Rob Conquest makes Cambridge Rugby Club return
Second row boosts National League One side
Rob Conquest has given Cambridge Rugby Club a boost ahead of the new National League One campaign.
The 26-year-old second row has returned to the club he left in 2014, when he joined Darlington Mowden Park.
He has moved Cambridge from Darlington, having had a six-month spell with Coventry last season.
Conquest will bring valuable experience to the squad, and add to their options in the pack as he is also able to cover at blind-side flanker.
“I knew he was leaving Coventry last year and I had a conversation with him to see if we could get him back,” said Cambridge director of rugby Ross Stewart.
“I think he’s quite keen to continue his coaching work and develop his career as I think he is quite interested to get into teaching as a long-term thing.
“He has been eager to get back playing again as he has certainly not played as much rugby in the last year as he would have liked to.
“The sort of player he is will suit the style that Cambridge play. I have heard a lot about him from when he was here before from some of the players.
“I’ve been really pleased with his first two weeks back in training.”
Conquest, who has represented England Counties, had an athletic and dynamic style around the pitch during his first spell at Cambridge, and was a dominant figure at the set piece, particularly the line-out.
“Rob has a good work ethic, not just physically but mentally as well,” said Stewart. “He brings an air of experience and something we were keen to progress was players with that on-field experience.
“He is another line-out operator to work alongside George (Bretag-Norris) and Gareth (Baxter) and will alleviate some of the work on those two.
“He is very mobile and although his preferred position is in the second row, he can play in the back row at No 6.
“Rob’s ability to read the game and make decisions will be key for us as a squad.”