Having made a sizeable impact in the second row over the past fortnight, it’s been a contrast of emotions for David Ribbans in his rookie season with the Saints.
Alongside Courtney Lawes, the South African’s physicality and work rate has not gone unnoticed and despite being just two games into his Aviva Premiership career, the 21-year-old has already earned himself plenty of admirers.
“As long as I can help the team, I’m happy,” he told SaintsTV. “It’s a tough part of the season with some big games coming up so it’s been great to get this opportunity and I’m just trying to take it with both hands. I’m really enjoying it.”
The only thing not to enjoy so far has been the results, but Ribbans says that the squad have no choice but to re-group and go again, with plenty still to play for as the season draws to a close.
“[Bouncing back] is just part of the job and we have to do it. The boys are really disappointed because we feel we left a lot out there.
“We’ve got so much to fight for still – that top six spot is keeping us motivated and we really want to be playing top flight European rugby next season.”
