Newcastle Falcons vs Sale Sharks Match-Day Programme

ecause the same people talking you up will be the same people
trashing you if you make a mistake.
“Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that people want to
highlight the good things in rugby and I’ve got absolutely no
issue with that. If I score a try or do something in a game which
does the rounds on social media, then happy days. But it’s not
something that I pay a lot of attention to, or allow it to influence
where my focus is. I wouldn’t say I avoid it, because it’s an
important part of growing the sport, but you just have to keep a
sense of perspective.
but unfortunately haven’t, and it’s just a case of taking those
opportunities. As a first year in professional rugby it’s been
great to be so involved and to learn so much, which I believe will
be useful for us moving forward. With the changes we’ve had I
believe we’ve got a win in us before the end of the season, all
building into an improved performance next season.”
As if all that were not enough for a single season, Redshaw was
also a central figure for England Under-20s as they won the agegroup
Six Nations, playing in every game and scoring a lengthof-the-field
try in the decisive away win over France in the final
match.
“England Under-20s had a successful season with winning the
Six Nations title, although the fact we drew at home to Ireland
meant it wasn’t quite a Grand Slam,” he says. “That’s a little bit
annoying, to be honest, but it was great to be part of and to
spend so much time with such a tight group and achieve that
victory, which will hopefully give us some momentum going into
the Under-20s World Cup.
“I know there’s a big push to try and get some more Premiership
game time for the Under-20s guys, and it seems like it’s starting
to come about. If you look at that England side now there are
quite a few guys getting senior exposure, and it definitely helps.”
Moments like his try for the Under-20s and his sensational
solo score in the Challenge Cup win over Perpignan have seen
Redshaw receiving his fair share of limelight – not that the
down-to-earth back is letting it go to his head.
“It’s a bit of a weird feeling when you see people hyping you
up on social media and tagging you on various clips from your
games,” he says. “I try to just keep my head down, to be honest,
“It’s great meeting the supporters after games and things,
although it’s all a bit new to me. For such a young lad it’s a bit
weird when people ask you for selfies and autographs, but of
course I’m happy to do it. Our fans have been great with us and
they still turn out in great numbers despite results going the
way they have, so anything we can do to show our appreciation
– we’ll do it.”
His set-piece try in the Falcons’ last home game against
Leicester was another memorable moment, and a smile comes
across Redshaw’s face when asked to recall how he bisected
the Tigers midfield and dived over in front of a jubilant South
Stand.
“Cammy Hutch gave me the ball of dreams, and I’d have been
gutted if I didn’t take that opportunity in front of such a good
home crowd,” he says.
“It was an incredible feeling and the lads were all buzzing from
the home support. We were just devastated we couldn’t close
out the result, but I know it will come.”
PLAYER INTERVEIW - BEN REDSHAW
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