Will Rigg’s Cricket Aspirations Transition to Premiership Rugby Success

Will Rigg has made seven appearances for Exeter since joining the team in February. He stated, “Cricket was always the one I was trying to pursue, but it got to the point when I was 18 or 19, I just wasn’t good enough really – it’s as simple as that.” Will Rigg’s path to Exeter’s first team has been unconventional, encompassing two different sports, two hemispheres, and elite leagues. The 24-year-old centre, who transferred to the Premiership team from Championship club Coventry in February, has registered four tries in his most recent three games for the Chiefs. His progression to Sandy Park was unusual, as he initially aspired to be a cricketer, participating in Warwickshire’s academy until the age of 19. Rigg commented, “I didn’t really have an aim of trying to make it as a rugby player as such, I just got stuck in playing down at uni.” He had previously spent time in Australia honing his batting skills before returning to the UK to pursue studies at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He added, “It was always good fun and then it just went from there really.” Reflecting on his past, he noted, “Cricket was always my number one growing up but its funny, it’s worked out the other way now.” In his first year, Rigg secured a spot on his university team, eventually competing in the esteemed BUCS Super Rugby championship by the conclusion of his tenure there. His performance in the second tier with Coventry was sufficiently impressive to earn him a contract with Exeter, where he now trains alongside England international Henry Slade and former Wales centre Joe Hawkins. Speaking to BBC Sport, Rigg stated, “You see a lot of players like myself who are coming up through the Championship and then get the opportunities in the Premiership.” He continued, “I know when I was at Coventry we competed with some good teams in the Prem Cup, so from my point of view I don’t think it’s as big as people necessarily perceive it to be.” Regarding his current teammates, he remarked, “Playing with Sladey has been great, he’s got some great experience and knowledge and he’s really supportive of all the boys, which is which is great as well.” He also shared, “It was a bit of an eye opener when I first came in, but from then it’s just been more about trying to enjoy every moment and just try and learn from them as much as possible.” Will Rigg’s initial try in the Premiership occurred last month against Harlequins. His debut for Exeter was as a replacement in an away fixture against Newcastle in March. A week later, he made his first start at Sale, competing against players such as Manu Tuilagi, Rob du Preez, and George Ford. This season, his first start was against Harlequins, where he also registered his first top-flight try, followed by scoring three times in Exeter’s subsequent two Premiership Cup games. Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, informed BBC Sport, “I think his ball carrying is improving all the time and you’re seeing that at this level where in those Prem Cup games he looks a very dangerous ball carrier.” Baxter added, “What we’ve got to try and do is almost kind of keep that confidence to get on the ball and carry hard and find that space and attack the space.” He further explained, “We’ve adapted our defensive system a bit, everyone has seen that, and I think that will suit him a little bit more and give him a little bit more time to assess what his defensive responsibilities are.” Concluding his remarks, Baxter stated, “But certainly in the last few weeks he’s really starting to take off.” Given the competition from two international players, the returning New Zealander Tamati Tua, and several other young talents vying for two midfield positions at Exeter, what are Rigg’s aspirations? He responded, “It’s just about grabbing opportunities.” He elaborated, “Try and grab as many opportunities as I can and keep banging the door down in Rob’s office and say ‘I want to start as many games as possible’.” Rigg continued, “Just try and get as much experience, try make as much of an impact on the game as possible and try and help the team as much I can.” He acknowledged the challenge, stating, “When everyone’s fit it’s going to be tough, we’ve got some great great centres at this club, so it’s all about building your own profile as much as you can and then hopefully when that opportunity comes you’ve got to try and grab it.”