The scrum has decided the last two World Cups

Ben Jaycock speaks to Northampton scrum coach Matt Fergurson about their victorious Premiership campaign and the game's issues around the set-piece

- Ben Jaycock

Tell us about your emotions at Twickenham after beating Bath in such a tense final?

It was a real rollercoaster of emotions. Once the final whistle went, I just fell into a mix of relief and exhaustion. I was on my knees waiting for the final whistle to go and I think if you’d lobbed me a duvet in the closing stages, I’d have crawled up and taken it. Five seconds later, Alex Waller grabbed me and said ‘we’ve done it’, looking at his face I felt a massive sense of pride for those boys that not only worked hard this season but in the six years I’ve been there.

What does it mean to the town?

It’s something Phil Dowson (director for rugby) has been big on, in terms of connecting with the community. A lot of things happen in the background that the club don’t shout about and have been really good for us; in terms of food banks for homeless people, boys getting their heads shaved to raise money for cancer awareness. A full Franklin’s Gardens is an amazing place and they get right behind us, so for us to give back to the community is great. I had no idea what to expect on the Sunday morning for the bus parade, it was one of the most spine-tingling things I’ve ever done. When you see the happiness which you’ve provided; for your friends, family, random strangers coming up to you with tears in their eyes thanking you for your efforts, it’s a pretty special feeling.

How has the mentality shifted from previous years?