Even now Worcester Warrior Ryan Lamb is impressed by the physicality and athleticism of some of Aviva Premiership Rugby’s giant forwards and has called on rugby newcomers to witness the intensity first hand.
Unlike other mainstream sports, Lamb insists the collisions involving monster frames is a sight to behold and predicts once a rugby novice has witnessed a game at Sixways this season – there will be no turning back.
Lamb has grown up with rugby in his veins and the Worcester fly-half believes an afternoon of Aviva Premiership Rugby is a perfect for all the family – young, old, male or female.
“I think people should watch an Aviva Premiership match because it's so competitive,” he said.
“From the first kick off to the last ruck, it's fantastic to see the intensity and to witness what these big lads and massive athletes do as they throw themselves about – it's quite a sight to see.
“There are always families and supporters mixing and it's always a great atmosphere; coming to rugby on a Saturday is a great thing to do. And for us players, any time you run out on to the pitch against these great players is always such a special privilege.”
Lamb's interview was part of a new campaign from Premiership Rugby and Aviva to welcome new supporters to Aviva Premiership Rugby this season.
Lamb is one of 12 club ambassadors – including Chris Robshaw, Danny Cipriani, James Haskell, Schalk Brits and Courtney Lawes – who are backing the ‘Aviva Premiership Rugby First Timers’ campaign.
As part of the campaign Aviva and the Premiership Rugby clubs have teamed up to give away almost 2,000 free tickets across every game in the first seven rounds of Aviva Premiership Rugby matches, from the start of the season right up to Christmas.
With rugby in England in the spotlight like never before, these tickets can only be claimed by supporters who have never been to an Aviva Premiership Rugby match.
Games available include the opening round clashes – Harlequins v Wasps, Worcester Warriors v Northampton Saints, Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby, Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs, Saracens v Sale Sharks and London Irish v Leicester Tigers.
Lamb has played for five Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs during his illustrious career; Gloucester, London Irish, Northampton, Leicester and now Worcester.
But the diminutive playmaker still remembers his first Aviva Premiership start for Gloucester and also where it all began alongside his brother playing rugby in his garden as a teenager.
“My brother started playing a bit of rugby first and I was always very competitive with him,” he added.
“I followed him to a rugby club and it just went from there really. It was nerve racking to start with but as soon you get into the game, you never look back.
“My first Aviva Premiership game, I was playing for Gloucester against Bristol. The most memorable thing about the game was getting absolutely smashed by a Bristol player. My first Aviva Premiership try was against Wasps.”
The Aviva Premiership Rugby First Timers programme will give away almost 2,000 free tickets across every game in the first seven rounds of Aviva Premiership Rugby matches, from the start of the season right up to Christmas. Fans are encouraged to tell friends and family who have never been to a Worcester Warriors fixture before to visit www.premiershiprugby.com/avivafirsttimers now to sign up for their free tickets.