Callum's keen to get back to the centre of things (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Callum's keen to get back to the centre of things

8:00am Wednesday 18th January 2012 in Rugby By John Boyman

AFTER spending several weeks sidelined with an ankle injury, Basingstoke centre Callum Staff is delighted to be back in contention for a place in the starting XV.

The 19-year-old hurt his ankle playing for Hartpury College in early November – and the problem would not go away, keeping him out of action for the rest of the year.

The injury came at the worst possible time for ’Stoke, who had to do without a raft of centres during December – but Staff has now returned to full fitness and is itching to get back into action.

“I just went over on my ankle,” Staff said.

“It wasn’t a bad injury but it took longer than I first thought to get over it, which was a bit annoying.

“I missed four or five games, which was frustrating, and I’m sure it was for the coaches as well because we had a lot of centres out. Hopefully I can get back into the team as soon as possible.”

Staff has been one of Basingstoke’s success stories this season, playing a big part in the team’s fine form at the start of the campaign.

“I am really enjoying my rugby,” he said. “Winning is obviously more enjoyable and we are getting more people at training, which makes it more competitive and ensures that nobody is in any sort of comfort zone.

“Being relegated was not good for the club, but it probably wasn’t the worst thing for us as a group of players.

“It has given us the confidence to try things, while the new coaches have really got behind all of the younger players.

“I played 10 or 12 games last season but did not get much chance to play in my preferred position. I was on the wing a lot but the new coaches have backed me to play at centre.

“Overall I have been happy with the way I have played. I’m just trying to get a bit heavier so I can be a bit more physical but other than that I need to make sure that I do not get complacent and keep working on my handling and passing.

“I’m not a crashing, big centre. I’m more of a distributer, who makes space rather than running over the top of people, so it makes my job easier playing with someone like Matt Guilfoyle, who is a genuine number 12.”

Basingstoke remain in realistic contention for promotion straight back to National Three London, a target that Staff sees as achievable.

“Everyone at the top is covered by a few points,” he said. “In my eyes we have got a very good squad and I think promotion is possible, while I would also like to get my hands on the Hampshire Cup.”

In addition to playing for ’Stoke, Staff is a key member of the Hampshire under-20 squad, starting the game as they got their 2012 campaign underway at Down Grange last week with a 37-27 win over Surrey. Staff was not on the scoresheet but No 8 Alex Millar, who lives in Overton, claimed a hat-trick of tries, while fly-half Jack Parsons, from Tadley, kicked a conversion.

Staff said: “It was a good result to start the year. We played at Twickenham last season and while the final would not be there this time around, it will be at a Premiership ground and that is the aim again.”