Bristol Bears captain Fitz Harding declared his willingness to give up earning an England international appearance this season if it meant securing a trophy by season’s end.
With eight matches remaining, the Bears currently hold third position in the Gallagher PREM standings, maintaining a five-point lead over Saracens, who are in sixth. The competition for a top-four spot intensifies as they prepare to face Leicester Tigers this Sunday.
Harding, a 26-year-old back-row player, was part of the Bears team that was defeated by Bath in a PREM semi-final last season. He believes the squad must now advance further, even if it means deferring a personal long-held ambition.
“Every team in the Gallagher PREM would likely express a similar sentiment. Our aim is to achieve victories, and we are committed to that objective.
“Following that semi-final match against Quins, our focus has been on reconstruction, and I believe our team is now strongly positioned to contend for significant championships.
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“There are many factors beyond my control when it comes to international selections, but occasionally, people overlook the fact that we have never secured the PREM title previously.
“Therefore, to be a member of the inaugural squad to accomplish this, and to be the first Bristol captain to achieve it, would be immensely significant. I brought this up during our meeting on Monday.
“I emphasized that the upcoming months are crucial, as these matches will truly determine if we can become the team we aspire to be. The moment for peak performance is here, and I believe we are prepared,” he stated.
Harding, who began his rugby journey with Durham University’s fourth team, renewed his contract with the club in October. This occurred one month prior to him earning two England caps in matches against an All Blacks XV and Spain.
England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, utilizes the A team as a developmental pathway to the primary squad. However, Harding, who has commenced 97 of his 112 games for the Bears, is not overly concerned with this prospect.
“Naturally, I would be thrilled to represent England. That has consistently been my childhood aspiration. It remains my dream, as I’ve mentioned previously. Many aspects are beyond my control.
“My primary focus and effort are directed towards being the most effective captain I can be, to maximize our prospects of winning a trophy,” he concluded.
