Rokoduguni Approaches a Big Season With Big Ambitions

The headlines may continue to be dominated by the rugby World Cup, but this weekend sees the return of the Aviva Premiership. Ahead of Bath Rugby Clubs' showdown against Exeter Chiefs, Total Sport caught up with Semesa Rokoduguni to talk through the season ahead...

The lounge area at Farleigh house is a plush, regal affair. Furnished in subtle hues of cream and eartly green, which compliment rich mahogany surroundings. The setting would not look out of place offering its services to the cast of Downton Abbey. 

In walks Semesa Rokoduguni, known around the club as 'Rocco'.

At six foot tall, the powerful winger cuts an impressive silhouette, clearly reaping the benefits of an intense pre-season regime. 

A lance corporal with the British army, Rokoduguni is here to speak with Total Sport about the season ahead; his goals, aims and ambitions, as well as the prospects of both Bath Rugby Club and the international set up.

The first topic of conversation, Saturday's opponents Exeter Chiefs. 

The Devon side recently triumphed over Bath in the West Country Challenge Cup, 43-16, but Rokoduguni is immediately keen to emphasise the result was a learning process.

"The guys played last weekend. There were some good things and some negatives. But those negatives we have been reviewing in training, yesterday and again today to go through the details, and now we are looking forward to the game this weekend." Rokoduguni says.

The 28-year-old admits the camp had been through the previous game and digested the performance, looking at things to change.

"Fordy (Mike Ford) spoke about the way we started the game and the way we started both halves but we've worked on that and now we are looking forward to putting that negativity behind us this weekend and get back into the game.

"We set goals. I myself personally set goals every single day and turn up with the right mindset. We turn up every weekend and train to win and focus on the now rather than focus on the finals and everything else. If we get it right now everything will click and we will be tough," Rokoduguni said.

On a personal level, Rokoduguni is looking to begin the Aviva Premiership season with a bang, just as he did last year.

"This weekend I want to start my game with a positive impact.

"I've been working on my individual stuff, kicking, passing. Those sort of things, if you do them perfectly, you get the recognition and everything else will take care of itself," he says.

Turning his attention to his own pre season set up, the winger admits he is in a good place when it comes to his own condition and well being. 

"I spent a couple of weeks with the England boys and I was training with them.

"The physicality, the training sessions there helped me a lot with the Bath set up. I was really happy with my performance, in the body and where I am fitness wise."

Rokoduguni then touches upon nutrition and it's importance to professional sportsman, especially during pre season

"You just have to be strict, there is a fine line drawn, so you have to keep to that." 

The England internationals have arrived back at Farleigh, and we mention the World Cup.

"It's been unfortunate for the boys, so unlucky with England dropping out," Rokoduguni begins

"The other teams are really improving. Most of the teams who didn't really know rugby, now they are turning up with the right mindset and approach, it has changed massively.

"But again we still have some big tournaments coming up, so the quicker we can learn from our mistakes and turn them into positives (the better)" he says.

Despite coming back perhaps disheartened with their exit at the pool stage, Rokoduguni says the return of the England internationals is only a good thing, on multiple levels.

"Having the international boys back in the club has a positive impact on all of the guys.

"Morale is high, we know we've got the right players in the right positions, so coming into this week we're really looking forward to it because we know we've got our players back."

But what about Rokoduguni himself and the England set up? The winger currently has one cap to his name, coming last November against the All Blacks. We put the question to him about his international chances.

"The only thing I can do now is keep fit and keep doing whatever I am doing, or raise it up to the next level and the rest will take care of itself," Rokoduguni says. 

We end our conversation by considering Bath's league chances as a whole. Last season they came agonisingly close, finishing one point behind Northampton Saints. 

Rokoduguni however believes his side are ready to raise the bar.

"The boys learned their lesson from last year and have their mindset into the game, so this year the boys are really up for the challenge and taking everything to the next level."