Why ‘extraordinary’ 51-year-old Ian could create Portsmouth RFC history this weekend

Ian Douglas is hoping to make history as Portsmouth host Weybridge Vandals in a re-arranged London Three South West meeting at Rugby Camp.
By Kevin Ricketts
Published 5th Mar 2020, 15:21 BST
Updated 5th Mar 2020, 15:22 BST
Ian Douglas, second right, could become the oldest player to ever appear for Portsmouth's 1st XV this weekend.Ian Douglas, second right, could become the oldest player to ever appear for Portsmouth's 1st XV this weekend.
Ian Douglas, second right, could become the oldest player to ever appear for Portsmouth's 1st XV this weekend.

The 51-year-old prop forward is on the replacements bench for the home side.

If he manages to get onto the pitch, he will become the oldest player ever to feature in the club's senior side.

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Senior coach Neil McRoberts praised the longevity of the veteran forward.

‘I have known Ian a long time, ever since he was at United Services Portsmouth before moving here,' said McRoberts.

'There is no sentiment involved and he has been selected on merit.

'He is an exceedingly good scrummager and over the last couple of years one of the best in the club.

'We will have no hesitation about putting him on.

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'He will do a good job for us in the tight and make a nuisance of himself in the loose.

'For someone of his age, his fitness levels are quite extraordinary.

'He keeps himself in great condition.'

McRoberts, who is stepping down at the end of the season, wants to go out on a high.

He is in charge for four more league games and wants Portsmouth to produce a grandstand finish.

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Another target the team have set themselves is to win all their home games from Christmas until the end of the season.

Their excellent win against Old Georgians last weekend kept them on track to achieving this.

'We are looking to finish the season with a good run of form the club can use as a foundation to take into next season,' said McRoberts.

'The last two weeks have been very encouraging.

'We managed to put a number of facets of our game together and it showed.

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'As a team we are looking to be organised in defence, sensible when attacking and clinical when we get our scoring opportunities.

'Against a good Old Georgians side we managed to do that.

'The players have got some renewed enthusiasm and regained a degree of confidence in their ability.

'We have to draw on this for the rest of the season.'

The home side aim to give a debut to Portsmouth University student Joe Dunbar in the second row.

Alongside him will be Sam Foster, replacing the unavailable Dan Fleming.

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In the three-quarters Danny Harris makes his first start at outside half after some impressive performances in the 2nds.

This enables Kieran McRoberts to slide across to centre in place of the absent Ben Jeacock.

Related topics:Portsmouth