Player Profile: Rob Rawlinson

By Oopnorth on 01/12/2002
December 14 2003

Rob Rawlinson

	Nickname	Rawly
	Position	Hooker
	Date of Birth	23/08/76
	Previous Club	Orrell
	Height	5' 11"
	Tykes Debut	04/09/99
	Honours	England U21

Rob joined the Tykes in early August 1999 and is in his fourth season with the Tykes. In his first year he competed with Mark Luffman for the hooker role. Unfortunately he was injured for most of the second, but came back in the first Premiership season this time to resume competition with Matt Holt for the starter job, and achieve this by the season's end.

The arrival of Mark Regan, and the presence of Holt, makes competition for the hooker berth even more intense than ever, however the resumption of Regan's England career means that opportunities are still there for Rawlinson to impress Phil Davies. Davies is happy about the quality of his hooking resources and has gone on record about the continuing improvement in Rawlinson's game. He is particularly mobile in the loose and is a hard tackler.

His early rugby career included representative honours with Lancashire at all levels from U15-U21, he has captained the Irish Exiles at U21 level as well as playing for them at U25 and full. Rob has also represented North of England U21 and England U21.

Clearly a team man his ZP player questionaire describes Tom Palmer’s skinny legs as what makes him laugh. To reciprocate Mr Palmer thinks the funniest thing he has seen is - Rob Rawlinson drunk. Obviously whilst a hard working and playing professional now, Rob Rawlinson is rugby man through and through.

What do you like to do away from rugby?	Relaxing, walking, playing golf.
Who is the hardest opponent you've come across?	Olivier Azam
Who would you pay to see?	Sean Fitzpatrick
Which is the best ground / stadium you've played at?	Twickenham
Which is the worst ground you've played at?	Exeter (maybe because we never won there!)
Who is your sporting hero?	Daley Thompson
What is your most memorable rugby moment?	Playing for the U21 against Scotland.
Do you have any pre-match superstitions?	No!
Who is the worst room-mate you've had on an away trip?	Mike Shelley and his snoring - he is like Darth Vader.
What are your expectations for the coming season?	Top 5 and to qualify for the Heineken Cup again.

Last updated 01/10/03