come over and make a good impression on the coaches and players here. It was a tough pre-season but a really good one which put me in a really good place for the start of this season.
“It’s put a spring in my step coming here. Moving here was a big decision for me as I’d lived in Dublin my whole life, but it was the right move at the right time, one which I needed to help push my body to go to another level.
“I was at a point in my career where I did want to taste another different rugby experience. So when Bath came up as an option I was delighted. It’s a massive rugby-mad town with fantastic support and it’s a club definitely on the up and with real ambition.
“I’ve settled in very well and I’ve enjoyed training and playing with what is a very tight-knit group.
“I played a couple of times here for Leinster, and it is a special place to play rugby. You get a real buzzing walking through the town and seeing what support there is for the club. Hopefully, we can have a successful season and give the fans plenty to cheer.”
