Bristol-born Ian Clark joins the All Golds ahead of the 2015 Kingstone Press League 1 season and brings with him an extensive CV in the 15 man code.

As a youngster, he made a name for himself on the AASE programme at Hartpury College before going on to earn Premiership rugby union experience at Kingsholm.

Clark has also made a number of appearances for the Cherry and Whites in the LV= Cup and on the Premiership 7s circuit.

Hi Ian, thanks for coming to speak with us. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your rugby career?

“I was born in Bristol studying at Colston Collegiate, where I started playing Rugby Union. After I completed studying at Colston’s I joined Hartpury college on the AASE programme and after completing my A levels I earned a contract at Gloucester Rugby. I had two successful years at Gloucester before moving on to Coventry Rugby Club for a season.”

Great, so how did you find Rugby League?

“After reflecting back on the season I had at Coventry I decided that I wanted a new challenge and a way to test myself. I got in touch with an All Golds’ team mate, Matt Bradley, who put my name forward for a trial with the All Golds. After featuring in the pre-season friendly against Hemel, I was offered a first team contract with the club.”

You have now played your first match and have settled into the squad. What do you think about the sport of Rugby League?

“It encompass everything that I love about rugby. It is so quick and physical and creates lots of opportunities for open play and this is where I can flourish. Rugby League is a sport that focuses on my strengths and I look forward to showcasing them in a new sport.”

You have started training with the squad, how is it looking for 2015?

“All the players are very talented and we have found a lot of positives from the friendlies, even though the results didn’t go our way, but Lee (Greenwood) has been tweaking what we have been doing and I think it will enable us to have a successful season.”

You say that 2015 will be a successful season, what does success look like to you?

“I think as a team we want to make the play-offs. I am not too sure about what lies ahead for me as it is my first experience of Rugby League. I will take each game at a time and try to improve myself each week.”

We also contacted Rob Webber, and asked him what he thought about the signing of Ian:

“Personally I am delighted to have a fellow Bristolian representing the All Golds. We want lots of local talent taking to the field and showing what the South West can do. It is also a great accolade for the club to sign someone who was on the books at the famous Gloucester club.”