| Relaxed is a word that is used a lot when describing Simon Jenkins.
On the surface a laid back character, which masks his competitive spirit and his will to win and has had him labelled as lazy in the past. “ It isn’t that I’m lazy, I appreciate the need to train” Jenkins told us “It’s just that I evaluate things rather than stress about them” he continued. “My family are important, winning a game is important, but most other things I find easier to sort out rather than stressing over them”.
“Its all about Family and rugby, that is actually how I ended up at Doncaster” Simon told us right at the beginning of the interview. During the session we began to appreciate which things mean the most to the Carmarthen born Hooker.
Rugby caught him at 11, with a school that made the sport compulsory they young Jenkins excelled as a number 8. “Most games I’d score 4 tries at No 8, and I loved it”. His father played rugby and was a huge influence, leading Simon to play junior rugby for Llandovery RFC. “ My size was the issue in the end, I was moved from no 8 to Prop, and then n to Hooker as I just never grew upwards” He told us with a smile. Although enjoying his time at Prop most, Jenkins settled in at Hooker and made his way into the first XV for Llandovery College as well as representing Wales at U19 level and Wales Students etc.
“I’m proud of every game” he told us “Rugby and family, that’s the key”.
Moving on to Bath University Simon spent 2 years with Newport U21’s , but he admits that was not his best time. “First year I was unlucky enough to have my appendix burst, second year I contracted Glandular Fever which was a nightmare” a more animated Jenkins confessed. Losing 5 stones in 4 months and living on only yoghurt seriously effected his fitness levels in what could have been a big time for him.
“So I went home, and played my rugby at Llandovery and spent time with my family.” He explained. “A seasons tough rugby taught me a lot and brought on my game.
Moving on to Newbury and Nottingham in the seasons after, Simon finally settled for 3 and a half years at Exeter. “At first it was a dream move for me, but then the club became a business with players a commodity. There seemed to be no family atmosphere at the club and I no longer felt comfortable” he said. This lack of family atmosphere drove him to look for a new club, eventually consulting Chris Bentley about Lynn Howells and remembering games at Castle Park. “ It’s a real rugby club, which is what I want to play for” Jenkins explained.
“Taking the big step of moving hundreds of miles with his family was daunting, but I have family and friends in Hull and Manchester” he told us “ and now I play for a rugby club again where there is a family atmosphere and we can work hard to wing things for the fans sake” he smiled.
“ Family and rugby, see, that’s how I ended up at Doncaster in the long run”.
The fitness procedures at Doncaster are something that “ Jenks” enthuses about. “Aled Walters is very scientific abut preparation, and although tough he makes a lot of sense” Simon followed on “ I am bigger, stronger and faster than last season with the beauty being I understand why and how to maintain it”.
And as for his biggest achievements? “ My Children, and every win. It’s as easy as that”.
Simon Jenkins is a very laid back young man, don’t let that fool you that he isn’t a winner |
