Rotherham Titans prospect aims for Premiership future

As Rotherham Titans prepare for Sunday's Championship game at Nottingham, coach Justin Burnell is likely to give another first team opportunity to promising number eight Tom MacDonald who was in the side that beat Jersey Reds last week.
Rotherham Titans Tom MacDonald, breaks between Cornish Pirates Sam Simmonds, left, and Alex, right. Picture James HardistyRotherham Titans Tom MacDonald, breaks between Cornish Pirates Sam Simmonds, left, and Alex, right. Picture James Hardisty
Rotherham Titans Tom MacDonald, breaks between Cornish Pirates Sam Simmonds, left, and Alex, right. Picture James Hardisty

In his first Championship season, the 22 year old joined Rotherham from National One side Hartpury College, Gloucestershire and before Sunday’s league match had made six appearances.

He said: ““One of the reasons why I came to Rotherham is their reputation for developing young players. I’m finding the Championship fairly tough. The pace and skills of the players are higher and if you make one error it will cost you a game.

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“When I came here I thought I’d be on the bench but injuries have given me the chance to play. I am getting a handle on the Championship and I think as a team we are capable of getting better. A really good performance is coming as long as we stop making silly mistakes.

“When I made my Championship debut against Yorkshire Carnegie that was really tough - I was nervous going into the game. But once you get going you don’t think about it. What was so good about the win against Jersey was that our pack stood up massively to their forwards who have a solid reputation.

“At this stage of my career I am just keen to make progress and take one game at a time. Ideally, in the future, I’d like the chance to play in the Premiership, but that’s a long way off, if it ever happens.”

Until recently MacDonald had spent all his life in the south. “The Rotherham accent was a massive shock and the weather is colder, but there’s a load going on in Sheffield. The team spirit is excellent, I’ve found it easy to make friends and the fans have been brilliant.”