Blood & Mud

Calum Clark looking to prove critics wrong

by Alex Jackson

Northampton forward, Calum Clark, is determined to prove his critics wrong and show that he is worthy of his place in the England squad.

The 23-year-old upset the bet365 rugby betting odds by being called-up to the international set-up on Wednesday and his ability to line-up at both lock and in the back row has seen him tipped to play a major role in the Six Nations.

The former Leeds man was on the fringe of the England squad last season, following an impressive campaign with the Saints, but missed out on the summer tour of South Africa, after being handed a 32-week ban for breaking Leicester hooker Rob Hawkins’ elbow in the LV= Cup final.

This was not the first time Clark had found himself in trouble and understandably raised yet more questions about the player’s character, with a number of critics arguing that he does not have the temperament to play at the highest level.

However, he returned to the action in November and has now re-established himself as a key part of Northampton’s impressive forward pack, who are combining to thrill punters who bet on rugby each week.

His form has been rewarded by his inclusion in the England squad and the youngster says he is now determined to right the wrongs of his past by letting his rugby do the talking.

“I've kept my mouth shut for a long time and people have their opinions of me,” Clark said. “It's all been brought back up again, when all I've tried to do is keep my head down and work hard for my team.

"Now it's all out there again. I've got to make sure the press is all about me playing rugby, rather than it being talk about being banned. All I've wanted to do is to get back to playing rugby," he added.

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Calum Clark looking to prove critics wrong

by Alex Jackson

Northampton forward, Calum Clark, is determined to prove his critics wrong and show that he is worthy of his place in the England squad.

The 23-year-old upset the bet365 rugby betting odds by being called-up to the international set-up on Wednesday and his ability to line-up at both lock and in the back row has seen him tipped to play a major role in the Six Nations.

The former Leeds man was on the fringe of the England squad last season, following an impressive campaign with the Saints, but missed out on the summer tour of South Africa, after being handed a 32-week ban for breaking Leicester hooker Rob Hawkins’ elbow in the LV= Cup final.

This was not the first time Clark had found himself in trouble and understandably raised yet more questions about the player’s character, with a number of critics arguing that he does not have the temperament to play at the highest level.

However, he returned to the action in November and has now re-established himself as a key part of Northampton’s impressive forward pack, who are combining to thrill punters who bet on rugby each week.

His form has been rewarded by his inclusion in the England squad and the youngster says he is now determined to right the wrongs of his past by letting his rugby do the talking.

“I've kept my mouth shut for a long time and people have their opinions of me,” Clark said. “It's all been brought back up again, when all I've tried to do is keep my head down and work hard for my team.

"Now it's all out there again. I've got to make sure the press is all about me playing rugby, rather than it being talk about being banned. All I've wanted to do is to get back to playing rugby," he added.