Max Ojomoh: Navigating England Rejection and Bath's Champions Cup Quest
At Bath's training base in Farleigh House, black flags flutter in the spring breeze, marking the club's Champions Cup campaign. A sign reads "Choose Greatness," but for centre Max Ojomoh, motivation runs deeper. After a man-of-the-match performance for England against Argentina in November, he found himself dropped from the Six Nations squad, a stark reminder of rugby's unpredictable nature.
A Rollercoaster Journey with England
Ojomoh, aged 25, reflects on his international experience with a mix of pride and realism. "I've been in and out of the England squad since I was 21," he says. "When I was young and naive, I thought I'd end up with 70 caps. But nothing is ever promised." His standout moment against Argentina, including a cross-kick assist to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, left fans hopeful, but his subsequent omission has forced him to confront the possibility that it might be his last Test.
He watched England's loss to Ireland from a pub in Agadir, Morocco, while on holiday, a surreal experience that highlighted his sudden shift from hero to spectator. Ojomoh anticipated the demotion when clubmate Ollie Lawrence returned from injury, understanding the need for squad balance. "There was me, Seb Atkinson, Fraser Dingwall, Henry Slade, and Tommy Freeman... with Ollie coming back, it would be pointless having six centres. I knew someone had to go," he explains.
Feedback and Future Prospects
England management has advised Ojomoh to improve his post-contact metres, defensive intensity, and work rate. While he acknowledges these metrics, he questions how many other English centres possess his attacking skillset. Living in the same city as coach Steve Borthwick, with their families often crossing paths, adds a personal layer to the professional setback.
His father, Steve Ojomoh, a former England international with 12 caps, offers reassurance: "The cream always rises to the top." Ojomoh Jr., who holds a business degree from the University of Bath and enjoys online chess, remains optimistic. "If I don't get picked again, I can look back when I retire and say, 'Wow, I had a good career and I thought I was a good player.' There is a lot more to life than just these 10 years of a career," he states.
Bath's Champions Cup Ambitions and Finn Russell Partnership
Ojomoh's focus now shifts to Bath's Champions Cup last-16 match against Saracens. He describes an instinctive rapport with fly-half Finn Russell, noting, "When we signed Finn, I didn't expect us two to be so similar in how we see the game and attack." This connection fuels his hunger and self-belief, as Bath aim for their first home quarter-final since 2002.
Coach Johann van Graan has instilled a single-minded approach, with Ojomoh messaging his wife about the seriousness of the week ahead. "Johann never fails to impress. I don't know what it is, but he just gets it," he says. Despite the England disappointment, Ojomoh remains committed to making next year's World Cup squad, emphasizing clarity of mind over desperation.
As Bath prepare for Saracens, Ojomoh's journey serves as a testament to resilience in professional sports. Whether for club or country, his talent and perspective offer a compelling narrative in rugby's ever-evolving landscape.
