After his involvement with the Wales Clubs XV in the previous two seasons, Lott has become one of the first choice props at Principality Premiership high-fliers Ebbw Vale. Speaking on the development of the side just two years ago, Lott explains: “We went for trials in the Vale of Glamorgan, where the national side train, and for a lot of us that was a real eye-opening experience.
“I was then selected for the side to go out to Belgium to play against the Spanish national side and the Amateur French side. It was a good experience; when you go away with a club side it’s a very different experience. There was a very professional attitude towards training and we did quite a bit of video analysis, which many of us hadn’t experienced before.
“We learnt so much and I think that’s what helped many of us to step up a level, as there are other squad members who have progressed to Premiership level which is good to see.”
Lott began his club rugby career with Bargoed, in the lower levels of the WRU National Leagues. His determination to improve shines through.
“You have to have a goal; if you have nothing to play for there’s little point in playing,” says the 26 year old. “When I first started playing for Bargoed we were in Division 5, but we brought in new coaches and things started to pick up.
“I’ve always wanted to play at the highest standard of rugby that I could. I was selected for a national side; it doesn’t matter at what grade it is, it’s very important to you when your family and friends can watch you. Nobody can take that from you and it’s an excellent feeling. It was brilliant to pull the Welsh jersey on, it’s something that you can cherish for the rest of your life.”
Lott’s ambition to further his playing career epitomizes the ethos of the Wales Clubs XV: “If you don’t aim for the top you’ll never get there; you’ve got to train hard and aim for the highest levels. When I was younger perhaps I wasn’t mature enough for this level of rugby.
“When I worked with the Dragons Club XV and the Wales Clubs XV I worked with more coaches, learned many new things and gained so much more experience. Three or four years ago I wouldn’t have been fit enough or mentally prepared for this standard of rugby.”
It’s this second chance to realise ambition that Lott believes is so special about the Wales Clubs XV setup.
“People develop in different ways; the Wales Clubs XV gives club players something to aim for, and at a national level,” he continues. “It gives young club players something to aim for, and that’s so important. On a personal note, it’s amazing playing for Ebbw Vale. For me, to play against Premiership sides and play so regularly is brilliant, just amazing.”
Lott, who is aware that without the Clubs XV he may never have realised his full potential, has enjoyed success in the Welsh Premiership. However this success is not the be all and end all of the Clubs XV ethos, but rather proves that the national side opens opportunities for club players. Bargoed winger Darren Humphries and prop Ross Jones, who spent time at Neath and Ebbw Vale respectively, have both returned to the Division One East club having decided Welsh Premier Division rugby is not up their street.
Head Coach Gerry Roberts concludes on this thought: “The aim is to give players the chance to improve themselves and achieve a dream which is to represent Wales in their chosen sport. It’s a bonus if some of them can go one step further and play rugby at a higher level.”
